Will Dalai Lama name successor? All eyes on his 90th birthday event

The scenic hill-town of Himachal Pradesh, Dharamshala, is abuzz with anticipation as it prepares to celebrate the 90th birthday of the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader, the 14th Dalai Lama.

- Dar Ovais

DHARAMSHALA: The event, considered to be a milestone, is drawing attention from all over the world because it is being expected that the Dalai Lama will speak regarding his reincarnation.

He is expected to issue a statement at the upcoming 15th Tibetan Religious Conference, scheduled to be held from July 2 to 4, ahead of his birthday.

The spiritual leader, who was recognised as the reincarnation of his predecessor at the age of two and has been living in exile in Dharamshala for 66 years, had in 2011 said that he would speak on the matter (reincarnation) when he reached the age of 90. The Dalai Lama will turn 90 on July 6. The statement is likely to address the crucial issue of his reincarnation. More than 100 Tibetan Buddhist leaders and representatives (from all major traditions of Tibetan Buddhism) are set to attend the conference.

Political leader of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) Sikyong Penpa Tsering said that at the beginning of the conference on July 2, his holiness the Dalai Lama will send his message. "The only official document regarding the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama is the one dated September, 2011, which states that His Holiness will make a statement on the matter upon reaching the age of 90. I am sure that his upcoming statement will reflect the matters on reincarnation," he added.

The Dalai Lama's succession plan comes with significant complexities, particularly in addressing China's ongoing efforts to interfere in the reincarnation process.