Central govt has final say on reincarnation of Dalai Lama

In the matter of the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama, the Chinese central government has unquestionable, ultimate decision-making authority, which is also a belief adhered to by the vast number of Tibetan Buddhism followers, the chairman of the Xizang autonomous region said on Tuesday.

Starting from the 5th Dalai Lama (1617-1682), the title has been conferred on all successors by the central government, which is the source of the religious status and historical legitimacy of the Dalai Lama title.

The reincarnation of living Buddhas follows strict religious rituals and historical conventions, and the legitimacy of the title of the Dalai Lama in fact originates from the central government, Gama Cedain, chairman of Xizang, said during a news conference held by the State Council Information Office on the region's economic and social development achievements since it was established 60 years ago.

On several occasions in the past, the 14th Dalai Lama has said he might reincarnate while still alive. At other times, he has said he will personally choose his successor.

In July, he released the so-called "Statement Affirming the Continuation of the Institution of Dalai Lama", personally appointing a trust to recognize the future reincarnation.

"Reincarnation has never been solely determined by the Dalai Lama himself," Gama Cedain said. "The reincarnation of the Dalai Lama must strictly follow the principle of 'carrying out the search domestically, drawing lots from a golden urn, and gaining approval from the central government', while complying with the country's laws and regulations."

Tsering Deji, deputy director and associate researcher of the Xizang Academy of Social Sciences' Institute of Religion, said the 14th Dalai Lama's multiple claims on his reincarnation all aim to bypass approval from the central government, which is in fact a crucial step in the reincarnation process of the living Buddhas of Tibetan Buddhism.

"Such remarks have shown that he has a nonserious attitude toward the lineage of the Dalai Lama, which has a history spanning several hundred years and holds extensive and revered authority among followers of the Gelug sect of Tibetan Buddhism," she said in Lhasa, the capital of the Xizang autonomous region. "The issue of reincarnation should not be sensationalized or used to attract public attention."

She said that anyone with even a modest understanding of history knows that the Dalai Lama's reincarnation process involves a series of historical customs and religious rituals, which can only be completed after reporting to the central government and obtaining its approval.

"Therefore, his claims are all attempts to challenge or deny the ultimate authority of the central government in the matter of the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama," Tsering Deji said.

cuijia@chinadaily.com.cn