The Dalai Lama has stated in his new book that his successor will be born outside China, marking the first time he has explicitly confirmed that his reincarnation will take place in the “free world” to ensure the continuation of the Tibetan cause.
China has long insisted that it will choose his successor, but the Dalai Lama rejects this claim, warning that any Beijing-appointed figure will lack legitimacy.
In his book Voice for the Voiceless: Over Seven Decades of Struggle with China for My Land and My People, released Tuesday in the US, the 89-year-old spiritual leader writes that Tibet remains “in the grip of repressive Communist Chinese rule” and vows that the struggle for its freedom will continue beyond his lifetime.
“Since the purpose of a reincarnation is to carry on the work of the predecessor, the new Dalai Lama will be born in the free world so that the traditional mission of the Dalai Lama — that is, to be the voice for universal compassion, the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, and the symbol of Tibet embodying the aspirations of the Tibetan people — will continue,” he wrote.
At a press briefing on Monday, China’s foreign ministry dismissed the statement, calling the Dalai Lama a “political exile engaged in anti-China separatist activities under the cloak of religion.”
The Dalai Lama has also announced that he will share details regarding his succession plans around his 90th birthday in July.
