China Will Have To Contend With 'Two Dalai Lamas'

The period after the XIVth Dalai Lama will be tense. The age of the reincarnate Dalai Lama will create its own vulnerabilities.

- JAYADEVA RANADE

This is a crucial year for Tibetans and is also marked by a couple of anniversaries important for the Communist Chinese regime. Last week the XIVth Dalai Lama set at rest all speculation when he confirmed that the institution of the Dalai Lama shall continue.

An announcement regarding reincarnation is also expected by his 90th birthday on 6th July. Earlier, in his recent book, "Voice of the Voiceless", the Dalai Lama had hinted that he would be reincarnated. The Chinese have tried hard to avoid a situation of "two Dalai Lamas".

In 2007, China enacted regulations asserting the Chinese government's authority in recognizing Tibetan Buddhist tulkus (reincarnate lamas) and stipulating that high-ranking incarnations must be selected using a specific process, including the "Golden Urn" lottery system. The regulations also state that reincarnations must be born within China and that no foreign organization or individual can interfere in the selection. However, with the XIVth Dalai Lama's latest assertion, the stage is now virtually set for two Daone lai Lamas decided by the XIVth Dalai Lama and the other propped by Beijing.

The Chinese authorities are also finalising plans for celebrating the 60th anniversary of the formation of the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) and 75th anniversary of the so-called "peaceful liberation" of Tibet this September. Reports indicate that Xi Jinping will probably visit Tibet to take part in these celebrations.