Tibetan leaders back Dalai Lama, slam China for meddling in spiritual matters

Tibetan religious leaders have unanimously supported the Dalai Lama’s declaration that the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue and reaffirmed that the sole authority to recognise his reincarnation lies with the Gaden Phodrang Trust and the Office of the Dalai Lama.

In a strong message during the penultimate session of the 15th Tibetan Religious Conference held at the Dalai Lama’s residence on Friday, the leaders criticised the Chinese government for interfering in Tibetans’ spiritual matters. A resolution passed at the meeting asserted, “Reincarnation is a religious matter. China is using this for political ends, which we will not accept.”

The declaration is being seen as a significant step in safeguarding the religious autonomy of the Tibetan community and countering China’s attempts to exert influence over Tibetan Buddhist practices, especially in regard to the sensitive issue of reincarnation.

Addressing the gathering in the eighth session of the conference, the 14th Dalai Lama praised the resilience of the Tibetan people in exile and their commitment to preserving their culture and spiritual heritage.

"So many years have passed since we came into exile and Tibetans have been incomparably strong. Although we are living in exile, we have really done well to preserve our religion and culture under my leadership," he said.

The Dalai Lama also spoke about his personal spiritual practice and dedication to the Tibetan cause: “As soon as I wake every morning, I generate the awakening mind of bodhichitta, which gives the courage to work for others. So far, I’ve been able to conduct myself in a completely determined way without losing heart.”

He urged the assembled lamas and monastics to take responsibility for preserving the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, both its scriptural teachings and experiential practices. “Please continue to do your best,” he told them.

Among those seated near the Dalai Lama were prominent figures of various Tibetan Buddhist traditions: Sakya Trizin, Menri Trichen Rinpoché, Drikung Chetsang Rinpoché, Taklung Matrul Rinpoché (representing Taklung Shabdrung), Gaden Tri Rinpoché, Minling Khenchen (representing Minling Trichen), Khenpo Ngedo (representing Gyalwang Drukpa), and Jonang Gyaltsap. Senior officials of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), including Kalons (ministers), were also present.