Why the Dalai Lama Could Be the Last True Dalai Lama?

Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama and spiritual leader of the Tibetan people turned 84 this year. Many people around the world are now embracing the possibility that he could be the last true Dalai Lama. Even though he has admitted on several occasions that the institution of Dalai Lama could end with him, he clarifies that this is a decision to be taken by the Tibetan people. Here are some of the reasons why the 1992 Nobel Prize winner could be the last true Dalai Lama.

Splitting of Dalai Lama’s Political and Religious Roles

The Dalai Lama has always been the political and spiritual leader of the Tibetan people. However, in 2011, the Dalai Lama requested to transfer his political authority to an elected leader. Lobsang Sangay was subsequently elected as President of the Tibetan government in exile.

By doing this, the Dalai Lama has consequently reduced the clout of any of his successors as any future Dalai Lama will only be a spiritual leader and symbol of the Tibetan people without any political authority. Many analysts have viewed this as a move to ensure Tibetan people remain in control of their political future regardless of who the Dalai Lama is.

China’s Hand in Selecting the New Dalai Lama

The Dalai Lama fled from Tibet in 1959 after Chinese troops invaded the region to crush a Tibetan uprising that sought independence. China views the current Dalai Lama as separatist seeking independence for Tibet. China has since declared that it will have the ultimate decision on who the next T will be. If China succeeds in influencing the selection of the 15th Dalai Lama, he would be under their influence and the world would regard Tenzin Gyatso as the true last Dalai Lama.

In 1995, the Dalai Lama selected Gedhun Choekyi Nyima as the Panchen Lama; the second most important spiritual figure after the Dalai Lama among the Tibetan people. China immediately took him and his family into custody and influenced the selection of Gyaincain Norbu as the Panchen Lama.

A Case of Two Dalai Lamas

Just as there are two Panchen Lamas; one selected by the Dalai Lama, and one selected by China, there are indications that these will be the case with the 15th Dalai Lama. The current Dalai Lama has said that if he dies outside Tibet, his successor will come from outside Tibet, most likely India where there is a huge Tibetan population. China, which is hell-bent on influencing the selection of the next Dalai Lama, has indicated that the Dalai Lama can only reincarnate in Tibet. This will create a scenario where we might have two Dalai Lamas, one recognized by China and the other by Tibetans outside China.

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