As the Dalai Lama prepares to celebrate his 90th birthday on Sunday, speculation grows that he may announce his successor. The Tibetan spiritual leader will deliver an address at 9:30 am, followed by a press statement at 11 am, which many expect will include a clear declaration about the future of his institution.
Dharamshala Celebrations On
Multi-day celebrations are already underway in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh—where the Dalai Lama has lived since 1959 and the Tibetan government-in-exile is based. Tibetan followers and communities have converged to mark the milestone occasion of their beloved leader.
Successor Most Likely to Be Selected from Exiled Community
More recently, the Dalai Lama has said his successor could be outside of Tibet. Rather, he has suggested choosing one from the Tibetan community in exile, presumably headquartered in India. In his newest book, the Dalai Lama penned, “Since the reason for a reincarnation is to continue the work of the forebear, the new Dalai Lama will be born in the free world so that the traditional role of the Dalai Lama —i.e., being the voice for universal compassion, the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, and the symbol of Tibet with the hopes and aspirations of the Tibetan people— will remain on track.”
India Ramps Up Support for Tibetan Protest
In a public display of solidarity, high-level Indian politicians have attended the festivities. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju and Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu were among those spotted attending functions in Dharamshala. The higher level of engagement follows worsening India-China relations after the 2020 border clashes.
China Set to Refuse Any Exiled Heir
The issue of succession has geopolitical significance. China, who took Tibet in 1949-50, terms the Dalai Lama a separatist and has always maintained that his successor must be sanctioned within China. Beijing will likely reject any announcement made abroad.
Framework for Continuation of Dalai Lama Institution
Earlier this week, the Dalai Lama had calmed down believers regarding the institution’s future. “The rest of my life I will dedicate for the benefit of others, as much as possible, as extensive as possible. There will be some kind of a framework within which we can talk about the continuation of the institution of the Dalai Lamas,” he said.
Dalai Lama’s Spiritual Legacy
The Dalai Lama is the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism and is believed to be the reincarnation of his forebears. He is the 14th of this series. The Dalai Lama has been in exile since he escaped Tibet in 1959 following a rebellion against the Chinese that failed.
