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Japan Forward
21-07-2025
- Politics
- Japan Forward
Succession of the Dalai Lama and India's Tough Choices Ahead
The recent 90th birthday celebrations of the Dalai Lama have brought the issue of his succession into the limelight. Beijing objected to India's Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju's statement that "All those who follow the Dalai Lama feel that the incarnation is to be decided by the established convention and as per the wish of the Dalai Lama himself." This is in sync with the position taken by the present Dalai Lama, who has noted that the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue. He made clear that the Gaden Phodrang Trust, a non-profit organization founded by his Office in 2015, would be tasked with carrying out the procedure. In addition, he emphasized, "No one else has any authority to interfere in this matter". The Chinese Foreign Ministry was quick to retort. It noted in a statement that "The reincarnation must be chosen by drawing lots from a golden urn, and approved by the central government (of China)." New Delhi joined the issue, and the Ministry of External Affairs of the Government of India clarified that: "We have seen reports relating to the statement made by His Holiness the Dalai Lama about the continuation of the Dalai Lama institution. Government of India does not take any position or speak on matters concerning beliefs and practices of faith and religion. [The] government has always upheld freedom of religion for all in India and will continue to do so." Tibet is important for China for a host of reasons. For one, Tibet shares a long boundary with India, and hence, control over Tibet also means control over the border. In addition, Tibet is home to some of the biggest rivers in Asia, and hence it is important for China's bid to control the discharge of water throughout much of Asia. Beijing also sees any kind of separatism as dangerous to the country as a whole. This is especially true in the light of what has been happening in Xinjiang. At the same time, Chinese President Xi Jinping has been trying to project himself as a strong leader. He believes that if the next Dalai Lama is appointed without China's tacit approval, it will reflect poorly on Xi Jinping. Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar and Chinese Vice President Han Zheng shake hands in Beijing on July 14. (©Xinhua via Kyodo) India has a role to play in the issue, as the Dalai Lama currently lives in Dharamshala. So, as well, does the Tibetan government in exile. Beijing has always objected when senior leaders from the Indian government have met the Dalai Lama or, in the past, travelled to the border state of Arunachal Pradesh in India. The issue dates back to 1959 when, facing Chinese aggression, the Dalai Lama fled on foot to India. He has been based in India ever since. Beijing will likely try to put pressure on India through the Dalai Lama issue to extract concessions on other aspects of the bilateral relationship. Recently, China has also been actively promoting an anti-India policy by using countries like Bangladesh. This may increase in the near future. China recently held a trilateral dialogue with Bangladesh and Pakistan in the Chinese city of Kunming. It was a not-so-subtle signal to India. There is a Japanese parliamentary support group which has been supporting the Tibetan cause. In February 2022, the Lower House of the Japanese Diet adopted a measure titled "Resolution regarding the serious human rights situation in Xinjiang Uyghur and other areas." It noted that: "In recent years, the international community has expressed concern over serious human rights situations including infringement of freedom of religion and forced incarceration in places including Xinjiang Uyghur, Tibet, Southern Mongolia and Hong Kong." Furthermore, there is strong public support for the Tibetan cause. The 14th Dalai Lama, November 2018, visiting Japan's National Diet. (©Sankei by Mina Terakochi) It is clear that China will use the succession issue as a means to strengthen its control over Tibet, and therein lies the catch. New Delhi will have to handle this issue very deftly. The ties between the two Asian behemoths are still reeling from the aftermath of the Galwan Valley clashes of June 2020. Those led to the first casualties between the two sides in 45 years and a huge mobilization of forces. In addition, during India's recent clashes with Pakistan, China provided quite a substantial share of the weapons used by Pakistan. China would like to keep India busy in the neighborhood, as seen with its so-called "String of Pearls" policy. As a part of this, Beijing has constructed ports in countries like Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and others. Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh recently visited China for a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) defense ministers. It was the first time since the Galwan clashes in 2000. However, he refused to sign the SCO declaration as it did not contain any references to the Pahalgam massacre by Pakistan-backed terrorists (earlier in April 2025). Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar was also in China for the SCO Foreign Ministers' meeting. His presence signalled the gradual resumption of ties. India will continue to give shelter to the Tibetans, as that has been its longstanding position. Of course, it could lead to some tough times in the India-China relationship. New Delhi will have to look for some innovative solutions in this matter because, while India and China do not see eye-to-eye on many issues, there are forums like the BRICS and the SCO where the two countries do cooperate with each other. New Delhi should not cave in to Beijing's pressure on the Dalai Lama issue. Doing so would only lead to further Chinese pressure on other issues. Being the world's largest democracy, India should join hands with democratic countries like the United States and Japan to support a solution to the succession that is in the best interests of the Tibetan people. Author: Dr Rupakjyoti Borah Dr Rupakjyoti Borah is a Senior Research Fellow with the Japan Forum for Strategic Studies. The views expressed here are personal.
Japan Forward
18-07-2025
- Politics
- Japan Forward
Dalai Lama Reincarnation Is None of the Atheist CCP's Business
On July 2, His Holiness the Dalai Lama made a highly anticipated announcement regarding his reincarnation. In it, he clearly stated, "I am affirming that the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue… I hereby reiterate that the Gaden Phodrang Trust has sole authority to recognize the future reincarnation. No one else has any such authority to interfere in this matter." Here is the full text of the statement. The announcement is in tandem with the statement he made earlier in September 2011 on this reincarnation. As expected, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) leadership came out strongly through their spokespersons and media outlets. It stated that the Dalai Lama has no authority to decide on his own reincarnation. In addition, it declared that the reincarnation will require the Central government's approval. To justify its stance, on July 2, China Daily published an article titled "Reincarnation of Living Buddhas Never Decided by Reincarnated Individuals." Li Decheng, Deputy General and research fellow at the China Tibetology Research Center, authored the piece. The article attempts to summarize the grounds on which the CCP claims authority over the reincarnation. Li presented his argument under two headings. The first, "The reincarnation of the Dalai Lama has never been decided by reincarnated individuals," and the second, "The reincarnation of Living Buddhas follows rigorous historical convention and rules. It is not subject to individual decision." In both statements, the first thing to notice is the use of "Xizang" in place of "Tibet." A clear and deliberate effort by the CCP to erase the name "Tibet" from both the global map and collective memory is evident. Another key point is the claim that an individual's decision is not required for reincarnation. The Chinese appointed Panchen Lama pledges loyalty to the CCP in a meeting with Xi Jinping. June 25, 2025. (©Xie Huanchi/Xinhua via AP) Tibet emerged as a significant force in Central Asia around the 7th and 8th centuries. Its rise occurred during the reign of its 33rd Emperor, Srongtsan Gampo, and his successors. They raided and conquered neighboring countries, including the Chinese capital Chang'an, present-day Xi'an. Since then, Tibet has been known as Tubbat by the Arabs, Tubet by the Mongolians, Tufan and Tubod by the Tang dynasty of China, and Bhote and Tibbat by the Indians. Italian explorer Marco Polo referred to Tibet as Tebet. It was never referred to as Xizang. Xizang is merely a meronym adopted by the CCP for Tibet, referring only to the U-tsang province of Tibet. Historically and politically, Tibet is composed of the three provinces of U-tsang, Amdo, and Kham. By using Xizang in place of Tibet, the CCP is attempting to confuse the world. It is trying to convince it that there is no Tibet, and therefore, no Tibet issue. When it comes to the reincarnation of the Dalai Lamas, it's essential to understand several key Buddhist concepts. A proper grasp of samsara, the law of karma, and the three kayas is crucial to fully comprehend what reincarnation truly means. Buddhists, Hindus, and Jains understand that all beings, including insects, birds, and other creatures, reincarnate continuously based on their positive and negative karmas. Here, it is not the individual but their karma that decides their reincarnation. This is an involuntary rebirth driven by the force of karma. Reincarnated Lamas are different. According to His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, their rebirth is not driven by karma or negative emotions. Instead, it is determined by compassion and a vow to help others. "Superior Bodhisattvas, who have attained the path of seeing, are not reborn through the force of their karma and destructive emotions, but due to the power of their compassion for sentient beings and based on their prayers to benefit others. They are able to choose their place and time of birth as well as their future parents. Such a rebirth, which is solely for the benefit of others, is rebirth through the force of compassion and prayer." - HH the 14th Dalai Lama on Reincarnation High Lamas are Bodhisattva beings who have purified their karmas and have attained enlightenment. They enter the world of the three Kayas of Dharmakaya, Sambhogkaya, and Nirmanakaya. However, some Lamas, guided by their Mahayana vows, choose to be reborn out of compassion in order to continue serving sentient beings. This is a voluntary rebirth. So, it is up to the enlightened individual to decide whether he should reincarnate or not. Therefore, Li Decheng's assertions that "Living Buddhas never decided by reincarnated individuals" and "It is not subject to individual decision" are totally false. They reveal either a deliberate misrepresentation or complete ignorance of the subject, aimed at appeasing the CCP regime. China claims authority to select the Dalai Lama based on the use of the Golden Urn, as decreed by the Manchu Emperor Qianlong (r 1732-1795) in 1792. We must note that by 1792, some eight Dalai Lamas had been reincarnated, starting from the first in 1391. The Manchu Qing Dynasty started only in 1644. Therefore, the traditional system of selecting the reincarnation of the Dalai Lamas predates the Manchu Dynasty by 253 years and the Golden Urn by 400 years. Regarding the use of the Golden Urn, Tibetans accepted the Manchu's advice out of courtesy only. Except for the selection of the 11th Dalai Lama, it was never used. Li Decheng's assertion, "All the aforementioned Dalai Lamas were formally approved by the central government," is false. Moreover, the Manchu Dynasty was a foreign and not a Chinese dynasty. It is a historical faux pas on the part of the CCP regime to claim authority to select the Dalai Lama based on the Manchu's Golden Urn. Speaking of the Golden Urn, the free world is very well aware of how it was used and manipulated in 1995 to select the false Panchen Lama. Repeating the same with the Dalai Lama's reincarnation will only shame China and earn greater distrust from the Tibetan people and the international community. Li claims that the Ming government dispatched envoys to Qinghai in 1579 to grant the Third Dalai Lama (1543–1588) a title and seal. According to Li, "This confirmed and recognized the legitimacy of his status as a reincarnated Living Buddha and the reincarnation system by the central government." This claim is entirely false. The 3rd Dalai Lama Sonam Gyatso, 1543-1588. (© The Third Dalai Lama, Sonam Gyatso, was already recognized in 1548, when he was five, through traditional Tibetan rituals. In 1579, at the age of 36, on his way back from Mongolia, the Chinese Ming envoys visited him at the border and presented many gifts and extended the Emperor's invitation to visit China. However, the Dalai Lama declined the invitation. This demonstrates that the Ming Emperor has no authority and the Dalai Lama does not need formal recognition from the Ming court. Long before that, the Ming Emperor Yunglo (r 1403-24) invited Lama Tsongkhapa (1357-1419) several times. Lama Tsongkhapa declined the invitation due to other obligations. Instead, he sent his disciple, Jamchen Shakya Senge, to China, where he was warmly received and exchanged titles with the Emperor. He built the monastery of Huang-ssu (Yellow Temple) in Peking. These historical records indicate that the Ming Emperor revered the Lamas but had no direct authority over Tibet. Li writes, "The reincarnation of Living Buddhas must follow the principle of respecting the sentiments of lay followers." This is exactly what His Holiness has done. In his statement, he said he received earnest requests from different quarters, including messages from Tibet. "In accordance with all these requests, I am affirming that the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue." Furthermore, Li says, "The majority of Tibetan Buddhist believers reside in China, specifically within regions where Tibetan Buddhism is practiced. Therefore, in practice, reincarnated Living Buddhas do not abandon their followers or the land that nurtures them, and can only reincarnate within China, rather than in places where Tibetan Buddhism is not traditionally practiced." True, very well said, but the pertinent question here is: will the CCP regime allow the reincarnated Lamas to carry out their religious teaching freely? It is for this reason only that HH the Dalai Lama has stated that his reincarnation will be born in a free country. Otherwise, the whole purpose of reincarnation is lost. Therefore, it is incumbent on the individual Lama to decide whether to reincarnate or not and where to reincarnate. It is an undeniable fact that India is the birthplace of Buddhism, and Tibetan Buddhism derives its roots from India, particularly the Nalanda tradition. It is therefore preposterous on the part of the atheist CCP regime to hint at India as a land where Tibetan Buddhism is not traditionally practiced. Representative Dr TG Arya of the Liaison Office of HH the Dalai Lama for Japan & East Asia in an interview on TV Asahi. (Screenshot, July 2, 2025) Li's article concludes with a statement, "Any attempt to politicize the reincarnation of Living Buddhas will ultimately prove futile." This is exactly what the Tibetans, along with the Buddhist and international community, want to say to the CCP regime. Xu Feihong, the Chinese Ambassador to India, made a statement that is both audacious and lamentable. "The reincarnation of the Dalai Lamas neither began from him nor will end due to him. He has no authority to decide whether the reincarnation system shall continue or be abolished," the Chinese official asserted. That he would make such a blatantly false claim in India, the land of the Buddha, reflects a complete lack of diplomatic decorum at the highest level. Above all, the international and religious community, especially Buddhists in the free world, must protest the CCP regime's impudent and blasphemous act against religion. Under Religious Act No 19 of 2024, the Chinese Communist Party has made it mandatory for all faiths to adopt Xi Jinping's ideology of socialism with Chinese characteristics. Having already subjugated the land and its people, the regime now seeks to control their very souls. Silence from the international community on these blasphemous assaults will only embolden the totalitarian state to extend its reach beyond China's borders. Author: Tsewang Gyalpo Arya Dr Arya Tsewang Gyalpo is the former Secretary of the Department of Information and International Relations (DIIR) and former Director of the Tibet Policy Institute (TPI). He is currently the Representative of the Liaison Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama for Japan and East Asia. His books include Harnessing the Dragon's Fume and The Ancient Tibetan Civilization . The view expressed above is the author's own.
India Today
14-07-2025
- Politics
- India Today
How India should leverage Dalai Lama factor with China
(NOTE: This article was originally published in the India Today issue dated July 21, 2025)On July 2, just before his 90th birthday, the 14th Dalai Lama issued a proclamation arming that the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue. He entrusted his Gaden Phodrang Trust with exclusive authority to identify the 15th Dalai Lama, and barred any outside interference. Within hours, China's foreign ministry denounced his proclamation as illegal under their 2007 'Measures on the Management of the Reincarnation of Living Buddhas', which mandate the Chinese government's approval for all high-Lama reincarnations. The fault line thus runs between two rival processes—one administered by the trust on Indian soil, the other to be orchestrated by the Chinese The announcement from Dharamshala elicited mixed response from India. Union minister for minority affairs Kiren Rijiju voiced support, stating, 'Only the Dalai Lama and conventions established by him can decide his successor.' However, the ministry of external affairs (MEA) clarified that the government 'does not take any position' on faith-based matters. Rijiju and other government functionaries attended the Dalai Lama's birthday celebrations, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent his greetings. The Chinese remonstrated, as they had done earlier after Rijiju's comments. This dissonance reveals India's delicate balancing act. Rijiju's remarks hinted at a potential alignment with the Dalai Lama's vision, but the MEA's clarification signals the desire to avoid provoking insistence on controlling the Dalai Lama's reincarnation is a calculated strategy. By anointing a Dalai Lama of its choosing, Beijing seeks to bolster its narrative of historical sovereignty over Tibet. A 15th Dalai Lama backed by China could fracture the unity of the diaspora Tibetan community, quell dissent internally and undermine the moral authority of the Dalai Lama's lineage. A Beijing-approved successor could potentially erode the international support for the Tibetan cause after the demise of a charismatic Dalai Lama. India, on the other hand, as host to the Dalai Lama and a large Tibetan community since 1959, and with deep civilisational links with Tibet, has stakes in this matter. It cannot adopt a hands-off stance even while it maintains the official position of not interfering in religious matters, particularly if the 15th Dalai Lama as recognised by the Dalai Lama's trust is born in India. It cannot leave it to the Chinese party-state to control reincarnation of the Dalai Lama and other Tibet-linked reincarnate Lamas in India, in the sensitive Himalayan belt or elsewhere. Apart from Tibet's strategic significance, India has an abiding interest in preserving the Tibetan culture endangered in China. There will be the practical requirements of dealing with the Tibetan community, the Central Tibetan Administration and, indeed, the 14th Dalai Lama's successor if he is identified in India. Correct lessons must be drawn from the inept handling of the succession of the 17th is a sensitive issue in India-China relations but pandering to Chinese demands is not the answer. A neutral stance risks ceding the narrative to China, while a bold endorsement could inflame tensions with China. Without explicitly endorsing the Gaden Phodrang Trust's process, India should amplify its support for the Tibetan people's right to preserve their traditions and continue close engagement with the Central Tibet Administration. This discreet support avoids confrontation with China while countering Beijing's efforts to hijack a religious process and signalling that India will only acknowledge a successor chosen through traditional Tibetan methods, not Chinese fiat. To safeguard its interests, avoid undue turbulence in its complex relations with China and yet ensure that the Dalai Lama's legacy echoes beyond his lifetime, India must adopt a nuanced yet firm to India Today Magazine- EndsTune InMust Watch
The Wire
12-07-2025
- Politics
- The Wire
'If There Are Two Dalai Lamas India Should Deal With the Tibetan People's Choice': Shivshankar Menon
South Asia Karan Thapar 2 minutes ago Watch India's former National Security Advisor Shivshankar Menon in conversation with Karan Thapar for The Wire. In an interview to discuss the Dalai Lama succession, India's former National Security Advisor Shivshankar Menon was asked what should be India's response in the event there are two Dalai Lamas, one chosen by Beijing and the other by the Gaden Phodrang Trust in Dharamshala. Menon said, 'We should keep dealing with whoever the Tibetan people choose as we have done so far.' Reiterating his point, Menon added: 'We will deal with whoever the Tibetan people choose … wherever they make it (the choice). He's (the Dalai Lama) laid down a procedure but it's not necessarily in Dharamshala or wherever. Wherever the Tibetan people choose to do so (we should recognise their choice). Watch the full interview. The Wire is now on WhatsApp. Follow our channel for sharp analysis and opinions on the latest developments.
Hindustan Times
12-07-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
I dedicate rest of my time to service of others: Dalai Lama
The 14th Dalai Lama, who has been living in exile for over 66 years now, turned 90 on July 6. (Office of Kiren Rijiju - X) Days after turning 90 years old, exiled Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama said he will dedicate the rest of his time to the service of others. The Tibetan spiritual leader, who thanked for the greetings on his 90th birthday, said, 'I feel my life has been of some benefit to people across the world and I dedicate the rest of my time to the service of others.' 'The 90th birthday is conventionally considered an important milestone in one's life. I have dedicated myself to spreading the message of compassion and kindness, which I believe is the basis for peace and happiness in this world, and will continue doing so,' the Dalai Lama said. The 14th Dalai Lama, who has been living in exile for over 66 years now, turned 90 on July 6. He attended his 90th birthday celebrations at the Tsuglhakhang Temple in McLeodganj. Hundreds of Tibetans, including monks, nuns, school students and foreign followers, had gathered at the event. The spiritual leader also said, 'As I often tell my friends and well-wishers, I would request you to join me in this effort, to be warm-hearted and to lead a meaningful life in the service of others; that will be the best birthday gift to me.' Notably, the exiled spiritual leader announced on July 2 that the 600-year-old institution of the Dalai Lama will continue and that Gaden Phodrang Trust has sole authority to recognise the future reincarnation. Dalai Lama to depart for Ladakh The spiritual leader is scheduled to depart from his exile home in Dharamshala to Ladakh on Saturday. He visited Ladakh last time in July 2023 and the upcoming visit follows the cancellation of a planned July 2024 trip due to his knee surgery in the United States. After his arrival in Ladakh, he will be resting for a few days before beginning his engagements. The Dalai Lama is also expected to visit Zanskar later in July during his stay in Ladakh. He is expected to spend around one and half months in Ladakh, officials said.
