New Delhi, July 5: On the eve of his 90th birthday, the 14th Dalai Lama has reiterated that only his office, the Gaden Phodrang Trust, holds the legitimate authority to determine his reincarnation. In a statement shared on social media platform X, the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader emphasized that the decision regarding his successor lies solely with the Tibetan people and the wider Buddhist community.
The Dalai Lama underscored that no external entity has the right to interfere in this spiritual matter, hinting that his reincarnation may be located in India.
China, however, has swiftly dismissed his announcement. Beijing accused the Dalai Lama of undermining traditional processes and warned against any move perceived as separatist. Chinese authorities insisted that any succession must comply with established customs and Chinese regulations.
“The reincarnation of the Dalai Lama must adhere to domestic recognition procedures, including the ‘golden urn’ tradition and approval by the central government,” said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning.
