The Dalai Lama, Tibet’s spiritual leader, is set to choose his successor despite China’s efforts to intervene. The 90-year-old spiritual head has insisted that only his office will have the authority to appoint a new Dalai Lama, rejecting China’s claim to participate in the selection process.
The choice of the next Dalai Lama involves ancient rituals and traditions, including identifying objects belonging to previous Dalai Lamas and examining the ashes after cremation. The process is complex and has been a subject of contention between the Tibetan government-in-exile and China.
As celebrations take place in India for the current Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday, tensions remain over the selection process. China’s desire to legitimize its control over Tibet drives its interest in selecting a new Dalai Lama who aligns with its agenda. The situation could lead to a potential dual succession, where both the Tibetan government-in-exile and China claim legitimacy.
The Dalai Lama has a long-standing prediction that he will live beyond 110 years old. As the world waits for his successor to be chosen, observers are watching closely for any signs of change in Tibet’s spiritual landscape.
Source: https://abcnews.go.com/International/choose-dalai-lamas-successor-tibetan-spiritual-leader-tightens/story?id=123444183