Dalai Lama says successor to be born outside China amid dispute over Himalayas

The Tibetan Buddhist spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, stated in his new book that his successor will be born outside of China. This statement undoubtedly intensifies his dispute with Beijing over control of the Himalayan region. The Dalai Lama left this land more than sixty years ago, seeking refuge and continuing his spiritual work.

The new book, titled "Speak Up For Those Who Cannot," marks the first time the 89-year-old spiritual leader has explicitly stated that his successor will be born in the "free world," excluding China from this designation. The Dalai Lama's move is aimed at ensuring the continuation of his spiritual legacy and preserving the authenticity of the reincarnation process.

The Dalai Lama wrote in his book: "Since the purpose of reincarnation is to continue 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 a voice of universal compassion, a spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, and a Tibetan symbol representing the wishes of the Tibetan people – can continue." He had previously only indicated that he might be reincarnated outside of Tibet, perhaps in India, where he is in exile, further solidifying his stance.

Beijing insists that it will choose the Dalai Lama's successor, but the Dalai Lama has stated that any successor appointed by China will not be respected. China has consistently viewed the Dalai Lama as a "splittist," despite his being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989 for his commitment to the Tibetan cause, reflecting the deep-seated political tensions.

When asked about the book at a press conference on Monday, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated that the Dalai Lama "is a political exile who engages in anti-China separatist activities under the cloak of religion." He added: "China's position on Tibet is consistent and clear. What the Dalai Lama says and does cannot change the objective fact that Tibet is prospering and developing," underscoring China's firm stance on the issue.

Last month, Beijing stated that it hoped the Dalai Lama could "return to the right path" and indicated that Beijing would be willing to discuss his future if he acknowledged that Tibet and Taiwan are inseparable parts of China and that the government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legitimate government of China. However, this proposal was rejected by the Tibetan government-in-exile based in India, demonstrating the continued divide.

According to Tibetan Buddhist tradition, the soul of a high-ranking Buddhist monk is reincarnated in the body of a child after his death. The 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, was recognized as the reincarnation of his predecessor when he was two years old. In 1959, after the failure of an uprising against the Communist rule led by Mao Zedong, the leader fled to India with thousands of other Tibetans at the age of 23, marking a significant turning point in Tibetan history.

The Dalai Lama's followers have been concerned about his health, especially after he underwent knee surgery last year. He told Reuters last December that he might live to be 110 years old. The Dalai Lama has stated that he will announce detailed information about his successor around his 90th birthday in July this year. He wrote in his book that his homeland remains "under the oppressive communist Chinese rule," and that the movement to fight for the freedom of the Tibetan people will continue "no matter what," even after his death, highlighting his unwavering commitment.

He also expressed confidence in the Tibetan government-in-exile and parliament located in Dharamshala, a Himalayan city in India, believing that they can continue to carry out political work for the Tibetan cause. He wrote: "The right of the Tibetan people as guardians of their own homeland cannot be deprived indefinitely, and their desire for freedom cannot be crushed forever through oppression." He also quoted a saying: "We know clearly from history: if you keep people unhappy for a long time, you cannot have a stable society," emphasizing the importance of addressing the grievances of the Tibetan people.

Considering the Dalai Lama's advanced age, his hope of returning to Tibet looks "increasingly slim," signifying the complex and enduring nature of the Tibetan issue.