Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has confirmed that the next Dalai Lama will be from a free and democratic country, not China.
Though he hoped and prayed that the 14th Dalai Lama would live for another 40 years, he stated that the process of choosing the new Dalai Lama does not begin until an incumbent dies.
The Chief Minister, a Buddhist follower of the Dalai Lama, clarified that the next Dalai Lama will be born in a free world, not China, as there is no democracy there.
The Chief Minister said, “That is why, I am not saying specifically that it would be from this country or that country,” in response to the criticism that Tibet is also governed by China. For us to say this at this time would be a little immature. But one thing is for sure: where democracy exists, individuals can freely voice their opinions. I believe that’s clear,” he remarked.
According to the Chief Minister, the next Dalai Lama will be found through the Gaden Phodrang Trust. “The full process of finding the 15th Dalai Lama won’t start until the current Dalai Lama dies. Thus, there’s no rush,” he stated.
Mr. Khandu responded, “I don’t know why China is objecting to the Dalai Lama’s succession issue.” They must have a policy of their own. China does not have a Dalai Lama institution. Tibetan Buddhists and those in the Himalayan region are the primary recipients of recognition for the Dalai Lama institution. China is not involved. From the first Dalai Lama to the current 14th, the institution has existed for over 600 years, according to the Chief Minister.
He claimed there was conjecture regarding the future of the Dalai Lama institution and the possibility of a female successor. All heads of Buddhist traditions convened before to the 14th Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday to validate the organisation.
