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Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
New Delhi hosts mega meet to celebrate Dalai Lama's birthday
The International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) in commemoration of the 90th birth anniversary of His Holiness 14th Dalai Lama , conducted a daylong celebration on the 13th of July at New Delhi. Shartse Khensur Jangchup Choeden Rinpoche, SecretaryGeneral of IBC began the glorious celebration by welcoming His Holiness 43rd Sakya Rinpoche, His Holiness 105th Gaden Tripa, Most Ven. Arayawangso, Most Ven. Waskaduwe Mahindawansa Mahanayake Thero, Most Venerable Samdhong Rinpoche and Ven. Bhikkhu Kaboggoza Buddhrakkhita. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Select a Course Category Healthcare CXO Artificial Intelligence Design Thinking Management Data Science Project Management Digital Marketing MCA Finance Degree Product Management Leadership Public Policy Data Analytics Others Operations Management PGDM Cybersecurity healthcare Data Science MBA others Skills you'll gain: Financial Analysis in Healthcare Financial Management & Investing Strategic Management in Healthcare Process Design & Analysis Duration: 12 Weeks Indian School of Business Certificate Program in Healthcare Management Starts on Jun 13, 2024 Get Details The Secretary General emphasized that this occasion aimed to reflect on the joy that His Holiness brings into our lives, the wisdom he shares, and the unique spirit that makes him so undeniably holy, kind, inspiring, and dependable. He stated how dedicated His Holiness is towards common causes like world peace, universal responsibility, environmental protection and the oneness of the entire humanity. His Holiness is looked upon for embracing change while remaining dedicated to ancient wisdom and values. He said, His Holiness often says, 'I am son of India as far as my body is concerned, as it has survived on Indian dal and roti for more than 60 years, and as for my mind, it is fully influenced by thoughts of thinkers like Nagarjuna and other Nalanda masters'. In His Holiness' words, the relationship between Indians and Tibetans is like Guru and Chela (teacher-disciple relation). The Secretary General expressed his indebtedness towards His Holiness for his generosity towards the IBC since its inception and how His Holiness was a mentor throughout. As part of the celebrations, there was screening of film on 'Celebrating the Legacy of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama'. The occasion was blessed when the special message from His Holiness 14th Dalai Lama was read out by our Guest of Honour Most Venerable Samdhong Rinpoche. Notable lines from his letter expressed how Tibetans refer to India as 'Arya Bhumi'. He mentioned how he feels a 'special closeness to India'. He believes that if aspects of India's ancient wisdom, of which the Buddha's teachings are a part, are combined with modern education, they can make a beneficial contribution to greater peace and happiness in the world. He further said that the Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies (CIHTS) at Sarnath, Varanasi, which was founded in 1967 with the Government of India's assistance, facilitated scholars from the Himalayan Region and Tibetans to be part of major projects torestore several texts that have been preserved in their Tibetan translation. He said, at present, there is growing interest in Buddhism among Chinese people, including those from mainland China, which is part of their cultural inheritance. His Holiness also expressed his gratitude to the Government and people of India for the warm hospitality shown towards them since 1959 and for the generous support to protect and preserve the Buddhist culture that is founded on India's age-old values of karuna and ahimsa. Moreover, scientists around the world are interested in knowing more about Buddhist philosophy and the Buddhist explanation of the interlinkages between the mind and emotions. Respect from other parts of the world was represented in the form of messages from countries such as Russia, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, South Korea, Laos, Japan, Myanmar and Mongolia, and were handed over to the Most Venerable Samdhong Rinpoche. Senior member of Thailand's Supreme Sangha council Most Ven. Arayawangso talked about the 'Triple Gem' that includes the virtues of Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha is to be seen as a power to protect the Tibetan people. He also highlighted how the foundation of a great civilization is rooted in recognizing the good and the evil with wisdom. Furthermore, Most Venerable Samdhong Rimpochereiterated how His Holiness compiled teachings of Buddha in a suitable medium which is understandable in the post-modern civilization of the 21st century. His Holiness is known as the fearless teacher of the 21st century. He reiterated that we should do our best to materialize objectives of His Holiness 14th Dalai Lama. Violence is one of the horrendous challenges faced by humanity. He talked about how the negative emotions of people can be tackled through compassion. Here he quoted Mahatma Gandhi by stating 'hate the sin, not the sinner'. He further stated how Ethics or moral conduct is necessary for believers and non-believers equally. He drew parallels between Gandhi's Sarva Dharma Sambhava and the teachings of His Holiness, that there should be a feeling of equality of all religious traditions and non-religious people's mindset. If equilibrium is not there, then it may be hard to preach His Holiness' message. The Head of the Sakya order of Tibetan Buddhism and our keynote speaker Most Venerable Sakya Trizin, delved into the realms which we are most cognizant, that is, the outer activities of His Holiness, which have shaped our contemporary understanding of compassion. He reflected on the four commitments which has defined His Holiness's life and continue to guide his tireless service to humanity. First commitment being promoting basic human values which touched countless lives transcending boundaries of religion, cultures, and nationality. His holiness identified himself as one among the 8 billion people. Buddhist values of compassion, forgiveness, tolerance and contentment are universal which is essential for happiness and peace. His Holiness' voice is unifying in a world of differences, as he always says 'My religion is kindness'. His second commitment is to foster harmony among the world's religious traditions and to recognize wisdom in all spiritual paths. He emphasized on how different religions can learn from one another while maintaining their unique identity. His Holiness' non-sectarian approach demonstrates true spirit of Buddha's teachings. The Third commitment involves preserving Tibetan Buddhism culture & identity. Through His Holiness' visionary efforts, Tibetan Buddhism found new soil to grow, primarily in India and preserving it has gone beyond mere survival. It has contributed in its ways to the world's civilization. Profound philosophical insights, meditation practice and compassionate world view of Tibet enriched the spiritual landscape of humanity as a whole. His fourth commitment is promoting ancient wisdom of India; the Nalanda tradition is seen as a gift to the eastern and western intellectual traditions. His Holiness constantly emphasizes how Buddhism was born in India and the comprehensive system of Buddhist philosophy with regard to logic, meditation that developed thereafter is humanity's greatest intellectual achievements. The world has come to recognize that ancient Indian wisdom incorporates not only Buddhist philosophy. It also involves advanced traditions incorporating logic, epistemology, psychology and contemplative science. It offers invaluable insight for facing challenges of the contemporary world. Scholars have demonstrated how these ancient traditions can enrich contemporary understanding of our consciousness. His Holiness showed us that ancient wisdom is not merely a historical interest, but contains practical methods for cultivating inner peace and understanding the nature of reality. The four prominent commitments of His Holiness realize thebodhisattva ideals.
Mint
06-07-2025
- Politics
- Mint
‘Reincarnation didn't begin from him, nor will end due to him': Chinese envoy to India counters Dalai Lama on succession
The Chinese Ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, on Saturday reiterated that the Dalai Lama has no authority to decide whether the reincarnation system will continue or be abolished. The Ambassador was referring to the Dalai Lama's statement that he intends to reincarnate, paving the way after his death for a successor to take on a mantle stretching back 500 years. Tibetan Buddhists believe the Dalai Lama can choose the body into which he is reincarnated. That announcement ended years of speculation that started when he indicated that he might be the last person to hold the role. The Dalai Lama celebrated his 90th birthday on Sunday. While citing centuries-old tradition, Xu Feihong said that the practice of Living Buddha reincarnation has continued over 700 years and that the 14th Dalai Lama is part of this long-standing tradition. 'The 14th Dalai Lama has affirmed that the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue. In fact, as a unique succession method of Tibetan Buddhism, the practice of Living Buddha reincarnation has continued over 700 years. Currently, there are over 1000 reincarnation systems of Living Buddhas in Xizang and Tibetan-inhabited prefectures/counties of Sichuan, Yunnan, Gansu and Qinghai provinces,' he said in a message on X. 'The 14th Dalai Lama is part of this long-standing historical tradition and religious succession, not otherwise. The reincarnation of Dalai Lamas neither began from him nor will end due to him. He has no authority to decide whether the reincarnation system shall continue or be abolished,' Feihong added in his post. Dharamshala has been the Dalai Lama's home in exile since 1959 after he fled Tibet in the wake of a failed uprising against Chinese rule. Since then, he has sustained Tibet's aspirations for greater autonomy under Chinese Communist Party rule and mobilised Tibetans inside and outside China. The Nobel Peace Prize-winning spiritual head of Tibetan Buddhism also said that the next Dalai Lama should be found and recognised as per past Buddhist traditions, while stressing that his office will lead the search. In the past he has said his successor will be born in the 'free world' — outside China, as reported by AP. This week, the Dalai Lama told his followers that the sole authority to recognise his reincarnation rests with his non-profit institution, the Gaden Phodrang Trust. However, China views the Dalai Lama as a separatist and has insisted that only Beijing has the authority to approve his successor. It also says it will reject anyone chosen without Beijing's consent. According to news agenvy ANI, China's spokesperson Mao Ning on July 2 stated that Tibetan Buddhism is a religion with Chinese characteristics and that the reincarnation process must follow traditional methods, including the drawing of lots from a Golden Urn.
India Gazette
06-07-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
"Enduring symbol of love, compassion, and patience": PM Modi extends birthday greetings to Dalai Lama
New Delhi [India], July 6 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended birthday greetings to the Tibetan spiritual leader, the 14th Dalai Lama, on his 90th birthday, calling him a symbol of 'love, compassion, patience and moral discipline.' In a social media post on X, Prime Minister Modi prayed for the good health and long life of the Dalai Lama. 'I join 1.4 billion Indians in extending our warmest wishes to His Holiness the Dalai Lama on his 90th birthday. He has been an enduring symbol of love, compassion, patience and moral discipline. His message has inspired respect and admiration across all faiths. We pray for his continued good health and long life,' he posted on X. On Sunday morning, Tibetan Buddhist monks living in exile offered special prayers at the Dorjidak Monastery near Shimla at Panthaghati to mark the 90th birthday of His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama. Earlier, on July 5, on the eve of the 90th birthday of the Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, prominent Indian leaders, including BJP leader Vijay Jolly and JD(U) leader Rajiv Ranjan (Lalan) Singh, attended a celebratory event in Dharamshala to honour the revered figure. The 14th Dalai Lama, known to the Tibetan people as Gyalwa Rinpoche, is the current Dalai Lama, also the highest spiritual leader and head of Tibet. The 14th Dalai Lama was born on July 6, 1935, in the small farming village of Takster, northeastern Tibet. At the age of two, the boy Lhamo Dhondup was recognised as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama. In October 1939, he was brought to Lhasa and formally installed as the head of the state of Tibet on February 22, 1940. Boy Lhamo Dhondup was later named Tenzin Gyatso, and his monastic education was started at the age of six. Dalai Lama is a Mongolian term that means 'Ocean of Wisdom'', and the Dalai Lamas are the manifestations of the Bodhisattva of compassion. Bodhisattvas are enlightened beings who have postponed their own enlightenment and chosen to take rebirth to serve, according to Tibetan Buddhist tradition. The Dalai Lama assumed full political powers in 1950, after the Chinese invasion of Tibet in 1949. In March 1959, after the suppression of the Tibetan National Uprising, the Dalai Lama was forced to escape into exile in India with over eighty thousand refugees. For over six decades, the Dalai Lama has been working for the promotion of peace, love, and compassion. (ANI)
Time of India
06-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
‘Enduring symbol of love and compassion': Modi wishes Dalai Lama on 90th birthday
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended birthday greetings to the Tibetan spiritual leader , the 14th Dalai Lama , on his 90th birthday, calling him a symbol of "love, compassion, patience and moral discipline." In a social media post on X, Prime Minister Modi prayed for the good health and long life of the Dalai Lama. "I join 1.4 billion Indians in extending our warmest wishes to His Holiness the Dalai Lama on his 90th birthday. He has been an enduring symbol of love, compassion, patience and moral discipline. His message has inspired respect and admiration across all faiths. We pray for his continued good health and long life," he posted on X. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Play War Thunder now for free War Thunder Play Now Undo — narendramodi (@narendramodi) On Sunday morning, Tibetan Buddhist monks living in exile offered special prayers at the Dorjidak Monastery near Shimla at Panthaghati to mark the 90th birthday of His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama. Live Events Earlier, on July 5, on the eve of the 90th birthday of the Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama , prominent Indian leaders, including BJP leader Vijay Jolly and JD(U) leader Rajiv Ranjan (Lalan) Singh, attended a celebratory event in Dharamshala to honour the revered figure. The 14th Dalai Lama, known to the Tibetan people as Gyalwa Rinpoche, is the current Dalai Lama, also the highest spiritual leader and head of Tibet. The 14th Dalai Lama was born on July 6, 1935, in the small farming village of Takster, northeastern Tibet. At the age of two, the boy Lhamo Dhondup was recognised as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama. In October 1939, he was brought to Lhasa and formally installed as the head of the state of Tibet on February 22, 1940. Boy Lhamo Dhondup was later named Tenzin Gyatso, and his monastic education was started at the age of six. Dalai Lama is a Mongolian term that means "Ocean of Wisdom'', and the Dalai Lamas are the manifestations of the Bodhisattva of compassion. Bodhisattvas are enlightened beings who have postponed their own enlightenment and chosen to take rebirth to serve, according to Tibetan Buddhist tradition. The Dalai Lama assumed full political powers in 1950, after the Chinese invasion of Tibet in 1949. In March 1959, after the suppression of the Tibetan National Uprising , the Dalai Lama was forced to escape into exile in India with over eighty thousand refugees. For over six decades, the Dalai Lama has been working for the promotion of peace, love, and compassion.
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First Post
05-07-2025
- Politics
- First Post
Dalai Lama turns 90 tomorrow: Tibetan struggle enters its most uncertain chapter
The 14th Dalai Lama has clearly said that his reincarnation should be decided by Tibetans and Buddhists, and no one else has any such authority to interfere in this matter read more The exiled spiritual leader, the 14th Dalai Lama, has announced that his office, the Gaden Phodrang Trust, has sole authority to recognise the next Dalai Lama. On Wednesday, four days ahead of his 90th birthday (July 6), he posted a statement to X discussing the future of the Tibetan spiritual leadership, particularly his succession plans. He said that his reincarnation should be decided by Tibetans and Buddhists, and no one else has any such authority to interfere in this matter. The Dalai Lama has indicated that his successor may be found in India. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Beijing was quick to reject it, saying that the Dalai Lama's succession plan breaks tradition. China has warned against separatism ahead of the Dalai Lama's expected succession decree. Beijing has said that the succession of the Dalai Lama should be in accordance with tradition and Chinese law. 'The Dalai Lama's reincarnation must follow the principles of domestic recognition, the 'golden urn' process, and approval by the central government, in line with religious traditions and laws,' Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said. Historically, the Dalai Lama is believed to be the tulku (incarnation) of a series of spiritual leaders dating back more than 600 years. Following Tibetan tradition, upon his death, aides and senior lamas identify his successor through rituals and signs. In the late 18th century, the Qianlong emperor of the Qing dynasty introduced a lot-drawing 'golden urn' system to select reincarnations. Since then, reincarnations of all Dalai Lamas and Panchen Lamas (the second-highest figure in Tibetan Buddhism) were recognised, approved, and enthroned with the consent of both local and central governments, except for three cases: the 9th, 13th, and 14th Dalai Lamas. The 14th Dalai Lama was recognised following traditional rituals, and his recognition was granted directly by the then central government, exempting him from the golden urn process. The 14th Dalai Lama The 14th Dalai Lama was born on July 6, 1935. His full spiritual name is Jetsun Jamphel Ngawang Lobsang Yeshe Tenzin Gyatso, shortened as Tenzin Gyatso. He is the highest spiritual leader and head of Tibetan Buddhism. A belief central to the Tibetan Buddhist tradition as well as the institution of the Dalai Lama is that the reincarnated person is a living Bodhisattva. The Mongolic word 'Dalai' means ocean. The 14th Dalai Lama is also known to Tibetans as Gyalwa Rinpoche (The Precious Jewel-like Buddha-Master). Born to a farming family in Taktser (Hongya village), he was selected as the tulku of the 13th Dalai Lama in 1937 and formally recognised as the 14th Dalai Lama in 1939. As with the recognition process for his predecessor, the Golden Urn selection process was waived and approved by the Central Government of the Republic of China. His enthronement ceremony was held in Lhasa on February 22, 1940. Hereon, the Dalai Lama's childhood was spent between the Potala Palace and Norbulingka, his summer residence, both of which are now Unesco World Heritage Sites. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD As Chinese forces re-entered and annexed Central Tibet, Ganden Phodrang invested the Dalai Lama with temporal duties on 17 November 1950 (at 15 years of age) until his exile in 1959. China had forced the Dalai Lama to sign and later ratify the one-sided 'Seventeen Point Agreement' on May 23, 1951. The agreement recognised Chinese sovereignty over Tibet, but China allowed the Dalai Lama to continue to rule Tibet internally. The agreement actively supported the People's Liberation Army in Tibet in consolidating national defence, driving out imperialist influences from Tibet, and safeguarding the unification of the territory and the sovereignty of the motherland. In 1956, on a trip to India to celebrate the Buddha's birthday, the Dalai Lama asked then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru if he would allow him political asylum should he choose to stay. Nehru discouraged this as a provocation against peace and reminded him of the Indian government's non-interventionist stance agreed upon in its 1954 treaty with China. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In 1959, at the age of 23, he took his final examination at Lhasa's Jokhang Temple during the annual Monlam Prayer Festival. He passed with honours and was awarded the Lharampa degree, the highest-level geshe degree, roughly equivalent to a doctorate in Buddhist philosophy. At the outset of the 1959 Tibetan uprising, fearing for his life, the Dalai Lama and his retinue fled Tibet with the help of the CIA's Special Activities Division, crossing into India on 30 March 1959, reaching Tezpur in Assam on 18 April. On 29 April 1959, the Dalai Lama established the independent Tibetan government in exile in the north Indian hill station of Mussoorie, which then moved in May 1960 to Dharamshala, where he resides, and which is often referred to as 'Little Lhasa'. He created a Tibetan educational system in order to teach the Tibetan children the language, history, religion, and culture. The Dalai Lama appealed to the United Nations on the rights of Tibetans. This appeal resulted in three resolutions adopted by the General Assembly in 1959, 1961, and 1965, all before the People's Republic was allowed representation at the United Nations. In 1970, he opened the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives in Dharamshala, which houses over 80,000 manuscripts and important knowledge resources related to Tibetan history, politics, and culture. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD His devotees, as well as much of the Western world, often call him His Holiness the Dalai Lama. He served as the resident spiritual and temporal leader of Tibet before 1959 and subsequently led the Tibetan government in exile represented by the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) in Dharamsala. The Dalai Lama stepped down as his people's political 'Head of the Tibetan Administration for Tibetans-in-exile' in 2011, an appointment he held since 1991, and passed the baton of secular power to a government chosen democratically by 130,000 Tibetans around the world. Dalai Lama the Person Until reaching his mid-80s, the Dalai Lama travelled worldwide to give Tibetan Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism teachings, and his Kalachakra teachings and initiations were international events. He also attended conferences on a wide range of subjects, including the relationship between religion and science, and met with other world leaders, religious leaders, philosophers, and scientists online and in person. His growing wish to develop meaningful scientific dialogue to explore the Buddhism and science interface led to invitations for him to attend relevant conferences on his visits to the West. He has said that had he not been brought up as a monk, he would probably have been an engineer. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Dalai Lama refers to himself as a follower of the Nalanda master. In fact, he often asserts that 'Tibetan Buddhism' is based on the Buddhist tradition of Nalanda monastery in ancient India and the texts written by the 17 Nalanda pandits (masters). These texts were brought to Tibet and translated into Tibetan when Buddhism was first established there and have remained central to the teachings of Tibetan Buddhism ever since. Since 2018, he has continued to teach on a reduced schedule, limiting his travel to within India only, and occasionally addressing international audiences via live webcasts. His work includes a focus on the environment, economics, women's rights, nonviolence, interfaith dialogue, physics, astronomy, cognitive neuroscience, and others. The Dalai Lama uses various meditation techniques, including analytic meditation and emptiness meditation. He has said that the aim of meditation is 'to maintain a very full state of alertness and mindfulness, and then try to see the natural state of your consciousness'. 'All human beings have an innate desire to overcome suffering, to find happiness. Training the mind to think differently, through meditation, is one important way to avoid suffering and be happy.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Dalai Lama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989. Time magazine named the Dalai Lama Gandhi's spiritual heir to nonviolence. The 12th General Assembly of the Asian Buddhist Conference for Peace in New Delhi unanimously recognised the Dalai Lama's contributions to global peace and his lifelong efforts in uniting Buddhist communities worldwide and bestowed upon him the title of 'Universal Supreme Leader of the Buddhist World'; they also designated July 6, his birthday, as the Universal Day of Compassion. The Dalai Lama is the author of numerous books on Buddhism. Dalai Lama's Succession Approach and Interpretation The Dalai Lama advocates for the welfare of Tibetans and since the early 1970s has called for the 'Middle Way Approach' with China to peacefully resolve the issue of Tibet. This policy was adopted democratically by the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) and the Tibetan people. The middle ground is a practical approach and mutually beneficial to both Tibetans and Chinese. The Tibetans can preserve their culture and religion and uphold their identity and China's assertion of sovereignty over Tibet. Despite initially advocating for Tibetan independence from 1961 to 1974, the Dalai Lama no longer supports it. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In September 2011, the Dalai Lama issued the following statement concerning his succession and reincarnation: 'When I am about ninety I will consult the high Lamas of the Tibetan Buddhist traditions, the Tibetan public, and other concerned people who follow Tibetan Buddhism, and re-evaluate whether the institution of the Dalai Lama should continue or not. On that basis we will take a decision. If it is decided that the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama should continue and there is a need for the 15th Dalai Lama to be recognised, responsibility for doing so will primarily rest on the concerned officers of the Dalai Lama's Gaden Phodrang Trust. They should consult the various heads of the Tibetan Buddhist traditions and the reliable oath-bound Dharma Protectors who are linked inseparably to the lineage of the Dalai Lamas. They should seek advice and direction from these concerned beings and carry out the procedures of search and recognition in accordance with past tradition. I shall leave clear written instructions about this. Bear in mind that, apart from the reincarnation recognised through such legitimate methods, no recognition or acceptance should be given to a candidate chosen for political ends by anyone, including those in the People's Republic of China.' In October 2011, the Dalai Lama repeated his statement in an interview with Canadian CTV News. He added that Chinese laws banning the selection of successors based on reincarnation will not impact his decisions. 'Naturally my next life is entirely up to me. No one else. And also this is not a political matter,' he said in the interview. The Dalai Lama also added that he has not decided on whether he will reincarnate or be the last Dalai Lama. In an interview with the German newspaper Welt am Sonntag, published on September 7, 2014, the Dalai Lama stated, 'The institution of the Dalai Lama has served its purpose,' and that 'We had a Dalai Lama for almost five centuries. The 14th Dalai Lama now is very popular. Let us then finish with a popular Dalai Lama.' In response, the Chinese government said the title of Dalai Lama has been conferred by the central government for hundreds of years and the 14th Dalai Lama has ulterior motives. Gyatso has also expressed fear that the Chinese government would manipulate any reincarnation selection in order to choose a successor that would go along with their political goals. The Chinese Government's Position The Chinese government is clear that the reincarnation was not just an 'internal religious matter' but also a matter of 'national sovereignty, government authority, religious principles, and the sentiments of lay followers'. In 2007, the traditional ceremony was incorporated into China's official regulations, along with a clause explicitly banning interference by overseas individuals and parties. Tibetan Buddhism in communist China has been forcefully integrated with Chinese characteristics and is a part of the oft-spoken sinicisation. China views the 14th Dalai Lama as a separatist and accuses him of inciting unrest, particularly in the 1980s and during the 2008 protests in Tibet. After the death of the 10th Panchen Lama in 1989, Beijing and the Dalai Lama recognised two separate boys as his successor, with the Dalai Lama's choice disappearing from public view for decades since. In a rare public comment on the issue, Zhao Lijian, then spokesman for China's foreign ministry, told a press conference in May 2020 that the Dalai Lama-nominated boy, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, was a working adult and that he and his family preferred to live a private life. Beijing is worried about possible social instability in case the Dalai Lama announces a successor. The Chinese-appointed Panchen Lama has been in the Tibetan regional capital, Lhasa, of late, carrying out duties such as office work, social research, and religious activities, according to local media. The Panchen Lama met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on June 6, when Xi told him to 'carry on the glorious tradition of Tibetan Buddhism of loving the country and religion and resolutely safeguard national and ethnic unity'. According to tradition, the next Dalai Lama will be recognised by the 11th Panchen Lama, but the current Panchen Lama is not recognised by the current Dalai Lama. Lhasa has traditionally been a power base of every Dalai Lama and the centre of unrest in 1959, the 1980s, and 2008. Indian Government's Stand India is estimated to be home to tens of thousands of Tibetan Buddhists who are free to study and work here. Many Indians revere the Dalai Lama, and international relations experts say his presence in India gives New Delhi a measure of leverage with China. Amid the recent row over the Dalai Lama's succession plan, the government on Friday said that India does not take a position on matters concerning religious belief or practice. Kiren Rijiju, India's minister of parliamentary and minority affairs and a practicing Buddhist, made a statement on the matter on Thursday, ahead of visiting the Dalai Lama's base at Dharamshala for the religious leader's 90th birthday on Sunday. 'No one has the right to interfere or decide who the successor of His Holiness the Dalai Lama will be,' he reportedly said. 'Only he or his institution has the authority to make that decision. His followers believe that deeply. It's important for disciples across the world that he decides his succession.' India's foreign ministry did not respond to a request for comment on the Dalai Lama's succession plan. Global Support The Dalai Lama has tried to mobilise international support for Tibetan activities. The Dalai Lama has been successful in gaining Western support for himself and the cause of greater Tibetan autonomy, including vocal support from numerous Hollywood celebrities, most notably the actors Richard Gere and Steven Seagal, as well as lawmakers from several major countries. The United States has historically supported greater Tibetan autonomy and passed legislation to counter Beijing's role in the succession process and its framing of Tibetan history. In 1967, the Dalai Lama was out of India for the first time since he resided here from 1959. The Japanese government granted him a visa on the condition he would not attack the People's Republic of China (PRC) while in Japan. However, with the rising of China, recent US policy has been ambivalent. The US and Indian support for Tibetan separatism has ebbed for various reasons. While there will almost certainly be discordant contestation between the Chinese government and the exiles after the Dalai Lama's passing, at least part of the Tibetan diaspora may opt for reconciliation, which China is likely to welcome. To Summarise The Dalai Lama maintains close ties with India. In 2008, the Dalai Lama said that Arunachal Pradesh, partially claimed by China, is part of India, citing the disputed 1914 Simla Accord. In 2010 at the International Buddhist Conference in Gujarat, he described himself as a 'son of India' and 'Tibetan in appearance but an Indian in spirituality'. Chinese Buddhists could also be deemed 'Indian in spirituality', because both Tibetan and Chinese Buddhism originated from India. The Dalai Lama says that he is active in spreading India's message of nonviolence and religious harmony throughout the world. 'I am the messenger of India's ancient thoughts the world over.' He has said that democracy has deep roots in India. He says he considers India the master and Tibet its disciple, as great scholars went from India to Tibet to teach Buddhism. The Nobel Peace Prize-winning monk's 90th birthday celebrations are expected to be a huge event. He has been encouraging people to plan for an eventual future without him and with another Dalai Lama. Many exiled Tibetans fear China will name a successor to bolster control over a territory it poured troops into in 1950. The 14th Dalai Lama has reaffirmed that he will be reincarnated and that the process of identifying his successor should follow traditional Tibetan Buddhist practices. In a message shared during a prayer ceremony and posted on social media, the Dalai Lama stated that only his non-profit institution, Gaden Phodrang Foundation, has the legitimate authority to oversee the selection of his reincarnation. He emphasised that the identification of the 15th Dalai Lama should involve consultation with senior leaders of Tibetan Buddhist schools and with spiritual entities known as oath-bound Dharma Protectors, following established historical customs. The Dalai Lama reaffirmed that his reincarnation will occur outside China. The Chinese government rejected the Dalai Lama's position. Officials in Beijing stated that the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama, as well as other high-ranking Tibetan Buddhist figures such as the Panchen Lama, must be approved by the central government. According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, the government holds ultimate authority in confirming the identity of reincarnated Tibetan spiritual leaders. All eyes are towards Dharamshala. The Dalai Lama's stand will matter. India's foreign policy establishment will have to walk the tightrope. The writer is former Director General, Centre for Air Power Studies. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost's views.
