Summary
The Dalai Lama, the leader of Tibetan Buddhism, announced that his successor will be chosen after his death without interference from China. The selection process will be conducted by The Gaden Phodrang Trust, a group of Buddhist monks in India. This decision was made public just before the Dalai Lama's 90th birthday.
Key Facts
- The Dalai Lama released a video message about his succession plan.
- Tibetan Buddhists believe that the Dalai Lama is reincarnated after he dies.
- The Dalai Lama said The Gaden Phodrang Trust in India will oversee the selection of his successor.
- He stated that no outside group, including China, should interfere in choosing the next leader.
- China claims it has the authority to appoint the next leader of Tibetan Buddhism.
- The process of finding a successor can take years and must follow Tibetan traditions.
- The current Dalai Lama, originally named Lhamo Thondup, was identified as a child as the reincarnation of the previous Dalai Lama.
- China passed a law in 2007 demanding that the search for reincarnated lamas takes place within China under government approval.
