Paper: GS – II, Subject: International Relations, Topic: India and Its Neighborhood, Issue: 90th birthday of the 14th Dalai Lama.
Context:
The upcoming 90th birthday of the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, on July 6 is especially significant because a statement regarding his reincarnation is expected to be announced.
- The message will be read by Professor Samdhong Rinpoche, former chairman of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), and Penpa Tsering, the current Sikyong (political leader) of the CTA.
Key Takeaways:
China’s Role and Interference:
China’s Stance on the Dalai Lama:
- China denounces the 14th Dalai Lama as a “splittist” and “traitor.”
- China prohibits any public display of devotion towards him.
The Dalai Lama’s Position on China’s Involvement:
- The Dalai Lama has stated that his reincarnation should be found in a “free country, not under Chinese control.”
- He has also said that “no recognition should be given to a reincarnation selected for political purposes by the Chinese government.”
- He has suggested that his successor would be “born outside China.”
China’s Attempts to Control the Selection Process:
- China abolished the Religious Affairs Regulations that outlined the process for selecting the Dalai Lama.
- In 2007, China decreed that no group or individual could search for or identify the soul boy for the living Buddha without authorization.
- China institutionalized a draw of lots, called the “Golden Urn method,” to select the Dalai Lama.
Implications of China’s Interference:
Political Implications:
- China’s interference is seen as an attempt to tighten its control over the Tibetan Buddhist religion and culture.
- By selecting its own Dalai Lama, China aims to legitimize its rule over Tibet and undermine the authority of the current Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government-in-exile.
Religious Implications:
- The selection of a Dalai Lama by the Chinese government would be seen as illegitimate by many Tibetan Buddhists.
- It could lead to a split within the Tibetan Buddhist community, with some recognizing the Chinese-appointed Dalai Lama and others remaining loyal to the traditional process.
Cultural Implications:
- China’s control over the selection process could be used to suppress Tibetan culture and identity.
- A Chinese-appointed Dalai Lama could be used to promote Chinese propaganda and undermine Tibetan traditions.
Conclusion:
- The issue of the Dalai Lama’s reincarnation is a complex and sensitive one, with significant political, religious, and cultural implications.
- The Dalai Lama’s statements on the matter reflect his desire to ensure the continuation of the institution in a way that is consistent with Tibetan Buddhist traditions and free from political interference.
- China’s attempts to control the selection process are seen as a threat to Tibetan autonomy and religious freedom.
- The future of the Dalai Lama institution and its relationship with China remains uncertain.
https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/the-dalai-lama-his-successor-and-china-10100853
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