By Sumitha Narayanan Kutty
The Dalai Lama announces retirement; to break away from tradition and transfer power to an 'elected leader'
"During the forthcoming eleventh session of the fourteenth Tibetan Parliament in Exile, which begins on 14th March, I will formally propose that the necessary amendments be made to the Charter for Tibetans in Exile, reflecting my decision to devolve my formal authority to the elected leader."
With these words, the Dalai Lama notified the world his desire to step out of the limelight and relinquish his duty as political head of the exiled movement. A desire he has expressed innumerous times, as early as in the 1960s.
The announcement came in his speech marking the anniversary of the 1959 Tibetan uprising.In his address, the Dalai Lama states that he intends to see the next leader as one elected by the Tibetan people 'in keeping with the standards of an open society'.
The constitutional ammendments will be set into motion when the parliament convenes next Monday in Dharamsala. The assembly is expected to approve his request.
Breaking from Tradition
But what is actually creating ripples is this- the Dalai Lama's proposal to 'elect' his successor and that too before his death. These choices break away completely from tradition. Here's why.
Tibetan Buddhism has evolved a kind of 'inheritance' over centuries. The inheritance flows not from parent to child, but from deceased to his reincarnation. The most revered- the Dalai Lama.
The current Dalai Lama, who is the fourteenth of his line, was himself recognized at the age of two and became His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatso.
This would be the first time in history that the political and spiritual head of the community is chosen via elections.
Reports suggest that the revolutionary idea has been met with a fractured response even amongst the Tibetans.
And this would give the 'oppressors', the Chinese, the perfect opportunity to strike.
'Dalai Lama must reincarnate', on China's terms
As soon as the 14th Dalai Lama's announcement made news, all eyes turned to China. The status of the Dalai Lama has forever been a thorn in the Chinese foot.
In fact, ahead of the third anniversary of the riots in Tibet on March 8, the Chinese Communist Party chief of Tibet, Zhng Qingli attacked the Dalai Lama. Qingli called him a "wolf in monk's robes", "double-dealer" and a "secessionist chief" who is seeking separation of the region from the Communist nation.
The Chinese believe the Dalai Lama, though being the living Buddha has done nothing befitting his status.
Reacting to the attack, the Dalai Lama in his speech said, "The Chinese government claims there is no problem in Tibet other than the personal privileges and status of the Dalai Lama. The reality is that the ongoing oppression of the Tibetan people has provoked widespread, deep resentment against current official policies."
But there is huge worry among the Tibetan community both in China and abroad concerning the next step in the succession process.
Many worry that once the 14th Dalai Lama dies, Beijing will simply appoint someone else as his successor.
The result- the emergence of two Dalai Lama's. One recognised by China, the other - the elected head chosen by the exiles with the current Dalai Lama's approval.
This fear is well-founded. In 1995, after the Dalai Lama named a boy in Tibet as the reincarnation of the previous Panchen Lama (the second highest authority in Tibetan Buddhism), China placed him under house arrest and installed another in his place. The Tibetans do not recognise this appointment.
15th Dalai Lama: Much to do, much more to learn
Analysts claim that the Dalai Lama's retirement from political life is definitely 'historic' but no reason for worry.
"My desire to devolve authority has nothing to do with a wish to shirk responsibility. It is to benefit Tibetans in the long run. It is not because I feel disheartened."
Despite his declaration, the current Dalai Lama is expected to continue advising the younger elect. There is much that will have to be learnt from him.
For now, choosing the successor may seem the most daunting task at hand, but what lies ahead for the 15th Dalai Lama is definitely the bigger challenge yet.
Source: India Syndicate
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