Dharamsala : Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama says he will decide his successor when he turns 90 years old, thereby putting to rest the debate about China nominating his successor .
“When I am about 90 , I will consult the high lamas of Tibetan Buddhism and Tibetan people whether the institution of the Dalai Lama should continue or not . On that basis we will take a decision ,†the 76 year old Dalai Lama said Saturday in this northern Indian hill town , in the state of Himachal Pradesh .
“If it is decided that the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama should continue and a 15 th Dalai Lama is to be recognised the concerned officers should carry out the procedures of search and recognition in accordance with the past tradition,†he said .
He cautioned China , “I shall leave clear written instructions about this.Bear in mind , a reincarnation can be recognised only through set legitimate methods , no recognition or acceptance should be given to a candidate chosen for political ends by anyone , including those in China.â€
“Reincarnation is a phenomenon which should either take place through voluntary choice , his or her karma , merit and prayers . So a person who reincarnates has the sole legitimate authority over where and how he or she takes rebirth and how that reincarnation is to be recognised,†he said.
“It is particularly inappropriate for Chinese communists , who explicitly reject even the past and future lives , let alone the concept of reincarnate Tuluks , to meddle in the system of reincarnation of the Dalai Lama,†he added .
“Such brazen meddling contradicts their own political ideology and reveals their double standards . If this continues in future it will be impossible for Tibetans and followers of Tibetan Buddhism to acknowledge or accept it.â€
In a 20 year career published widely. He has worked for the BBC, AFP, The Statesman, IANS and the Business Standard . Known for his hard hitting writing and occasional off-beat stories. He lives in Shimla.
