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Dalai Lama Affirms the Continuity of his Lineage Beyond His Lifetime

From facebook.com

In a recorded address delivered during prayer celebrations ahead of his 90th birthday on 6 July, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, stated unequivocally that the centuries-old lineage of the Dalai Lamas will continue after his death. The remarks, among his strongest yet on the topic, appear to mark a clear resolution to years of speculation about the future of the Tibetan spiritual leadership.

“The institution of the Dalai Lama will continue,” the Nobel Peace Prize laureate affirmed, adding that the process of identifying his successor should be carried out in “accordance with past tradition.” (The Washington Post)

The statement comes amid growing concern among Tibetans and followers of Tibetan Buddhism over succession issues, as the spiritual leader approaches his 10th decade.

The Dalai Lama’s statement, dated 21 May, says:

On 24 September 2011, at a meeting of the heads of Tibetan spiritual traditions, I made a statement to fellow Tibetans in and outside Tibet, followers of Tibetan Buddhism, and those who have a connection with Tibet and Tibetans, regarding whether the institution of the Dalai Lama should continue. I stated, “As far back as 1969, I made clear that concerned people should decide whether the Dalai Lama’s reincarnations should continue in the future.”

I also said, “When I am about ninety I will consult the high Lamas of the Tibetan Buddhist traditions, the Tibetan public, and other concerned people who follow Tibetan Buddhism, to re-evaluate whether or not the institution of the Dalai Lama should continue.” 

Although I have had no public discussions on this issue, over the last 14 years leaders of Tibet’s spiritual traditions, members of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile, participants in a Special General Body Meeting, members of the Central Tibetan Administration, NGOs, Buddhists from the Himalayan region, Mongolia, Buddhist republics of the Russian Federation and Buddhists in Asia including mainland China, have written to me with reasons, earnestly requesting that the institution of the Dalai Lama continue. In particular, I have received messages through various channels from Tibetans in Tibet making the same appeal. In accordance with all these requests, I am affirming that the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue.

The process by which a future Dalai Lama is to be recognized has been clearly established in the 24 September 2011 statement which states that responsibility for doing so will rest exclusively with members of the Gaden Phodrang Trust, the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. They should consult the various heads of the Tibetan Buddhist traditions and the reliable oath-bound Dharma Protectors who are linked inseparably to the lineage of the Dalai Lamas. They should accordingly carry out the procedures of search and recognition in accordance with past tradition.

I hereby reiterate that the Gaden Phodrang Trust has sole authority to recognize the future reincarnation; no one else has any such authority to interfere in this matter. (Facebook)

The Dalai Lama has previously indicated that the continuation of the institution would depend on the will of the Tibetan people. In a 2004 interview with Time magazine, he said, “If they feel it is not relevant, then it will cease and there will be no 15th Dalai Lama.” (TIME) However, his latest comments, delivered from his residence in Dharamsala, signal a reaffirmation of traditional Tibetan Buddhist views on reincarnation and spiritual leadership.

Tibetan Buddhists believe that enlightened teachers can consciously choose the body into which they are reincarnated. This belief has guided the recognition of 14 successive Dalai Lamas since the establishment of the lineage in 1578, when Altan Khan bestowed the title on Sonam Gyatso (1543–88). The title was then retrospectively bestowed to Sonam Gyatso’s two predecessors, making him the Third Dalai Lama. The 14th and current Dalai Lama, born in 1935 in the region of Amdo, northeastern Tibet, was identified at the age of two and formally enthroned in 1940.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the post-Dalai Lama era, the 89-year-old spiritual leader appeared upbeat during a prayer event on Monday. “Although I am 90 years old, physically I am very healthy,” he said, before tasting a traditional Tibetan-style birthday cake made from roasted barley and butter. “In the time I have left, I will continue to dedicate myself to the well-being of others as much as possible.” (Deutsche Welle)

The issue of the Dalai Lama’s succession remains one of deep concern among Tibetan communities both inside Tibet and in exile. Many fear the uncertainty and potential for political interference in the selection of the next Dalai Lama. However, with the his recent reaffirmation of the traditional succession process, his followers are likely to take renewed confidence in the continuation of the lineage.

See more

The Dalai Lama says he plans to reincarnate after his death (The Washington Post)
Statement Affirming the Continuation of the Institution of Dalai Lama (Facebook)
A Conversation with the Dalai Lama (TIME)
Dalai Lama hints Tibetan Buddhist institution could live on (Deutsche Welle)
Dalai Lama to meet senior Buddhist monks before likely reincarnation statement (Reuters)

Related news reports from BDG

Dalai Lama Expected to Make Announcement on Succession Ahead of 90th Birthday Celebration
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Voice for the Voiceless: Dalai Lama’s New Book Illuminates the Path to Succession
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