Dalai Lama Reveals Succession Plan, China Rejects Control

As the Dalai Lama approaches his 90th birthday, he has affirmed that the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue and that his successor will be chosen solely by the Gaden Phodrang Trust, a body he established to oversee matters related to his spiritual lineage. This announcement rejects China's claim to control the reincarnation process, which Beijing insists should follow its state-led 'golden urn' method, escalating tensions between India and China. The Dalai Lama has urged his followers to reject any successor appointed by Beijing, emphasizing the importance of independent selection free from political interference. India has taken a neutral stance on religious matters but remains caught in the geopolitical complexities surrounding the succession. Tibetan leaders and followers worldwide support the continuation of the Dalai Lama institution beyond the current leader's lifetime, underscoring the spiritual and cultural significance of the issue. The Dalai Lama also hinted at establishing a framework for future discussions on the institution's continuation, highlighting the broader implications for Tibetan Buddhism and regional diplomacy.