Dalai Lama Prepares to Reveal His Successor as China Tries to Take Control
By Tudayadah.com | Credit: REUTERS
The Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibet, is expected to speak this week about who could replace him after he passes away. As he turns 90 on Sunday, over 100 important Buddhist leaders are gathering for a major three-day event where the Dalai Lama is likely to give some clues about his successor. According to REUTERS, this decision is very important not just for Tibetans, but for people around the world who believe in his peaceful teachings.
China is closely watching, as the country has claimed it has the right to choose the next Dalai Lama. But the Dalai Lama strongly disagrees. He told his followers that China should not be allowed to pick his successor and that the next Dalai Lama will be born outside China, likely in India, where he currently lives in exile. REUTERS reports that China sees the Dalai Lama as a separatist, someone who wants Tibet to break away from Chinese control.
The Dalai Lama fled Tibet in 1959 after a failed uprising against Chinese rule. Since then, he has lived in India. In a message to his followers, he promised to dedicate the rest of his life to helping others and confirmed that there will be a plan or structure to guide the future of the Dalai Lama institution.
From REUTERS interviews, leaders in the Tibetan government-in-exile say it’s very important that the world hears directly from the Dalai Lama himself. They believe China is trying to take over the reincarnation process for political power. As one official told REUTERS, “China wants to control the next Dalai Lama to push its own political agenda.”
Usually, monks don’t talk about their reincarnation while they are still alive, but this time is different because of China’s interference. REUTERS reports that many Tibetans are worried, especially after the Dalai Lama had knee surgery in the U.S. last year, though he later said he could live up to 110.
The Dalai Lama already planned ahead. In 2011, he gave up his political role to a democratic government-in-exile, so the spiritual and political roles would no longer be held by one person. He also set up the Gaden Phodrang Foundation in 2015 to help continue his work after he is gone.
Even Hollywood actor Richard Gere, a long-time supporter of the Tibetan cause, is expected to attend this week’s event, according to REUTERS. Indian government officials will also be there. The Dalai Lama will lead prayers on July 5 and join his birthday celebration on July 6.
Our unique perspective:
This moment is not just about a religious leader choosing his successor. It’s a battle between spiritual freedom and political power. The Dalai Lama is using his final years to make sure his people stay free in their beliefs—even after he is gone.
As REUTERS rightly shows, the world must pay attention not just to what China wants, but to what the Tibetan people truly believe in: peace, freedom, and truth.
Stay with Tudayadah.com for more updates on this historic moment.
Source: REUTERS
https://www.reuters.com/world/china/dalai-lama-set-reveal-succession-plan-china-watches-2025-06-30