Clash Over Dalai Lama's Successor: Beijing vs. Buddhist Tradition in High-Stakes Spiritual Battle
A simmering spiritual and political showdown is reaching a boiling point as China and the aging 14th Dalai Lama stake out diametrically opposed claims over who holds the ultimate authority to choose the next spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism. This profound disagreement is fast becoming a major geopolitical flashpoint, igniting concerns about religious freedom and sovereignty.
With his 90th birthday just around the corner, the current Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, has issued an unequivocal declaration: the Gaden Phodrang Trust, a non-profit body he established, possesses the "sole authority" to recognize his future reincarnation. "No one else has any such authority to interfere in this matter," he stated, reaffirming a stance held since 2011. He insists the process must strictly follow centuries-old Tibetan Buddhist traditions, relying on spiritual signs, visions, and consultations with high-ranking lamas and oracles, explicitly ruling out any political interference. The Dalai Lama has also repeatedly hinted his successor could be born outside China, even suggesting the possibility of a female Dalai Lama, urging followers to reject any Beijing-appointed figure. Crucially, he has confirmed the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue, dispelling earlier speculation.
Beijing's Unyielding Demand: State Control Over Soul Search
In stark contrast, Beijing asserts that government approval for the next Dalai Lama is mandatory. China views the reincarnation as an internal matter of Chinese sovereignty, not a spiritual one alone. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning has reiterated that the selection, including for the Dalai Lama and the Panchen Lama (Tibetan Buddhism's second-highest lama), must adhere to the "golden urn" lottery procedure and gain central government endorsement. This 18th-century Qing dynasty method is cited by China as historical precedent for its authority. Beijing further insists the reincarnated figure must be found within China's Tibetan regions, guaranteeing Communist Party control over the crucial selection. For years, China has labelled the current Dalai Lama a "separatist" due to his advocacy for greater Tibetan autonomy.
Echoes of History: A Precedent of Interference
China's history of meddling in Tibetan religious succession casts a long shadow over the current dispute. In 1995, after the Dalai Lama recognized Gedhun Choekyi Nyima as the 11th Panchen Lama, Chinese authorities abducted the child, who has not been seen since. Beijing then appointed its own Panchen Lama, creating a "dual Panchen Lama" dilemma. Many observers fear the same fate awaits the Dalai Lama's succession: one figure recognized by Beijing, another by senior monks loyal to the current spiritual leader. Tibetan Buddhists firmly believe the Dalai Lama has the power to choose his reincarnation, a spiritual journey safeguarded by the Gaden Phodrang Trust to protect the tradition from political influence.
Global Backlash to Beijing's Claims:
International reaction has been swift and critical:
India: New Delhi has firmly rejected China's demands. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju declared, "No one can decide except Dalai Lama" on his successor, emphasizing that the decision rests solely with the Tibetan spiritual leader and his institution, underscoring India's commitment to religious freedom and Tibetan tradition.
United States: Washington maintains that the Dalai Lama's reincarnation is a religious issue with no role for any state. The US Tibetan Policy and Support Act of 2020 explicitly reaffirms American support for the Dalai Lama and Tibetan Buddhism.
Amnesty International: Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, view China's attempts to control the selection as a "direct assault" on the fundamental right to freedom of religion.
The impending succession is poised to be a protracted and intensely contentious process. It threatens to significantly heighten friction between China and nations like India and the US, which host substantial Tibetan communities in exile and champion the cause of religious freedom.
