Dalai Lama urges followers to reject China’s choice of successor

In His New Book, Tibetan Spiritual Leader Declares Next Dalai Lama Will Be Born in the ‘Free World’

Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama, who will turn 90 on July 6, has called on his followers to reject any successor appointed by China. In his latest book, Voice for the Voiceless, released in the US and UK on March 11, he asserts that his reincarnation will take place outside China to ensure the continuation of Tibetan Buddhism’s core mission.

“Since the purpose of reincarnation is to carry forward the work of the predecessor, the new Dalai Lama will be born in the free world,” he writes. He emphasizes that the spiritual role of the Dalai Lama must remain a symbol of Tibet’s aspirations, advocating universal compassion and safeguarding Tibetan culture.

The Ongoing Debate Over Succession

According to Tibetan Buddhist tradition, a senior monk’s soul is reincarnated in a new body after their passing. The current Dalai Lama, recognized as the 14th reincarnation at the age of two, has been living in exile in Dharamshala, India, for 66 years. For over a decade, he has received petitions from Tibetans urging him to secure the lineage's future.

However, China insists that the process of selecting the next Dalai Lama must comply with its regulations, reinforcing its control over Tibetan Buddhism. Beijing has repeatedly dismissed any successor chosen outside its jurisdiction.

A Lifelong Struggle for Tibet’s Identity

Published by William Morrow in the US and Harper Non-Fiction in the UK, Voice for the Voiceless blends personal, spiritual, and historical insights from the Dalai Lama’s decades-long resistance against Chinese rule. He sheds light on Tibet’s existential struggle—its culture, language, and religious traditions under threat—and calls for global solidarity to preserve Tibet’s identity.

The Dalai Lama has written extensively about his experiences in exile, but his latest book revisits key moments from Tibet’s seven-decade-long struggle, including negotiations with China, cultural preservation efforts, and his continued advocacy for Tibetan autonomy.

The Fight Continues

China took control of Tibet in 1950, triggering widespread unrest. In 1959, at the age of 23, the Dalai Lama fled to India following a failed uprising against Mao Zedong’s Communist rule. Despite his exile, he remains steadfast in his mission, declaring that the fight for Tibetan freedom will persist “no matter what,” even after his passing.

As the debate over his succession intensifies, his followers now face a critical decision: to uphold Tibetan traditions or accept Beijing’s authority over the future of Tibetan Buddhism.