(Adnkronos) – “I declare that the institution of the Dalai Lama will be perpetuated”. The Dalai Lama has confirmed that after his death there will be a successor to ensure the continuity of the role of spiritual guide of the Tibetans. He did so with a message read during a religious meeting in McLeod Ganj, in northern India, where he lives in exile. Until the end of the week, celebrations will continue for the 90th birthday of Tenzin Gyatso, born on July 6, 1935 and Nobel Peace Prize winner in 1989. And meanwhile, from China they say that the successor of the Dalai Lama must be “approved by the central government”.
The question of succession is crucial because the Tibetans suspect China wants to appoint one of its liking. “The responsibility” for appointing the successor “will rest solely with the members of the Ganden Phodrang, the office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama – it was specified – They will carry out the search and recognition procedures (of the successor) in accordance with tradition”. And “no one else has the authority to interfere”.
The Dalai Lama, accused by China of “separatist activities”, had already publicly rejected the idea of a successor appointed by Beijing. He will be “born in the free world,” he promised.
On behalf of the Dalai Lama’s office, Samdhong Rinpoche, specified that no new indication has been given for the procedures for appointing the future Dalai Lama. “It is not necessary at this time,” he told reporters. “Currently His Holiness the Dalai Lama is in excellent shape.”
From Beijing, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning immediately replied: “The reincarnation of the Dalai Lama, the Panchen Lama and other great figures of Buddhism must be chosen by drawing lots with the golden urn and subsequently approved by the central government”.
