Dalai Lama told to respect religious tradition

Shanghai Daily, September 27, 2011

The Dalai Lama said he will decide whether to be incarnated when he is "about 90" and that "China should have no say in the matter."

If he is to be reincarnated, he will leave clear written instructions about the process, the Dalai Lama said after a meeting with leaders of the four Tibetan sects.

"Apart from the reincarnation recognized through such legitimate methods, no recognition or acceptance should be given to a candidate chosen for political ends by anyone, including those in the People's Republic of China," he said.

According to the Dalai Lama, his reincarnation could be chosen when he's still alive, or be stopped altogether. His reincarnation could be designated, or elected, and could be a girl, inside or outside China.

The issue has been brought up nearly every month since the Dalai Lama transferred his political role to Lobsang Sangay, the new "prime minister" of his "government-in-exile" in April.

On Saturday, he said he will consult Buddhist scholars - 14 years from now - to evaluate whether the institution of the Dalai Lama should continue at all.

The reincarnation of Living Buddhas has always followed strict historical conventions and religious rituals, and all Dalai Lamas have been approved by China's central regime since 1653.