Dalai Lama Reaffirms Reincarnation Authority on 90th Birthday, Defying Beijing
Celebrating his 90th birthday in Dharamshala, the Dalai Lama made a significant statement regarding his succession, asserting that his Gaden Phodrang Trust holds sole authority to recognize his reincarnation. This directly challenges Beijing's insistence that it must approve his successor. The declaration, made amid celebrations attended by global followers and officials, reinforces the Tibetan leader's defiance of Chinese control and has major geopolitical implications for India, the US, and China, which views him as a separatist.
Unpacked:
Traditionally, senior Tibetan Buddhist figures identify a reincarnation through dreams, divinations, and signs. A child is recognized if they can identify objects belonging to the previous Dalai Lama and then receives religious education to assume leadership. This process historically occurred without Chinese involvement, relying on religious rituals and the authority of Tibetan Buddhist leaders.
Since 2007, the Chinese Communist Party has required all Buddhist institutions to seek government approval to recognize any reincarnated lama. Major figures like the Dalai Lama must go through a special state approval process, and any reincarnation without government sanction is deemed unauthorized. China asserts it has the right to select the Dalai Lama’s successor for political legitimacy.
The Dalai Lama’s succession is significant because it affects Tibetan autonomy, religious freedom, and regional stability. China views the Dalai Lama as a separatist, while India hosts him in exile and the US supports Tibetan rights. Disputes over succession could increase tensions, influence diplomatic relations, and affect policies regarding Tibet’s future.
Yes. In 2019, the Dalai Lama noted that the reincarnation system had feudal origins and suggested it could end. He emphasized that no government should control the process for political purposes, challenging China’s claims of authority over his succession.