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China, Dalai Lama Steel for Battle Over New Tibet Leader

Dalai Lama prepared to break with tradition in selection process

By Amelia Atlas,  Newser User

Posted Jun 7, 2009 6:03 AM CDT
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(Newser) – With the Dalai Lama nearing 74, Chinese officials and Tibetan spiritual leaders are steeling for the possibility of competing successors after his death. Historically, the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama has been found within Tibet, which has been controlled by China since 1951. Chinese officials insist on adhering to tradition, but the current Dalai Lama has expressed a willingness to break with custom, reports the New York Times.

The Chinese have already passed a 2007 law demanding approval of all Lamas by the Chinese government, but they have struggled to find spiritual leaders who both support their rule and command respect from Tibetans. The Karmapa, another Tibetan spiritual figure, could presage the problems that may lie in store for the Dalai Lama selection. Groomed by Chinese leaders, he fled to India at the age of 14 and now is a disciple of the current Dalai Lama.

The Dalai Lama arrives at a news conference at the University of California in Santa Barbara during a visit earlier this year.
The Dalai Lama arrives at a news conference at the University of California in Santa Barbara during a visit earlier this year.   (AP Photo/Richard Vogel)
Many believe the Tibetan Buddhist leader, the 17th Karmapa Ugen Trinley Dorjee, will serve as an interim leader for Tibet after the Dalai Lama's death.
Many believe the Tibetan Buddhist leader, the 17th Karmapa Ugen Trinley Dorjee, will serve as an interim leader for Tibet after the Dalai Lama's death.   (AP Photo/Ashwini Bhatia)
Tibetan spiritual leaders Dalai Lama and the Karmapa Lama flank Hindu spiritual leader Shankaracharya Divyanand Teerth during a conference in April.
Tibetan spiritual leaders Dalai Lama and the Karmapa Lama flank Hindu spiritual leader Shankaracharya Divyanand Teerth during a conference in April.   (AP Photo/Ashwini Bhatia)
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It’s a huge but ultracritical issue, with no clear outcome or solution except one: trouble. It is going to end up with two Dalai Lamas and thus with long-running conflict...
- Robert Barnett, Tibet scholar, Columbia University

This is a religious matter. Of course there’s a political implication there, but it’s mainly a religious matter, spiritual matter, so therefore I have to discuss it with leaders, spiritual leaders. - the Daiai Lama

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COMMENTS
Showing 1 of 1 comment
kokuaguy
Jun 8, 2009 2:19 AM CDT
"Chinese officials insist on adhering to tradition...." If only !!!

Dalai Lama rethinks selection process
Time

Dalai Lama heats up rhetoric over selection tension
BBC

 
China • Dalai Lama • Tibetans in exile • succession • Karmapa

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