Spiritual leader’s claim on rebirth outside China shows distrust in Beijing: Activists

The Dalai Lama in his new book ‘Voice of the Voiceless’ has for the first time clearly stated that he would reincarnate outside China or Tibet. He has stated in his book that he would be born in the free world, ensuring that the institution of the Dalai Lama continues in its traditional role of protecting spiritual leadership.

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The Dalai Lama’s declaration is being seen by many Tibetans as a deviation from the middle path proposed by him to resolve the issue of Tibet and the reducing trust of the Dalai Lama in the Chinese Government.

The Dalai Lama — in 2011 — had announced the middle way approach to resolve Tibetan issue in which he proposed meaningful autonomy for Tibet under Chinese sovereignty. The approach in which meaningful autonomy was sought for Tibet instead of complete freedom was seen the soft attitude of the Dalai Lama to resolve the issue.

Though accepting the idea of middle way approach, the Chinese Government never initiated talks over the subject.

Tenzin Tsundue, a prominent Tibetan activist known for his protests against China, told The Tribune,” The declaration that His Holiness’ reincarnation would be born in the free world has a very different resonance for the Tibetan community. All this while we couldn’t understand how his compassion trusted China for a negotiated solution when China continued to abuse him for 75 years. This statement finally releases Beijing from the Tibetan trust factor in a way to say we will find a solution with support from India and the international community.”

Lobsang Wangyal, the Tibetan showman who got famous for organising the Miss Tibet contest, told The Tribune,” The essence of His Holiness’ guidance to the Tibetan freedom movement is that while we hope for the best, we must prepare for the worst. Preparing to be born outside Tibet is getting ready for the worst-case scenario while still observing the constantly changing geopolitical landscapes.” He said that to protect his mission and the hopes of the Tibetan people, he would not allow himself to be reborn in a region under China’s control. China will obviously appoint their own Dalai Lama, but this choice will lack legitimacy and won’t be accepted by Tibetans or the global community, he said.