Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama has stated in his new book that his successor will be born outside of China, marking a significant declaration in the long-standing debate over the future of Tibetan Buddhism.
In Voice for the Voiceless, released on Tuesday, the 89-year-old leader affirms that his reincarnation will take place in the “free world” to ensure the continuation of his spiritual and cultural mission. He emphasizes that Tibetans’ aspirations for greater freedom cannot be indefinitely suppressed.
“Since the purpose of a reincarnation is to carry on the work of the predecessor, the new Dalai Lama will be born in the free world so that the traditional mission of the Dalai Lama — that is, to be the voice for universal compassion, the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, and the symbol of Tibet embodying the aspirations of the Tibetan people — will continue,” he writes.
The Dalai Lama, who fled Tibet for India in 1959 following a failed uprising against Chinese rule, has long advocated a “Middle Way” approach, seeking greater autonomy for Tibet rather than full independence. China, however, considers Tibet an integral part of its territory and regards calls for autonomy as a challenge to its sovereignty. Beijing has labeled the Dalai Lama a “separatist” and insists on its authority to appoint his successor.
Tibetan Buddhist tradition holds that high-ranking monks are reincarnated after death. The current Dalai Lama was recognized as the reincarnation of his predecessor at just two years old and formally enthroned at four. In the past, he has suggested that the Dalai Lama lineage could end with him to prevent Chinese interference, but in his latest book, he reveals that Tibetans inside and outside Tibet have repeatedly petitioned him to ensure the lineage continues.
China’s foreign ministry has dismissed his recent statement, maintaining its long-standing position that Tibet is prospering under Chinese governance. A spokesperson reiterated:
“What the Dalai Lama says and does cannot change the objective fact of Tibet’s development.”
The issue of succession remains a sensitive topic. Observers note that China is likely to appoint its own Dalai Lama after the current leader’s passing, a move that many Tibetans and Buddhist scholars believe would lack legitimacy. The Dalai Lama has previously indicated that he will provide more details on his succession plans around his 90th birthday in July.
With input from Al Jazeera and Independent.
