Dalai Lama States Successor Will Be Born Outside of China
The Dalai Lama states in his book “Voice for the Voiceless” that his successor will be born outside of China. He emphasizes the necessity for the continued functionality of the Dalai Lama institution amidst tensions with Beijing, which insists on selecting his successor. The Dalai Lama’s commitment to Tibetan freedom remains steadfast, even as he contemplates the legacy of his leadership as he ages.
The Dalai Lama has declared that his successor will be born outside of China, emphasizing this in his book “Voice for the Voiceless,” which is set for release. This statement reflects his commitment to maintaining the institution of the Dalai Lama amidst the ongoing tensions with Beijing, particularly regarding the governance of Tibet. At 89 years old, he previously mentioned the possibility that the line of spiritual leaders might end with him but now provides a clearer view on the future of his succession.
In outlining his vision, the Dalai Lama asserts that his successor must continue the mission of advocating for universal compassion and embody the aspirations of the Tibetan people. He has stated that the next Dalai Lama will be born in what he terms the “free world,” which he defines as outside of China, specifically indicating possibilities like India, where he currently resides in exile.
The current Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, fled Tibet for India in 1959 following a failed uprising against the Communist regime of Mao Zedong. Although Beijing claims authority to select his successor, the Dalai Lama has firmly stated that any successor chosen by China would lack legitimacy. China’s foreign ministry has dismissed the Dalai Lama as a “political exile” engaged in separatist activities, reinforcing its stance that his statements cannot alter the situation in Tibet.
Beijing has previously offered to discuss the future of the Dalai Lama, contingent on the acceptance of territorial claims over Tibet and Taiwan as belonging to the People’s Republic of China, a prospect denied by the Tibetan parliament-in-exile. Prominent supporters of the Dalai Lama include Richard Gere and former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi, both of whom advocate for the Tibetan cause.
Concerns have grown regarding the Dalai Lama’s health following his recent knee surgery. Nonetheless, he remains optimistic in his book, citing petitions from diverse groups within the Tibetan community advocating for the continuity of the Dalai Lama lineage. He outlines the Tibetan tradition wherein the soul of an accomplished monk is believed to reincarnate in a child after death.
The Dalai Lama’s upcoming publication recounts his experiences with Chinese leaders over the past seventy years and reiterates his commitment to the Tibetan cause, even in his advanced age. He believes that the struggle for Tibetan freedom will persist beyond his lifetime and expresses confidence in the leadership of the Tibetan government-in-exile, headquartered in Dharamshala, India. His reflections conclude with a stark reminder of the historical lesson that lasting oppression leads to societal instability. Looking ahead, he notes that returning to Tibet appears increasingly unlikely, given his age and the current political landscape.
The Dalai Lama’s assertion regarding his successor being born outside of China is crucial in the context of Tibetan identity and governance. His reflections on the importance of maintaining the lineage of the Dalai Lama and the ongoing struggle for Tibetan freedom highlight both the historical and present challenges faced by Tibetans. Despite health concerns and his advanced age, he articulates a determined commitment to the aspirations of his people, ensuring that the campaign for their rights continues. Overall, this situation underscores the complexities surrounding Tibetan Buddhism in the face of Chinese political claims and the cultural significance of the Dalai Lama’s leadership for Tibetans globally.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
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