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Indian Express
19 hours ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Dalai Lama hinted at his reincarnation in a ‘free world' that most certainly be in India: Tibetologist Claude Arpi
Renowned historian, author and Tibetologist Claude Arpi on Saturday said the 14th Dalai Lama in his recent book stated that he would reincarnate in a 'free world' and that he believed it would most certainly be in India. 'I believe it will never be in China or Tibet, as that land is under illegal occupation. It will most certainly be in India,' he said, addressing a seminar in Shimla, adding: 'China is deeply unsettled by the possibility of a forthcoming statement by the Dalai Lama on the sensitive issue of his reincarnation.' The Buddhist spiritual leader turns 90 on July 6, and global attention is on Dharamshala, the seat of the Tibetan Government-in-Exile, where a three-day international conference of Buddhist scholars, senior monks and representatives from various Buddhist traditions from around the world will be held from July 2 to 4. The event is expected to culminate in a much-anticipated address by the Dalai Lama, during which he is likely to offer clarity on the future of the reincarnation tradition and his succession. 'China is very upset because the Dalai Lama may speak openly about his reincarnation, possibly offering guidance on where and how he will return,' said Arpi, a leading authority on Tibet and Buddhism. Arpi recalled that in 2007, the Chinese government passed a regulation giving the Communist Party the authority to approve reincarnations of Tibetan Buddhist leaders, a move widely seen as 'a political attempt to control the succession of the Dalai Lama'. Arpi said, 'This has nothing to do with spirituality or religion. The Dalai Lama has been vocal about this threat, publicly stating that people should not accept any future Dalai Lama appointed by Beijing. That would be a very, very bad thing, not just for Buddhists but for all of humanity.' Arpi noted, 'China is particularly agitated by the fact that the Dalai Lama is expected to deliver his statement in Tibetan, English and Chinese. This multilingual outreach will ensure his message reaches not only Tibetan Buddhists but also global followers, governments and scholars. There are millions, including Western Buddhists and even non-Buddhist Indians, who deeply admire him. He is respected as a man of peace, compassion and non-violence. His message will carry enormous weight.' Asked whether it is confirmed that the Dalai Lama would announce or hint at his reincarnation on his 90th birthday, Arpi said, 'In 2011, he convened a similar high-level religious conference in Dharamshala, where hundreds of Rinpoches had gathered. At that time, he explained the meaning and importance of reincarnation and said he would provide a precise indication of his return when he reached his 90s. I believe this moment is now approaching. In the meantime, China is working very hard to block this process.' Arpi emphasised that the Dalai Lama has 'no intention of returning within a Communist regime that rejects the spiritual basis of reincarnation. He has made it clear that he will never reincarnate under such a system'. Arpi, however, said, 'I do not believe in the concept of reincarnation, but the significance of the Dalai Lama's message transcends religious boundaries — it is spiritual, cultural and deeply political.'
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Dalai Lama alone can decide on reincarnation: French scholar Arpi
'Whether the Dalai Lama chooses reincarnation or emanation that decision lies with him,' said French scholar and expert on Tibetan affairs, Claude Arpi. French scholar and expert on Tibetan affairs, Claude Arpi during a seminar titled 'Interwoven Roots: Shared Indo-Tibetan Heritage' at the headquarters of the Army Training Command in Shimla on Saturday. (HT Photo) Arpi, was speaking at a seminar titled 'Interwoven Roots: Shared Indo-Tibetan Heritage' at the headquarters of the Army Training Command in Shimla on Saturday. Arpi's statement comes ahead of the 90th birthday of exiled Tibetan spiritual leader, the 14th Dalai Lama, who is expected to issue a significant statement on the crucial issue of his reincarnation. The 90th birthday celebrations of the Dalai Lama are scheduled for early July and from July 2 to 4, a three-day conference of Buddhist scholars, senior monks, will be held in Dharmshala. The conference is expected to culminate in a highly anticipated address by the Dalai Lama, in which he is likely to offer clarity on the future of the reincarnation tradition and his own succession plans. Speaking at the seminar while answering questions from the audience, Arpi said, 'His Holiness (Dalai Lama) has already said clearly that he will not be reborn in China. He has indicated in his writings that he may reincarnate in a free country, likely India.' Speaking on the issue of reincarnation, Arpi said, 'I've always been wary of politicising reincarnation.' Arpi later in interaction with media said, 'A similar landmark religious conference was held in 2011 in Dharamshala, where over 100 senior monks and representatives from all major Tibetan Buddhist sects convened. At the time, the Dalai Lama spoke extensively about the meaning of reincarnation and emanation, and why this spiritual process rooted in centuries of Tibetan tradition must remain free from political interference'. 'In that message, Dalai Lama had said once he turns 90, he will give a precise indication about whether he intends to return through reincarnation. But meanwhile, China has been trying to hijack this sacred tradition,' said Arpi, while talking to the media on the sidelines of the seminar. 'China is very upset,' he added. At the seminar, Lt Gen Anindya Sengupta, GOC-in-C, Central Command, emphasised the historical, cultural, spiritual and strategic ties between India and Tibet. In his keynote address, he underlined the importance of understanding these linkages in the current geopolitical context and said that India and Tibet, as ancient civilizations, share a deep-rooted heritage that remains vital today. Highlighting strategic concerns, he referenced past conflicts like the 1962 war and the Nathu La clashes, stressing the need for readiness, surveillance and technological connectivity in the sensitive terrain. The seminar brought together Army and ITBP personnel, civil officials, Buddhist monks, scholars, students and civilians. Arpi highlighted the historical significance of the Kailash Yatra, Silk Route trade, and monasteries as centres of diplomacy. He also expressed concern over the decline in the Tibetan population in India and called for stronger cultural and strategic engagement, especially in regions like Ngari and Western Tibet. The seminar concluded with a call to enhance border area development, promote cultural exchanges, revive ancient routes, preserve Himalayan languages and improve cross-border communication through local media.
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Dalai Lama expected to speak on reincarnation, emanation on 90th birthday: French scholar
Shimla, Spiritual process rooted in centuries of Tibetan tradition of 'incarnation and emanation' must remain free from political interference, Claude Arpi, noted French scholar and expert on Tibetan affairs, said here, cautioning against China's attempts to "hijack" this sacred tradition. Dalai Lama expected to speak on reincarnation, emanation on 90th birthday: French scholar Addressing a seminar 'Interwoven Roots: Shared Indo-Tibetan Heritage' held at Army Training Command here on Saturday, Arpi said that Tibetan Spiritual head Dalai Lama is expected to speak something on this issue on his 90th birthday and the choice regarding reincarnation or emanation lies with him. In his keynote address, Lt Gen Anindya Sengupta, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Central Command, emphasised the significance of cultural diplomacy in national strategy and underscored the Army's commitment to preserving India's territorial and civilisational integrity, a statement issued here said. Arpi recalled that Dalai Lama spoke extensively on the meaning of reincarnation and emanation in a religious conference convened in 2011 in Dharamshala in which over 100 senior monks and representatives of all Tibetan and Buddhist sects participated. He said that the Dalai Lama had said that he would say something on incarnation on his 90th birthday, which falls on July 6. Arpi also flagged concern over the steady decline in the Tibetan population in India and said that nearly 40 per cent of Tibetans have left India. He called for stronger efforts to rebuild cultural and strategic links, especially across border regions like Ngari and Western Tibet. In his address, Lt Gen Sengupta highlighted the deep-rooted Indo-Tibetan linkages. Asserting that "India and Tibet are two ancient civilisations with interwoven roots that continue to shape a shared identity," Sengupta said that the seminar is a platform to explore the profound historical, cultural, spiritual, and strategic ties that bind India and Tibet." Delving into the strategic dimension, he said, "From the 1962 war to the Nathu La clashes, we have seen that the terrain demands not just readiness, but surveillance, technological connectivity and a nuanced strategy. The seminar concluded with a call to strengthen border area development, promote archaeological research, facilitate archival access and revive cultural exchanges, including opening new routes for Kailash Yatra, improving local radio broadcasts beyond borders and preserving endangered Himalayan languages. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
