Published 11:44 IST, September 19th 2019
US draws a line with China on the selection of the next Dalai Lama
As the people of Tibet come to terms with the thought of the Dalai Lama passing, the US is thinking of putting down a rule in terms of restricting China
- World News
- 4 min read
As the people of Tibet come to terms with the incomprehensible thought of the 14th Dalai Lama passing, the US is thinking of putting down a rule in terms of restricting China on selecting its successor for the sacred spiritual position.
Being over 80 years old, the spiritual leader in exile has toned down his travel expeditions and was hospitalized due to an infection in his chest with no confirmation of him suffering from serious health conditions.
What will happen?
There has been no communication between the Dalai Lama's representatives and China for almost a decade now and in today's time has largely given an indication that it may find its suitable successor who they think will support its authoritarian rule.
With a notice from a government officer and enactment under review in the Congress, the US is thinking of making things clear ahead of time that the city of Beijing would face criticism on a global level if it thinks of going ahead with the selection process on its own terms.
Interference with the 'reincarnation' process
The Tibetan policy and Support Act of 2019 that has recently been tabled in the American Congress would initiate a penalty against any person from China who unnecessarily tries to get involved with the Tibetan practices of succession.
A senior State Department official, David Stilwell, gave an official confession that stated that the US would not stop putting in efforts for a democratic environment for the people living in Tibet. He also said that they believed that the Tibetans like all other religious groups must have the freedom to perform their rituals and select their spiritual leaders.
Stilwell further added that the Chinese party continues to impose itself in the Dalai Lama's 'reincarnation' process even after the Chinese president told his party members to portray themselves as firm communal atheists.
Agenda for Chinese dominance
Lobsang Sangay, who was chosen as the Tibetan head administrator in exile after the Dalai Lama surrendered his political job, said Beijing's objective was to make Tibet into a Chinese domain and make Tibetans into Chinese.
China has faced criticism on an international level for the treatment of its Muslim Uighur minority, with the detainment of up to one million individuals in camps in the western area of Xinjiang. Although, China says it is providing professional training and that it has led to positive change in both Xinjiang and Tibet.
A few onlookers expect a rehash of 1995 when China chose its very own Panchen Lama and confined a six-year-old distinguished for the popular Buddhist position - who was named the world's most youthful political detainee. In any case, Sangay, on an ongoing visit to Washington, questioned that any Dalai Lama interfered with by China would appreciate authenticity.
The 'Spiritual' process
Tibetan monks customarily pick the Dalai Lama through a formal pursuit that can take years, with a meandering gathering looking for indications that a young person is the resurrection of the last spiritual pioneer.
The fourteenth Dalai Lama, who has lived in a state of banishment in India since escaping a prematurely ended uprising in 1959, has pondered of a non-conventional progression that would lose China. He has said he could pick a successor while he is alive that could potentially be a young lady or he could conclude that he was the last Dalai Lama.
Updated 23:21 IST, September 19th 2019