Dalai Lama: There will be a successor

Even after the death of the current Dalai Lama, there will be a successor to the spiritual leader of Tibet. The 14th Dalai Lama declared this at his residence in Dharamsala, northern India . "I confirm that the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue," he said in a video message released on Wednesday. He turns 90 next Sunday.

In recent years, he has been urgently requested by numerous people in Tibet, Tibetans in exile, Buddhists from the entire Himalayan region and other countries "to ensure that the institution of the Dalai Lama continues," the Nobel Peace Prize winner said in his message.

With his announcement, the Dalai Lama dispelled speculation about whether the centuries-old tradition would continue. Tibet is controlled by China , and the Dalai Lama himself has lived in exile in India as a stateless Tibetan since his escape in 1959.

China claims reincarnation

The search for a successor and his recognition as the reincarnation of the current Dalai Lama should be conducted "in accordance with past tradition," the statement said. Only the non-profit organization he founded in Dharamsala, the Gaden Phodrang Trust, may select the successor. No one else has "such authority to interfere in this matter."

Criticism and opposition immediately followed the Dalai Lama's announcement from China. The Foreign Ministry reiterated that only the Chinese government had the right to decide on the Dalai Lama's reincarnation. "The reincarnation of great Buddhist figures like the Dalai Lama must be determined by drawing lots from the Golden Urn and subsequently approved by the central government," Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning emphasized in Beijing. China still considers the Dalai Lama a separatist.

The head of the Tibetan government in exile, Penpa Tsering, rejected any Chinese influence. "The Tibetans alone will decide on the rebirth of the Dalai Lama," Tsering told Ippen Media. "We know, of course, that the government in Beijing has been preparing for His Holiness's death for many years." One day, he said, there could be two Dalai Lamas—one recognized by the Tibetans and one appointed by China. "Beijing believes that it can control the Tibetans if it controls the Dalai Lama," Tsering said.

Tibetan Buddhists believe that important spiritual teachers (lamas) are reincarnated after their death. Thus, it is possible to find the next reincarnation of a Dalai Lama. According to Tibetan census, the current Dalai Lama was appointed political leader of the Tibetans at the age of 16—just one month after the Chinese People's Army invaded Tibet. In 2011, he completely relinquished his political leadership role.

pgr/wa (dpa, rtr, epd)