As the 14th Dalai Lama, Jetsun Jamphel Ngawang Lobsang Yeshe Tenzin Gyatso, turns 90 years old, the world holds its breath as the next Dalai Lama is chosen. This succession process could shape the future of Tibetan identity and global diplomacy. For Tibet, the selection of the next Dalai Lama is a process followed according to traditions established centuries ago. However, since the exile of the 14th Dalai Lama in 1959 and the control of China over Tibet, politics has breached this sphere of spirituality and culture as well.
What was once a divine and quiet search has now become a geopolitical chess match. China announced recently that they would choose the successor according to the ‘golden urn’, India stands as both sanctuary and stakeholder, while world leaders watch closely and make their opinions on the matter. The only question that stands is,
‘Who is going to be the next Dalai Lama?’
The 14th Dalai Lama: Spiritual Leadership in Exile
Born on 6th July 1935 as Lhamo Thondup, Tibetan Buddhist monks declared him the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama and enthroned him in 1940. After learning the Buddhist scriptures and earning the Geshe Lharampa degree, the highest academic honour in Tibetan Buddhism, Lhamo Thondup took control of Tibet as the 14th Dalai Lama in 1950 during the Battle of Chamdo with the People’s Republic of China. He made several attempts to defend Tibet, either by causing uprisings or having discussions with his Chinese counterpart. However, at that time, China was looking to expand its territories in all directions and crushed the Tibetan uprisings. As a result, the 14th Dalai Lama escaped to India, where the government gave him refuge.
The Dalai Lama settled in Dharamshala, where he established the Tibetan government-in-exile and started advocating non-violence, compassion and Tibet’s independence globally. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989 for his efforts. Initially, the Dalai Lama sought full independence from China, but by the 2000s, he introduced the “Middle Way’ approach, seeking autonomy at the highest level for Tibet within China. The 14th Dalai Lama continued his political career till 2011. Even after stepping down as the political leader of Tibet, he continues to teach, write, travel and spread peace everywhere.
The 15th Dalai Lama: What Traditions Say
According to the Himalayan tradition, after the death of the Dalai Lama, the Tibetan Monks start searching for the Dalai Lama’s reincarnation. They believe that the mind stream gets transferred to the body of the being responsible for the welfare of all other beings. The search process involves interpreting mystical signs, such as visions in dreams and water bodies, following the direction of the smoke from the cremation of the Dalai Lama and so on. They find a child who shows similar traits to the previous Dalai Lama, for instance, choosing the personal belongings of the previous Dalai Lama. The chosen child then undergoes years of monastic education to prepare him to lead Tibet. This process takes many years and is confined inside a circle of spirituality with no political interference… at least till now!
However, talks about the 15th Dalai Lama have heated up now, with China seemingly going to play a big part in it. In view of the Chinese aggression, the 14th Dalai Lama said:
- The 15th Dalai Lama may be chosen while he still lives, by a process called emanation.
- The 15th Dalai Lama may not necessarily be a child but an adult as well.
- The 15th Dalai Lama shall mandatorily be of non-Chinese origin.
- For the first time, a female Dalai Lama will also be appointed.
- A successor from the Tibetan diaspora can also be chosen, i.e., not necessarily born in Tibet.
- If the people decide not to follow any Dalai Lama, the 14th Dalai Lama may reincarnate into any insect or animal, whatever will be of most value to all living beings.
China, India and The World Respond
The succession of the Dalai Lama is no longer a purely spiritual matter, with international parties playing a part as well. As the 14th Dalai Lama asserts his right to determine his reincarnation, global powers are positioning themselves around this decision, each with its strategic interests.
China has made it clear that the new Dalai Lama must have the government’s approval. It believes all Tibetan Buddhist monks must have the government’s approval. Citing the 18th-century Qing dynasty’s ritual involving the ‘golden urn’, the Chinese government states the next Dalai Lama must be chosen in the same way. In this ritual, the names of several children were wrapped in clumps of barley, and one of them was chosen who would become the Dalai Lama. However, the Tibetans rejected this ritual, and it was eventually stopped.
Using the ‘golden urn’, China plans to place a pro-communist Dalai Lama to extend its influence not only in Tibet, but also in many Buddhist countries around the world that follow the Dalai Lama. The Chinese even kidnapped the 11th Panchen Lama, another high post in Tibetan Buddhism, who was a boy recognised by the 14th Dalai Lama in 1995. They replaced him with their candidate, and he has never been seen again since then!
Since 1959, India has been the residence of the 14th Dalai Lama and the Gaden Phodrang Trust, the institution responsible for overseeing the succession of the Dalai Lama. This gives India a position as both protector and influencer of the next Dalai Lama. Since the Dalai Lama said that his successor shall not be from China and may be from outside of Tibet, it highly indicates him/her to be of Indian origin, which will prove to be a strategic win in viewing India’s relations with China. By upholding religious freedom and providing asylum, India contrasts sharply with China’s authoritarian approach, gaining credibility among Buddhist communities globally.
Several global human rights organisations have condemned China’s attempts to politicise the succession. The United States even passed the Tibetan Policy and Support Act in 2020, affirming that only Tibetan Buddhists have the right to choose the next Dalai Lama and that sanctions will be levied against China if it interferes.
Conclusion
Choosing the next Dalai Lama is not just about religion; it's about protecting Tibetan culture and providing Tibet a global voice against Chinese oppression. The 14th Dalai Lama, from a life full of struggle, defeats and narrow escapes to spreading peace and compassion around the world, has lived an impactful life. China wants to gain full control over Tibet, and installing one of their candidates as the Dalai Lama would help them. On the other hand, the present Dalai Lama, his followers, and the world believe in zero political interference. What happens next will affect not just Tibet, but also how the world stands up for religious freedom and cultural rights.