Latest news with #LivingBuddhas
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.
India Gazette
04-07-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
China reiterates its claim to authority over Dalai Lama reincarnation process, cites centuries-old rituals
New Delhi [India], July 4 (ANI): Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong on Friday reiterated China's official stance on the reincarnation process of Tibetan Buddhist leaders, emphasising that it is governed by time-honoured rituals and cannot be determined by any one individual. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the envoy said, 'The reincarnation of Living Buddhas follows a fully developed set of established rituals, and has never been decided by a single individual including the 14th Dalai Lama himself.' Expanding on the historical practice surrounding the identification of reincarnated Tibetan spiritual figures, Xu stated, 'Over centuries of practice in the reincarnation and succession of Living Buddhas, particularly in the search for and identification of reincarnated soul boys, a rigorous and strictly regulated system of rituals and procedures has been established.' Detailing the specific traditional methods followed in the process, he added, 'These include divination, sacred lake observation, discreet visits, identification of the late Living Buddha's personal belongings, Golden Urn lottery, enthronement, and formal approval through conferment by the central government.' The remarks come amid ongoing global attention on the future reincarnation of the Dalai Lama, an issue that remains a point of contention between the Chinese government and the Tibetan leadership in exile. Reinforcing this stance, China's Foreign Ministry on Wednesday once again emphasised that the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama must be approved by the central government in Beijing. Spokesperson Mao Ning 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. 'Tibetan Buddhism was born in China and is a religion with Chinese characteristics,' spokesperson Mao Ning said in a news briefing. This comes after Union Minister of Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju asserted that the choice of the Dalai Lama's successor should rest solely with the spiritual leader himself, reflecting the belief of his followers worldwide amid China's recent statement on the matter. 'I am a devotee of the Dalai Lama. Anybody in the world who follows the Dalai Lama wants his successor to be chosen by the Dalai Lama himself,' Rijiju said. Dalai Lama earlier declared that the Gaden Phodrang Trust, a non-profit institution he established, has the sole authority to recognise his future reincarnation. Mao Ning referenced an 18th-century Qing dynasty selection method, which involves drawing lots from a golden urn to determine the reincarnation of high-ranking Buddhist figures. 'The reincarnation of the Dalai Lama, the Panchen Lama and other great Buddhist figures must be chosen by drawing lots from a golden urn, and approved by the central government,' said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning. China has regulations in place to manage the reincarnation of Tibetan living Buddhas, and Mao Ning defended these policies as necessary for adapting religious practices to Chinese traditions. Mao also said, 'The Chinese government implements a policy of freedom of religious belief, but there are regulations on religious affairs and methods for managing the reincarnation of Tibetan living Buddhas.' China has been trying to exert control over Tibetan Buddhist traditions, particularly the reincarnation process of high-ranking lamas like the Dalai Lama. Over a lifetime in exile, the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, has become synonymous with Tibet and its quest for genuine autonomy under Beijing's tightening grip on the Himalayan region. From his adopted hometown of Dharamshala, where he established a government-in-exile, the spiritual leader has unified Tibetans at home and in exile and elevated their plight onto the global stage. Dalai Lama emphasized that the process will be guided by centuries-old religious traditions and in consultation with senior Tibetan Buddhist leaders and spiritual protectors and rejected China's claims of authority over the reincarnation process, stating that no one else has the right to interfere in this matter. In a statement on Wednesday, Dalai Lama stated, 'The process by which a future Dalai Lama is to be recognized has been clearly established in the 24 September 2011 statement which states that responsibility for doing so will rest exclusively with members of the Gaden Phodrang Trust, the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. 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 accordingly carry out the procedures of search and recognition in accordance with past tradition.' 'I hereby reiterate that the Gaden Phodrang Trust has sole authority to recognise the future reincarnation; no one else has any such authority to interfere in this matter,' he added. The Dalai Lama noted that he had not made any public statements on the issue over the past 14 years. However, leaders of Tibet's spiritual traditions have written to him with reasons, earnestly requesting that the institution of the Dalai Lama continue. 'Although I have had no public discussions on this issue, over the last 14 years leaders of Tibet's spiritual traditions, members of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile, participants in a Special General Body Meeting, members of the Central Tibetan Administration, NGOs, Buddhists from the Himalayan region, Mongolia, Buddhist republics of the Russian Federation and Buddhists in Asia including mainland China, have written to me with reasons, earnestly requesting that the institution of the Dalai Lama continue. In particular, I have received messages through various channels from Tibetans in Tibet making the same appeal. In accordance with all these requests, I am affirming that the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue,' he said. The atheist Chinese Communist Party, which annexed Tibet in 1951, has in recent years stepped up its long-standing efforts to influence the Tibetan Buddhist religion and forcibly assimilate the population in Tibet as part of a broader effort to control ethnic and religious minorities. It replicated many of these practices during a fierce crackdown on the Muslim Uyghur population in the Xinjiang region. The Dalai Lama fled Tibet in 1959 after a failed popular uprising against Chinese control, and relocated to northern India, where he set up a government-in-exile in Dharamshala. In 1989, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize 'for advocating peaceful solutions based upon tolerance and mutual respect.' The Dalai Lama has long been cautious about Beijing's attempts to meddle with the reincarnation system of Tibetan Buddhism, a tradition deeply rooted in the spiritual and cultural heritage of Tibet. At the heart of this issue is the belief that enlightened spiritual masters like the Dalai Lama can choose the place and time of their rebirth through the force of compassion and prayer. A significant point of contention is the reincarnation of the Panchen Lama, the second-highest figure in Tibetan Buddhism. In 1995, Beijing installed its own Panchen Lama, disregarding the Dalai Lama's choice for the role. The Dalai Lama's chosen Panchen Lama, a six-year-old boy at the time, has since disappeared from public view. In Tibetan tradition, the Dalai Lamas and Panchen Lamas have played key roles in recognizing each other's reincarnations. This mutual recognition process is essential to maintaining the integrity and authenticity of the reincarnation system. Beijing's interference in the reincarnation system is seen as an attempt to exert control over Tibetan Buddhism and undermine the Dalai Lama's spiritual authority. By installing its own candidates for key spiritual roles, Beijing aims to shape the future of Tibetan Buddhism in a way that aligns with its own interests. (ANI)
Mint
03-07-2025
- Politics
- Mint
The Dalai Lama vs China battle heats up: Beijing says choosing his successor ‘by no means' an internal religious matter
The Dalai Lama has announced that his reincarnation and successor will be chosen without any role from China's Communist Party. This decision goes against Beijing's past claims of control over the process. While the Dalai Lama has confirmed he will reincarnate, he did not say when or where. His video statement was shown to senior monks in Dharamshala. The Dalai Lama currently lives in McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala, in Himachal Pradesh. 'I hereby reiterate that the Gaden Phodrang Trust has sole authority to recognise the future reincarnation; no one else has any such authority to interfere in this matter,' the spiritual leader said in his statement. Now, China is likely to get offended by the Dalai Lama's strong statement. Beijing has long tried to influence Tibetan religious matters. The Dalai Lama earlier said he would speak about his successor around his 90th birthday. On July 6, the 14th Dalai Lama will turn 90. However, the issue has been debated for decades. Chosen as the 13th Dalai Lama's reincarnation as a baby, he became the leader in 1939 when Tibet was free from China. However, the Chinese army took control in 1950. The Dalai Lama first worked with Mao Zedong, the legendary leader of the Chinese Communist Party. Later, after a 1959 uprising, the religious leader fled to India. In 1995, 6-year-old Gedhun Choekyi Nyima was recognised by the 14th Dalai Lama as the 11th Panchen Lama, the second most important spiritual leader in Tibetan Buddhism. Three days after the selection, the Chinese government took Gedhun Choekyi Nyima and his family into custody. Nobody has seen or heard of them ever since. China picked its own Panchen Lama, Gyaincain Norbu. The Chinese Communist Party wants its members to be atheists though this rule is often ignored. At the same time, it insists on controlling top religious leaders. Earlier this week, Xinhua promoted the old 'golden urn' method to choose new lamas. Qing emperors used the method to control Tibet from 1720. An editorial by the Chinese state media strongly opposed the Dalai Lama's right to choose his successor. 'The reincarnation of Tibetan Buddhist Living Buddhas has never been decided by reincarnated individuals. This principle applies particularly to the Dalai Lama reincarnation lineage,' Xinhua wrote on July 2. 'The reincarnation of Living Buddhas is by no means merely an internal religious matter, nor is it solely the "unique predestined bond" claimed by the 14th Dalai Lama,' it added.
Daily News Egypt
02-07-2025
- Politics
- Daily News Egypt
Reincarnation of Living Buddhas never decided by reincarnated individuals: signed article
The following is a signed article by Li Decheng, deputy director-general of and a research fellow with China Tibetology Research Center. Reincarnation of Living Buddhas never decided by reincarnated individuals: signed article Recently, the Dalai clique and international anti-China forces have colluded to clamor about the reincarnation of Tibetan Buddhist Living Buddhas, claiming that it is an internal religious affair to be decided by the reincarnated individuals themselves. Historical facts demonstrate that the reincarnation of Tibetan Buddhist Living Buddhas, including the search for and confirmation of successive Dalai Lamas, has never followed such a precedent. The reincarnation of Living Buddhas is by no means merely an internal religious matter, nor is it solely the 'unique predestined bond' claimed by the 14th Dalai Lama. Instead, it reflects national sovereignty, governmental authority, religious principles, and the sentiments of lay followers. I. The reincarnation of Dalai Lamas has never been decided by reincarnated individuals The reincarnation of Tibetan Buddhist Living Buddhas has never been decided by reincarnated individuals. This principle applies particularly to the Dalai Lama reincarnation lineage. The established Dalai Lama reincarnation lineage system commenced with the third Dalai Lama, Sonam Gyatso, while the religious community posthumously recognized the first and second Dalai Lamas. Records, such as the biography of the third Dalai Lama, Sonam Gyatso, document his birth in a location near Lhasa (present-day Doilungdeqen District of Lhasa) in 1543 and the subsequent observation of auspicious signs that led to his identification as a reincarnated candidate. In 1544, disciples of the late Gendun Gyatso of Drepung Monastery visited Sonam Gyatso. They verified the reincarnation through tests such as asking the child to identify a Buddha statue and a rosary belonging to Gendun Gyatso. Later, after years of investigation by eminent religious monks and with the approval of the leader of the Phagmodrupa local government in Xizang at the time, a formal enthronement ceremony was held in 1547 for Sonam Gyatso at Drepung Monastery, where he was recognized as the 'Drepung Living Buddha.' The Desi (chief minister) of the Phagmodrupa government presided over the ceremony and issued official proclamations. These facts clearly demonstrate that the Drepung Living Buddha was identified and established through the collective religious rituals and procedures by eminent monks from monasteries of the Gelug sect of Tibetan Buddhism in Lhasa, with the approval of the local government of Xizang. In 1578, Sonam Gyatso was granted the honorific title 'Dalai Lama Vajradhara, All-knowing Holiness' by Altan Khan, leader of the Mongol Tumet tribe, who had been bestowed the title of Prince Shunyi by the Ming Dynasty government. This was the first time the Drepung Living Buddha had been referred to as the Dalai Lama. The fourth Dalai Lama, Yonten Gyatso, was a great-grandson of Altan Khan. With the support of the Mongol Tumet tribe, a delegation from the three major monasteries of Lhasa traveled to Inner Mongolia in 1592 to investigate his identity. After obtaining the approval of the Phagmodrupa Desi, King Nampar Jeva of Tsang, his enthronement ceremony was held at Raiqen Monastery in 1603. The fifth Dalai Lama, Ngawang Lobsang Gyatso, was selected by the Gelug sect monastic group at Raiqen Monastery in 1622 from three reincarnated candidates through a lot-drawing procedure and approved for enthronement by the local government of Xizang. The procedure for recognizing the fifth Dalai Lama has meaningful relevance to the later system of drawing lots from the golden urn, which was implemented by the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) government. In Xizang's history, there was a period when three different individuals were regarded as the sixth Dalai Lama, which reflected the complex and intertwined disputes in Xizang at the time. At the request of the Gelug sect monastic group and the local government of Xizang, the Qing Dynasty central government successively recognized Tsangyang Gyatso, Yeshe Gyatso, and Kelsang Gyatso as the sixth Dalai Lama. Kelsang Gyatso passed away in 1757. In 1762, with the approval of the Qing Dynasty government, his reincarnation, Jampel Gyatso, was enthroned at the Potala Palace. It was not until 1780, when the sixth Panchen traveled to Chengde to offer birthday greetings to the Qianlong Emperor and reported on the matter, that the emperor accepted the appeals from the Panchen and other Tibetan Buddhist leaders to officially recognize Jampel Gyatso as the eighth Dalai Lama. In 1781, when the Qianlong Emperor formally conferred the title of the eighth Dalai Lama, he simultaneously affirmed Kelsang Gyatso as the seventh Dalai Lama and Tsangyang Gyatso as the sixth. This marked a direct clarification and ordering of the Dalai Lama reincarnation lineage from the perspective of the central government, highlighting the central government's authority in managing the issue of the Dalai Lama's reincarnation. To prevent individuals from exercising arbitrary power and ensure the sanctity and purity of the reincarnation process, the golden urn lot-drawing system was implemented in 1793. From then on, the identification of reincarnations for both the Dalai Lama and the Panchen Erdeni was carried out either through drawing lots from the golden urn or through special exemptions granted by the central government. Historically, the 9th, 13th, and 14th Dalai Lamas were exempted from the golden urn lot-drawing process by special approval of the central government, while the 10th, 11th, and 12th Dalai Lamas were recognized through the golden urn lot-drawing ceremony. All the aforementioned Dalai Lamas were formally approved by the central government. These historical facts fully demonstrate that the reincarnations of successive Dalai Lamas have always been sought and identified through religious procedures by the Gelug sect monastic community, with the approval of the government. There has never been a case where the decision was made solely by the reincarnated individual. II. The reincarnation of Living Buddhas follows rigorous historical conventions and rules — it is not subject to individual decision The system of reincarnation for Living Buddhas has evolved over more than 700 years, forming a comprehensive set of religious rituals, historical conventions, and relevant principles that are strictly observed by all sects of Tibetan Buddhism. Among these, the principles and rules concerning reincarnation must be given due importance. (1) The reincarnation of Living Buddhas must adhere to the principle of government oversight The formation of the Living Buddha reincarnation system is inextricably linked to the support of the central government. As such, a key aspect of the system is that the final authority for approving a reincarnated successor rests with the government. From the perspectives of national sovereignty and governmental authority, the central government exercises an approval and conferral system for the reincarnations of influential Living Buddhas. This reflects the state's sovereignty over regions such as Xizang and its authoritative role in the recognition of reincarnations. It embodies the principle that the state is above religion, with political authority taking precedence over religious authority, and that religious followers are citizens first and foremost. It also reflects the principle that religions will prevail with the support of the state. Historically, the system of Living Buddha reincarnation was established and developed precisely through conferral and approval by the central government. The reincarnation of Living Buddhas, especially those of significant influence, has always been incorporated into the scope of government administration. In 1334, Emperor Shun of the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) conferred the title 'Yuantong Zhufa Xingkong Buddha Karmapa (the Buddha who perfectly comprehends the emptiness of the nature of all phenomena)' upon Rangjung Dorje — the first Living Buddha in Tibetan Buddhism to be officially recognized — who was later confirmed as the Third Karmapa. Rangjung Dorje was also granted an imperial edict, the seal of State Preceptor, and other honors. Through this conferment, his legitimate status as a reincarnated Living Buddha was formally recognized by the Yuan Dynasty central government, and the 'Karmapa' title was officially sanctioned for use and succession. The imperial recognition also transformed the reincarnation of Living Buddhas from a spontaneous folk practice into a system with legitimacy, laying the foundation for the institutional development of the reincarnation system of Living Buddhas. The title of the Dalai Lama reincarnation system was also conferred and confirmed by the central government. After Sonam Gyatso was enthroned at the Drepung Monastery in 1547, the Ming Dynasty government dispatched envoys to Qinghai in 1579 to grant him the title 'Huguo Hongjiao Chanshi (state-protecting, dharma-promoting Zen master),' along with items including a seal, an edict, and a monastic robe. This confirmed and recognized the legitimacy of his status as a reincarnated Living Buddha and the reincarnation system by the central government. In 1653, the fifth Dalai Lama, Ngawang Lobsang Gyatso, was summoned to Beijing to meet the Shunzhi Emperor of the Qing Dynasty. The Qing Dynasty government conferred upon him the title 'the Dalai Lama, Overseer of the Buddhist Faith on Earth under the Great Benevolent Self-subsisting Buddha of the Western Paradise,' and granted him a golden certificate and golden seal. Thus, 'Dalai Lama' officially became the exclusive title of this reincarnation system, and his status in Xizang's religious sphere was formally recognized by the central government. From then on, it became customary for each successive Dalai Lama to be officially confirmed by the central government after reincarnation. Historically, the reincarnation of Living Buddhas, especially those of great influence, was subject to government approval and oversight. The establishment of the Dalai Lama reincarnation system was not the decision of any individual, but rather approved by local authorities. Throughout history, each successive Dalai Lama was recognized, approved, and enthroned with the consent of both local and central governments. (2) The reincarnation of Living Buddhas must follow the principle of management according to law Managing religious affairs in accordance with the law is a universal practice that has been observed throughout history and around the world. Managing the reincarnation of Living Buddhas in accordance with the law is an important aspect of China's administration of religious affairs. Managing religious affairs in accordance with the law involves matters related to state interests and public interests; it does not constitute interference in the internal affairs of religion. Once the reincarnation system of Living Buddhas was established, it came under the framework of legal management. During the Yuan and Ming dynasties, the central government's system of conferring titles upon grand Living Buddhas embodied the spirit and principles of the rule of law. The Qing Dynasty government promulgated the Imperially Approved Ordinance for the Better Governance of Tibet (29-Article Ordinance), based on which the eighth Dalai Lama issued a proclamation for the Year of the Water Buffalo. Both stipulated detailed provisions for implementing the golden urn lot-drawing system. The Nationalist Government, the then central authorities of China, promulgated a set of regulations on the reincarnation of Lamas, under which the reincarnation and recognition of the 13th and 14th Dalai Lamas were completed. In 2007, the Chinese government issued the Measures on the Management of the Reincarnation of Living Buddhas in Tibetan Buddhism, which clearly stipulated that reincarnations of Living Buddhas of different levels of influence must be approved by different government departments. Managing the reincarnation of Living Buddhas in accordance with the law is a concrete embodiment of the universal spirit of the rule of law. Sakyamuni urged his disciples to strictly abide by the laws of the king, and true Buddhist followers should never disregard national laws or consider themselves beyond the jurisdiction of the law. Therefore, individual wishes must be subject to state law, and the reincarnation of Living Buddhas must not disregard national laws under the pretext of 'religious affairs' or 'the personal wishes of the reincarnated.' (3) The reincarnation of Living Buddhas must adhere to the principle of confirmation through dharma Buddhism has always advocated 'following the dharma, not individuals,' meaning that internal Buddhist affairs must be handled according to Buddhist principles rather than personal wishes — and the reincarnation of Living Buddhas is no exception. According to Tibetan Buddhist views and the practice of 'divine judgement of the true reincarnation,' the confirmation of a reincarnation's true identity is not determined by the personal wishes of the reincarnated individual or by others. Still, it follows religious rituals and historical conventions, through applying the principle of doctrinal determination. Tibetan Buddhism holds that a Living Buddha reincarnates into the world to uphold the dharma, fulfill the Bodhisattva vow, and bring salvation. Therefore, when confirming a reincarnation, drawing lots from the golden urn before the Buddha and relying on the Buddha's compassionate blessings and enlightened determination is regarded as the most sacred, solemn, and impartial method. Methods like drawing lots from the golden urn embody the doctrine of 'the Buddha's decision through dharma.' They cannot be manipulated by individuals, much less decided by the personal will of the reincarnated individual. As the saying goes, 'real gold does not fear the test of fire.' (4) The reincarnation of Living Buddhas must follow the principle of respecting the sentiments of lay followers From the perspective of lay followers, Tibetan Buddhism holds that Buddhas manifest in this world out of compassion, never abandoning sentient beings, and returning by the power of their vows. In the reincarnation of Living Buddhas, the 'sentient beings' they do not abandon are not a vague or broad concept, but specifically the devoted followers — the religious community. The 'vows' refer to the aspirations to attain enlightenment, practice the Bodhisattva path, and deliver sentient beings. In the process of reincarnation, the target of these vows is precisely the Tibetan Buddhist faithful. Thus, the reincarnation of a Living Buddha occurs in response to the needs of the believers. The majority of Tibetan Buddhist believers reside in China, specifically within regions where Tibetan Buddhism is practiced. Therefore, in practice, reincarnated Living Buddhas do not abandon their followers or the land that nurtures them, and can only reincarnate within China, rather than in places where Tibetan Buddhism is not traditionally practiced. Thus, decisions about whether to reincarnate and where to reincarnate must respect the sentiments and wishes of the lay followers, and cannot be decided solely by the reincarnated individual. Precisely out of respect for the sentiments of the faithful, the Measures on the Management of the Reincarnation of Tibetan Buddhist Living Buddhas stipulate that 'the request of the majority of local believers and monastery management organizations for reincarnation' is a fundamental condition for reincarnation. In summary, there has never been a precedent in the history of Tibetan Buddhism, including the reincarnations of successive Dalai Lamas, where the reincarnated individual alone decides the matter. Since the establishment of the reincarnation system of Living Buddhas, it has consistently adhered to and respected principles and traditions of government oversight, management according to law, confirmation through doctrinal determination, and respect for the sentiments of the faithful. There is simply no basis for the reincarnated individual alone to decide the matter, and any attempt to politicize the reincarnation of Living Buddhas will ultimately prove futile.
