A Nobel Laureate and moral leader, the Dalai Lama is one of the most revered religious figures worldwide with a following that extends way beyond Buddhism.
In recent times, there have been concerns, hinted by the Dalai Lama himself, that Tenzin Gyatso may be the last of a long lineage of Dalai Lamas.
However, in a message with a fine blend of spiritual conviction and quiet defiance, Gyatso announced, days before his 90th birthday, that the line of Dalai Lamas will not end with him.
The Dalai Lamaโs Trust will Appoint the Successorย
The soon-to-be 90, Tenzin Gyatso, said that the Gaden Phodrang Trust, set up by the Dalai Lama, will have the power to name his reincarnation. The nonprofit organisation will recognise the Dalai Lamaโs reincarnation in consultation with leaders of Tibetan Buddhist traditions.
His Holiness, Tenzin Gyatso, said:
“They should accordingly carry out the procedures of search and recognition in accordance with past tradition… no one else has any such authority to interfere in this matter.”
The Tibetan leaderโs statement is a defiant rejection of Chinaโs government. Beijing was adamant that it had the authority, in line with history and tradition, to choose the next Dalai Lama.
China has taken such measures in the past. In 1995, the new Panchan Lama, a 6-year-old appointed by the Dalai Lama, was detained, and a Beijing-backed candidate was installed.
The US has rejected Chinese intervention on this topic, urging the state to respect freedom of religion and engage the Dalai Lama in dialogue.
The 15th Dalai Lama Could Also Be a Female
His Holiness, Tenzin Gyatso, has not disclosed the identity of his successor, but has suggested that the 15th Dalai Lama will be born in a free country and will not necessarily be a male.
This has raised speculation that the next Dalai Lama could be a female from the Tibetan Diaspora.ย
A female reincarnation would be a progressive shift, and could force Beijing into a difficult position. If the next Dalai Lama is a female, it would rally significant international support from activist groups.
International voices could complicate Chinaโs stance on the Tibetan Cause. Nonetheless, it could be a welcome change.
In a faith centred on wisdom and compassion, a female spiritual leader could send a powerful message: True enlightenment is gender-neutral.
Stay tuned toย Brandsynarioย for latest news and updates