Latest news with #OfficeoftheDalaiLama
NDTV
08-07-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
The Dalai Lama Succession Row Is China's Headache - And India's Too
On the eve of his 90th birthday, the Dalai Lama, in a statement, finally revealed his succession plan, confirming that the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue and the Gaden Phodrang Trust, a non-profit organisation founded by the Office of the Dalai Lama in 2015, would carry out the procedure, and that "no-one else has any authority to interfere in this matter". China rejected the statement, stressing that the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama, the Panchen Lama, etc., must be chosen by drawing lots from a golden urn, and approved by the central government in Beijing. She further added that Tibetan Buddhism was born in China and that it is a religion with Chinese characteristics. Soon, India's position on the issue was also made clear as Union Minister Kiren Rijiju stated that only the current Dalai Lama and the conventions established by him can determine his successor. Both Rijiju and Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh attended the Dalai Lama's 90th birthday celebrations in Dharamshala on July 6. There is no doubt that the Dalai Lama succession issue will add yet another layer of complexity to the already complex India-China relations. Chinese state media has long threatened India against using the 'Tibet card' by using the 'Northeast card' as a counter to 'hit India's pain points'. Over the past few years, as China-India relations remained tense, certain Indian stakeholders have highlighted the role of 'invisible hands fuelling violence' in Northeastern states. Some Chinese accounts even hint at Chinese interest in collaborating with Pakistan and Bangladesh to foment insurgency and separatism in the region. The recently held trilateral between China, Pakistan and Bangladesh, in Kunming, could be seen as a subtle message to India in this regard. Clearly, for India, on the Dalai Lama succession issue, the stakes are high, even if the options remain limited. That, however, should not stop India's strategic community from calling out and seeking to form a global consensus on China's contradicting stance on the Tibet issue. For example, China's official discourse has always vilified 'the feudal serf system of old Tibet, which combined politics and religion' and often called it 'the darkest, most reactionary, backward and cruellest rule in human history', 'incompatible with the requirements of the development of human civilisation…contrary to the general trend of world development, the historical trend of human democratic progress.' By 'liberating Tibet', the Chinese side claimed that the 'Communist Party of China has completely buried the feudal serf system" and established the socialist system of people's democracy and created the premise for Tibet's democratic reform, development and progress. The narrative is much in sync with Chinese communist leaders' overall disdain for Buddhism, with various high-profile leaders of the New Culture Movement such as Hu Shi, Chen Duxiu openly condemning the religion and philosophy of Buddhism and its deep Indian roots as a 'great misfortune for China and a serious obstacle to the progress of Chinese thought and society'. Today, it is the same communist party that claims to be the self-appointed custodian of Tibetan Buddhism and the Dalai Lama lineage. Equally problematic is China's claims of Tibet's development stride under the party state. China's propaganda departments have deftly built up a narrative in the past few decades that Tibet is an epitome of development, a 'different planet' when compared to the rest of South Asia, so much so that Tibet can now provide the 'gift of development' to select South Asian nations. However, in China's internal debates and discussions, this narrative is conspicuous by its absence. Instead, it is 'Tibet's severe development challenge' that seems to be the dominant theme within China. Chinese research highlights how Tibet's per capita GDP and local fiscal revenue continue to lag behind all other provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities in China, and how the urban-rural income gap remains the highest in Tibet, despite multiple high-profile interventions by the Chinese government. They have since long flagged the issue of how Tibet's problematic economic model has turned it into an unsustainable low-efficiency economy - a 'dependency economy' - and how Tibet has been entrapped in a circle where 'the state invests in development, and development requires more investment'. Since the early 2000s, Chinese scholars have been consistently highlighting the need to open up Tibet for foreign trade through the construction of a South Asia Trade Corridor. Since India is at the core of South Asia and shares the longest border with Tibet, Tibet's opening up for foreign trade, in the Chinese scheme of things, is all about ensuring that the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) is able to access and benefit from the vast markets and superior geographical location of India, directly or via other South Asian nations. The issue of Tibet is embedded in two sets of contradictions: the region's unbalanced and inadequate economic development, which China sees as the primary contradiction, and the religious ethnic tension, the Dalai Lama issue, etc, which is seen in China as Tibet's secondary contradiction. It is believed by many that Tibet's special contradiction can be mitigated to a great extent if China successfully addresses its primary contradiction by constructing an economic corridor through South Asia. Our future countermeasures vis-à-vis China - in terms of border negotiation with China, restarting of border trade or tourism, and even the issue of Dalai Lama's succession - must take into consideration this complete and complex picture of the Tibet Autonomous Region.
New Indian Express
06-07-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
US backs Tibetans' right to choose their next religious leader without Chinese interference
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Kashag said that on July 2 the Dalai Lama magnanimously announced the continuation of the institution of the Dalai Lama, in accordance with the fervent aspirations of the people of Tibet and devoted followers worldwide. 'This announcement represents an unequivocal assurance for the continuity of the religious, cultural, linguistic, and national identity of Tibet and the Tibetan people. On behalf of all the Tibetan people, both in Tibet and in exile, and Tibetan supporters around the world, we express our boundless gratitude to Your Holiness for this immeasurable blessing,' it read. It further stated, 'We also extend our deep appreciation to the religious heads and religious representative-delegates to the 15th Religious Conference for their special resolution expressing gratitude to His Holiness, rejecting the Chinese government's malicious interference in matters of reincarnation, and adopting a unanimous resolution declaring such interference unacceptable." "We earnestly pray that His Holiness the Dalai Lama will continue to remain as the beacon of light for the Tibetan people, and may the fortunate disciples continue to receive His Holiness's uninterrupted blessings throughout all lifetimes,' Meanwhile, Tibetan religious leaders have unanimously supported the Dalai Lama's declaration that the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue and reaffirmed that the sole authority to recognise his reincarnation lies with the Gaden Phodrang Trust and the Office of the Dalai Lama. During the penultimate session of the 15th Tibetan Religious Conference held at the Dalai Lama's residence on Friday, the leaders criticised the Chinese government for allegedly interfering in Tibetans' spiritual matters. A resolution passed at the meeting asserted, 'Reincarnation is a religious matter. China is using this for political ends, which we will not accept.'
Mint
05-07-2025
- Politics
- Mint
‘Just a simple Buddhist monk': The Dalai Lama urges for peace, compassion ahead of his 90th birthday
Dalai Lama birthday: Ahead of his 90th birthday, the 14th Dalai Lama expressed gratitude for the celebrations planned in his honour, while urging people to focus on 'nurturing peace and compassion'. As per the Gregorian calendar, Sunday, July 6, will mark the Dalai Lama's 90th birthday. 'I am just a simple Buddhist monk; I don't normally engage in birthday celebrations. However, since you are organizing events focused on my birthday I wish to share some thoughts,' the Dalai Lama posted on X. The Dalai Lama further added that he will 'continue to focus' on his commitments of 'promoting human values, religious harmony' and drawing more attention to the ancient Indian knowledge behind the working of mind and emotions. Speaking at a prayer ceremony at Tsuglagkhang on Saturday, the Tibetan spiritual leader said he hopes to live another 30 to 40 years, and continue serving people. Amid the sounds of chants, drums and horns, the Dalai Lama led thousands during the prayer and said: 'So far, I have done my best and with the continued blessings of Avalokiteshvara (a Buddhist spiritual protector), I hope to live another 30 or 40 years, continuing to serve sentient beings and the Buddha Dharma." On July 2, the Dalai Lama had affirmed that only the Gaden Phodrang Trust—a foundation he established—holds the exclusive authority to recognise his future reincarnation. The leader's statement rules out any say for China in the process of naming the next Dalai Lama, reported PTI. Dalai Lama also reiterated that the method for identifying the next Dalai Lama was clearly outlined in a 2011 declaration, which places full responsibility with the Gaden Phodrang Trust and the Office of the Dalai Lama. The process involves consulting the heads of various Tibetan Buddhist traditions and oath-bound Dharma Protectors closely tied to the Dalai Lama lineage, following established historical and spiritual protocols, as per PTI.
American Military News
02-07-2025
- Politics
- American Military News
Dalai Lama's expected announcement might impede Chinese control of his succession
This article was originally published by Radio Free Asia and is reprinted with permission. As the Dalai Lama approaches his 90th birthday on July 6, the world awaits the Tibetan spiritual leader's decision on whether there will be a next Dalai Lama – an announcement the head of Tibetan Buddhism promised to unveil when he is 90 in what may serve as a definitive move to thwart the Chinese government's efforts to exert control over his succession. The announcement is set to be the most consequential in modern Tibetan history, one that will shape the future of Tibetans' seven-decade-long struggle to preserve their religious and cultural freedoms in the face of Chinese oppression and the continuation of the 14th Dalai Lama's legacy as a global icon of compassion, peace, democracy and human dignity. At a conference of Tibetan religious leaders scheduled for July 2-4 in Dharamsala, just days before his 90th birthday, the global Buddhist leader is expected to announce if the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue and confirm whether formal responsibility for the recognition of the 15th Dalai Lama should rest with the Gaden Phodrang Trust, his private office. In 2011, at the conclusion of a similar convention of the heads of all Tibetan religious traditions, the Dalai Lama issued a formal statement saying that when he turns 90, he would consult with Tibetan religious leaders and the public on whether there should be a next Dalai Lama. 'If it is decided that the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama should continue and there is a need for the Fifteenth Dalai Lama to be recognized, responsibility for doing so will primarily rest on the concerned officers of the Dalai Lama's Gaden Phodrang Trust (the Office of the Dalai Lama),' the Buddhist leader said in his Sep. 24, 2011, statement. At a conference of Tibetan religious leaders scheduled for July 2-4 in Dharamsala, just days before his 90th birthday, the global Buddhist leader is expected to announce if the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue and confirm whether formal responsibility for the recognition of the 15th Dalai Lama should rest with the Gaden Phodrang Trust, his private office. In 2011, at the conclusion of a similar convention of the heads of all Tibetan religious traditions, the Dalai Lama issued a formal statement saying that when he turns 90, he would consult with Tibetan religious leaders and the public on whether there should be a next Dalai Lama. 'If it is decided that the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama should continue and there is a need for the Fifteenth Dalai Lama to be recognized, responsibility for doing so will primarily rest on the concerned officers of the Dalai Lama's Gaden Phodrang Trust (the Office of the Dalai Lama),' the Buddhist leader said in his Sep. 24, 2011, statement. The Chinese government, for its part, believes it can appoint the reincarnation of the 14th Dalai Lama under Chinese law. 'The reincarnation of Living Buddhas is unique to Tibetan Buddhism. It must comply with Chinese laws and regulations as well as religious rituals and historical conventions, and follow the process that consists of search and identification in China, lot-drawing from a golden urn, and central government approval,' Liu Pengyu, a spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Washington D.C., told RFA last month. In 2007, Beijing decreed that the Chinese government would begin overseeing the recognition of all reincarnate Tibetan lamas, or 'living Buddhas,' including the next incarnation of the Dalai Lama. China plans to use its own Beijing-appointed Panchen Lama to endorse their choice – a move the Dalai Lama has said contradicts the Chinese Communist Party's political ideology. 'It is particularly inappropriate for Chinese communists, who explicitly reject even the idea of past and future lives, let alone the concept of reincarnate Tulkus (or Buddhist incarnated beings), to meddle in the system of reincarnation and especially the reincarnations of the Dalai Lamas and Panchen Lamas,' the Dalai Lama said in 2011. 'Such brazen meddling contradicts their own political ideology and reveals their double standards. Should this situation continue in the future, it will be impossible for Tibetans and those who follow the Tibetan Buddhist tradition to acknowledge or accept it,' he added. The Dalai Lama's statement on his reincarnation may, therefore, serve to preempt Beijing's efforts to interfere in the recognition of the 15th Dalai Lama. It is expected to come just days before the U.S. Congress is likely to formally designate July 6 as 'A Day of Compassion' through a bipartisan resolution introduced by U.S. lawmakers in the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate in recognition of the Dalai Lama's 'outstanding contributions to peace, nonviolence, human rights, and religious understanding.'
Radio Free Asia
01-07-2025
- Politics
- Radio Free Asia
Dalai Lama's expected announcement might impede Chinese control of his succession
As the Dalai Lama approaches his 90th birthday on July 6, the world awaits the Tibetan spiritual leader's decision on whether there will be a next Dalai Lama – an announcement the head of Tibetan Buddhism promised to unveil when he is 90 in what may serve as a definitive move to thwart the Chinese government's efforts to exert control over his succession. The announcement is set to be the most consequential in modern Tibetan history, one that will shape the future of Tibetans' seven-decade-long struggle to preserve their religious and cultural freedoms in the face of Chinese oppression and the continuation of the 14th Dalai Lama's legacy as a global icon of compassion, peace, democracy and human dignity. At a conference of Tibetan religious leaders scheduled for July 2-4 in Dharamsala, just days before his 90th birthday, the global Buddhist leader is expected to announce if the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue and confirm whether formal responsibility for the recognition of the 15th Dalai Lama should rest with the Gaden Phodrang Trust, his private office. In 2011, at the conclusion of a similar convention of the heads of all Tibetan religious traditions, the Dalai Lama issued a formal statement saying that when he turns 90, he would consult with Tibetan religious leaders and the public on whether there should be a next Dalai Lama. 'If it is decided that the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama should continue and there is a need for the Fifteenth Dalai Lama to be recognized, responsibility for doing so will primarily rest on the concerned officers of the Dalai Lama's Gaden Phodrang Trust (the Office of the Dalai Lama),' the Buddhist leader said in his Sep. 24, 2011, statement. 'They should consult the various heads of the Tibetan Buddhist traditions and the reliable oath-bound Dharma Protectors who are linked inseparably to the lineage of the Dalai Lamas… and carry out the procedures of search and recognition in accordance with past tradition. I shall leave clear written instructions about this,' he added. At the time, the Dalai Lama also made clear that '...apart from a reincarnation recognized through such legitimate methods, no recognition or acceptance should be given to a candidate chosen for political ends by anyone, including those in the People's Republic of China.' If China does intervene, it wouldn't be the first time. On May 17, 1995, the Chinese government abducted a then-6-year-old boy named Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, just days after he was officially recognized by the Dalai Lama as the 11th Panchen Lama, the second-highest spiritual leader in the largest sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Rights groups say his continued disappearance and China's installation of another boy, Gyaltsen (in Chinese, Gyaincain) Norbu, in his place, highlights the Chinese government's long-held plan to control the recognition of the next Dalai Lama, given the two lamas have historically recognized the other's successive reincarnations and served as the other's teacher. The Chinese government, for its part, believes it can appoint the reincarnation of the 14th Dalai Lama under Chinese law. 'The reincarnation of Living Buddhas is unique to Tibetan Buddhism. It must comply with Chinese laws and regulations as well as religious rituals and historical conventions, and follow the process that consists of search and identification in China, lot-drawing from a golden urn, and central government approval,' Liu Pengyu, a spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Washington D.C., told RFA last month. In 2007, Beijing decreed that the Chinese government would begin overseeing the recognition of all reincarnate Tibetan lamas, or 'living Buddhas,' including the next incarnation of the Dalai Lama. China plans to use its own Beijing-appointed Panchen Lama to endorse their choice – a move the Dalai Lama has said contradicts the Chinese Communist Party's political ideology. 'It is particularly inappropriate for Chinese communists, who explicitly reject even the idea of past and future lives, let alone the concept of reincarnate Tulkus (or Buddhist incarnated beings), to meddle in the system of reincarnation and especially the reincarnations of the Dalai Lamas and Panchen Lamas,' the Dalai Lama said in 2011. 'Such brazen meddling contradicts their own political ideology and reveals their double standards. Should this situation continue in the future, it will be impossible for Tibetans and those who follow the Tibetan Buddhist tradition to acknowledge or accept it,' he added. The Dalai Lama's statement on his reincarnation may, therefore, serve to preempt Beijing's efforts to interfere in the recognition of the 15th Dalai Lama. It is expected to come just days before the U.S. Congress is likely to formally designate July 6 as 'A Day of Compassion' through a bipartisan resolution introduced by U.S. lawmakers in the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate in recognition of the Dalai Lama's 'outstanding contributions to peace, nonviolence, human rights, and religious understanding.'
