The world is getting on Business as usual after the pandemic. Nations are busy with their diplomatic duties. Meanwhile, China has asserted that any successor to the present Dalai Lama would need its approval. In doing so it clearly ruled out its recognition to any heir nominated by the 14 th Dalai Lama or his followers.
The Claims By the Chinese
The Chinese in their Official White Paper claimed that the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama and other grand Living Buddhas has been subjected to approval by the central government since the Qing Dynasty. The Chinese in their document assert their sovereignty over Tibet. The White Paper states that Tibet was an integral part of China since ancient times.
According to the Chinese officials, it is required that reincarnation of the Dalai Lama to follow the procedure of “drawing lots from the golden urn”. The selected candidate then are subject to approval by the Chinese government.
In a separate White Paper China claimed to have identified a total of 92 reincarnated Living Buddhas. All those, were later approved through traditional religious rituals for temples in Tibet. It also stated that, traditional religious activities are carried out regularly. These acts are performed in accordance with the law and upon examination of scriptures.
Chinese Actions and Their Probable Explanation
It is worth noting that the present Dalai Lama is 85 years old. Thus, the issue in his succession has gained prominence due to his old age.
The issue over the succession of Dalai Lama has gained international recognition since the US declared its view. The US has campaigned for the right on the reincarnation of Dalai Lama’s successor. In its latest attempt, US passed The Tibetan Policy and Support Act of 2020. The Act makes it official United States policy the rights to reincarnation exclusively belong to the present Dalai Lama and the Tibetan people.
The Chinese Government seems to be agitated by the declaration of Official US policy relating to reincarnation. Meanwhile, the current Dalai Lama lives in India after being allowed his Political Asylum seven decades ago. The Tibetans who came with him to India now run the Tibetan government in Exile from Dharamsala, India.
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