Before his 90th birthday, the Dalai Lama may announce his successor. A meeting with senior Buddhist monks is taking place in Dharamshala. China is keeping a close watch on the process.
Dharamshala (Himachal Pradesh). A crucial religious meeting is being held in Dharamshala on Wednesday, before the 90th birthday of the Tibetan Buddhist spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, where a major announcement related to the selection of his successor is expected. Eleven senior Buddhist monks are participating in this meeting, with whom the Dalai Lama will meet privately. Following this, he may release a written statement detailing the process of his reincarnation, that is, the 15th Dalai Lama.
What is special about this meeting
According to religious spokesperson Tenzin Lekshay, this meeting is extremely important for the Tibetan Buddhist community. He said that more than 100 religious representatives and heads of sects are participating in it. On this occasion, gratitude will be expressed towards the Dalai Lama and discussions will be held regarding spiritual leadership in the future. However, Lekshay also clarified that the pre-recorded message given by the Dalai Lama in Tibetan on Wednesday will not focus on reincarnation.
However, it is expected that he may release a written statement on Wednesday morning, which may mention the selection process of the 15th Dalai Lama or matters related to his reincarnation.
Excitement about the 90th birthday and the successor
The Dalai Lama will celebrate his 90th birthday on July 6. This is not just a personal milestone in his life, but also a historic occasion for the entire Tibetan Buddhist community. There have long been speculations that he might make an important announcement regarding his successor on the occasion of his 90th birthday. Now that this meeting is taking place, it is hoped that the process of reincarnation, who will be the next Dalai Lama, and how he will be selected, will be clarified.
China's keen eye
After the failed uprising against Chinese rule in 1959, the Dalai Lama fled Tibet and came to India, and has been residing in Dharamshala since then. China considers him a separatist and claims that it will choose the next Dalai Lama itself. However, the current Dalai Lama has repeatedly made it clear that his successor will be born outside China and has urged his followers not to recognize anyone appointed by Beijing.
Preparations and religious conference in Dharamshala
Preparations are in full swing in Dharamshala for the Dalai Lama's 90th birthday and the possible announcement related to his reincarnation. A religious conference is being organized from Wednesday to Friday, in which heads of various Buddhist sects have already arrived. The conference will conclude with his birthday celebrations on Sunday.