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Hindustan Times
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Tibetan political leader slams Chinese ambassador's remarks on Dalai Lama's reincarnation
The political leader of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), Sikyong Penpa Tsering, has dismissed the recent remarks made by Chinese Ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, on the reincarnation of the 14th Dalai Lama, saying they reflect a complete ignorance of the concept of reincarnation. Sikyong Penpa Tsering (AFP) Taking to social media recently, the Chinese diplomat shared that the Dalai Lama has no authority to decide whether the reincarnation system will continue or not. This comes after the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader announced on July 2 that the 600-year-old institution of the Dalai Lama will continue and that Gaden Phodrang Trust has sole authority to recognise the future reincarnation. Sikyong Penpa Tsering said, 'The social media post by the ambassador is ignorant of the very concept of reincarnation, because the whole purpose of reincarnation is for a spiritually realised person to decide where he or she should be reborn to carry on the responsibilities or activities of the previous life or lives.' Sikyong said that the post, in fact, reflects complete ignorance of the very notion of reincarnation and the reason and objective behind it. 'For a government that does not believe in any religion, being responsible for recognition and forcing Lamas inside to be part of that decision-making process is pitiful,' Tsering said. Taking to X, ambassador Xu Feihong shared that 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 1,000 reincarnation systems of Living Buddhas in Xizang and Tibetan-inhabited prefectures/counties of Sichuan, Yunnan, Gansu and Qinghai provinces. 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,' he added. In his July 2 statement, the Dalai Lama said his decision was influenced by numerous requests from Tibetan spiritual leaders, members of the Tibetan Parliament-in-exile, and the Buddhist diaspora in the Himalayas, Mongolia, the Russian Federation and Asia, including mainland China, that the institution should continue. The spiritual leader reiterated that the Gaden Phodrang Trust has sole authority to recognise the future reincarnation and no one else has any such authority to interfere in this matter. After this announcement, an irate Beijing, which describes the Dalai Lama as a 'separatist', countered that the spiritual leader's reincarnation 'must be approved by the central (Chinese) government'. The process of recognising the reincarnations of lamas in Tibetan Buddhism is solely and uniquely a Tibetan religious tradition. In contrast, China maintains that the process of selecting his successor must adhere to Chinese law, asserting its control over Tibetan Buddhism and rejecting any succession beyond its authority.
India Gazette
06-07-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Taiwan's President wishes Dalai Lama on 90th birthday
Taipei [Taiwan], July 6 (ANI): Taiwan's President Lai Ching-Te on Sunday extended his wishes to the Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama on his 90th birthday, appreciating his dedication to peace and human rights. Lai said Dalai Lama's values resonates in Taiwan. In a post on social media platform X, he said, 'Heartfelt wishes for Your Holiness the Dalai Lama's 90th birthday. On this special occasion, we extend our great appreciation for your dedication to peace and human rights--values that resonate deeply in Taiwan. May you continue to illuminate the world with compassion and wisdom.' Meanwhile, the Chinese Ambassador to India, Xu Feihong said that the Dalai Lama has no authority to decide whether the reincarnation system shall continue or be abolished and that the reincarnation of Dalai Lamas neither began from him nor will end due to him. In a post on X, he said, 'Facts You Must Know about Dalai Lama Reincarnation: 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. 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.' Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs took a neutral stance on the issue, stating that India upheld the freedom of religion. In a post on X, the MEA said, 'We have seen reports relating to the statement made by His Holiness the Dalai Lama about the continuation of the Dalai Lama institution. Government of India does not take any position or speak on matters concerning beliefs and practices of faith and religion. Government has always upheld freedom of religion for all in India and will continue to do so.' Beijing has repeatedly accused Taiwan's leaders of seeking 'independence,' and views Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te as a 'separatist,' launching large-scale drills days after Lai's inauguration last year as reported by CNN. Lai, who has long been a champion of Taiwan's sovereignty, has called on China to cease its intimidation, but he has also spoken frequently of the importance of maintaining 'peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.' CNN reported that polls consistently show people in Taiwan, a thriving and outspoken democracy, have no desire to be ruled by China, an authoritarian one-party state. (ANI)
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.
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First Post
06-07-2025
- Politics
- First Post
'Reincarnation not his call': Rattled Chinese envoy clashes with Dalai Lama over succession plan
China's statement came after the 14th Dalai Lama few days back made it clear that a trust — not the Chinese government — will decide on matters of succession read more Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama addresses via a video message at the inaugural session at the 15th Tibetan Religious Conference at the Dalai Lama Library and Archive near Tsuglagkhang, also known as Dalai Lama's Temple complex, in the northern hill town of Dharamshala, India. Reuters As the buzz around the succession of the 14th Dalai Lama gains traction on social media on his 90th birthday, a rattled China has asserted that the spiritual leader doesn't hold any authority to decide on matters related to the centuries-old reincarnation system. Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong wrote on X on Sunday (July 6) that the 14th Dalai Lama is only 'one part' of the 700-year-old tradition. 'The reincarnation of Dalai Lamas neither began from him nor will end due to him," Feihong wrote. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Facts You Must Know about #DalaiLama Reincarnation: 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.… — Xu Feihong (@China_Amb_India) July 6, 2025 The envoy described the Living Buddha reincarnation practice as a 'distinctive succession tradition of Tibetan Buddhism,' noting that it remains active and widespread, with over 1,000 reincarnation lineages currently thriving in Xizang (Tibet) and Tibetan communities across Sichuan, Yunnan, Gansu, and Qinghai. What triggered Chinese response? China's statement came after the 14th Dalai Lama few days back made it clear that a trust — not the Chinese government — will decide on the matter of succession. The revered spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism clarified his succession plan during a major gathering of Buddhist leaders in Dharamshala to celebrate his 90th birthday. For the first time, he explicitly stated his belief that he will be reincarnated. Speaking at the convention, the Dalai Lama outlined that the process to identify the next Dalai Lama will involve consultations with spiritual leaders, the Tibetan Government-in-Exile, and other key figures. This move asserts his authority over the sacred tradition, directly challenging Beijing's influence. Beijing quickly fired back, insisting that any reincarnation must have its approval, reigniting tensions over the future of Tibetan spiritual leadership. The Chinese government in response pointed to a 2007 regulation passed in Tibet asserting state authority over the recognition of reincarnated lamas — a position rejected by the global Tibetan community. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
News18
06-07-2025
- Politics
- News18
'Reincarnation Not His Call': Chinese Envoy To India Counters Dalai Lama On Succession
Last Updated: The statement follows the 14th Dalai Lama's confirmation of a succession plan, in which he asserted that the decision would rest with a trust, not the Chinese government Amid the ongoing debate around the succession of the Dalai Lama, the Chinese Ambassador to India said on Sunday that the 14th Dalai Lama does not hold the authority to decide whether the centuries-old reincarnation system will 'continue or be abolished". The statement comes after the 14th Dalai Lama confirmed his succession plan, in which he asserted that the decision would rest with a trust, not the Chinese government, and made it clear for the first time that he believes he will be reincarnated. 'The reincarnation of Dalai Lamas neither began from him nor will end due to him," Ambassador Xu Feihong wrote on X, adding that the current Dalai Lama is only one part of a long-standing religious tradition spanning over 700 years. Referring to the practice of Living Buddha reincarnation as a 'unique succession method of Tibetan Buddhism," the envoy said the system is active and widespread, with over 1,000 reincarnation lineages currently present in Xizang (Tibet) and Tibetan-inhabited regions of Sichuan, Yunnan, Gansu, and Qinghai. Dalai Lama On Succession In a long-awaited statement, he announced that the process of identifying his successor would begin with consultations involving spiritual leaders, the Tibetan Government-in-Exile, and other key stakeholders. Beijing responded swiftly, reiterating its claim that any reincarnation must be approved by China's central government. It pointed to a 2007 regulation passed in Tibet asserting state authority over the recognition of reincarnated lamas — a position rejected by the global Tibetan community. First Published:
