The Dalai Lama warned that China may choose its own Tibetan Buddhist successor after his death.
China has dictated that the reincarnation of the current Dalai Lama must adhere to rules set forth by Beijing.
The 14th and current Dalai Lama, a name given to the spiritual leaders of Tibetan Buddhism, told Reuters on Monday that, after he dies, the Chinese government may attempt to intervene and choose a successor rather than recognize reincarnation. He said that “nobody will respect” a new Dalai Lama in China should another appear in the “free country” of India, where he has lived in exile since 1959.
Responding to press questions on the issue, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang asserted Tuesday that “the reincarnation system is respected and protected by such legal instruments as Regulations on Religious Affairs and Measures on the Management of the Reincarnation of Living Buddhas.”
“The institution of reincarnation of the Dalai Lama has been in existence for several hundred years,” Geng added. “The 14th Dalai Lama himself was found and recognized following religious rituals and historical conventions and his enthronement was approved by the then-central government. Therefore, reincarnation of living Buddhas, including the Dalai Lama, must comply with Chinese laws and regulations and follow religious rituals and historical conventions.”
A Tibetan activist lights a candle in front of a poster of spirtual leader the Dalai Lama as members of the Regional Tibetan Youth Congress take part in a candlelight vigil during a protest rally in Hyderabad on March 10,2016.
