Dalai Lama: Successor could be chosen via method similar to selection of pope

[dsnowlion]

Why is the Dalai Lama changing the traditional ways that has been practiced for centuries, in selecting and recognising the future Dalai Lama? What is the big picture behind this move? If he is an enlightened being, an emanation of Chenrezig, then how will this affect the next Dalai Lama's selection? Is the Dalai Lama ending his emanations as Tibet's leader so as to give way to China's Panchen Lama? How will this affect us Shugden Buddhist? So many questions...

Dalai Lama: Successor could be chosen via method similar to selection of pope

DHARAMSALA, India -- The Dalai Lama, the exiled supreme leader of Tibetan Buddhism, said Nov. 5 that the selection of his successor could be done in a way the pope is selected by the Catholic Church in an election by cardinals.

"The kind of pope system is ... possible to choose among the high lama, or high scholars," the 83-year-old Dalai Lama said in an interview with the Mainichi Shimbun and other media outlets. He said naming his successor by himself is "also possible," explaining that there were some precedents of past leaders making selections while they were still alive.

Finding his "reincarnation" after his death -- like what was said to have happened with the second Dalai Lama and other leaders -- would be another way of choosing his successor, he said. If this method is not chosen, said the Dalai Lama, "When I become very old ... I will ask if they want to keep the way to choose the next Dalai Lama." He added it is "up to the Tibetan people" whether the institution of the Dalai Lama should continue or not.

As for his health, the Dalai Lama said he was diagnosed with cancer two years ago but it was cured after radiation therapy.

Tibet is controlled by China, and religious activities in the region including Buddhism are restricted by Beijing in an apparent bid to reduce the influence of the Dalai Lama and curb a potential separation movement.

Regarding the relationship with China, the Dalai Lama said he is not seeking independence. He said historically Tibet was an independent nation but "today for mutual benefit Tibet remains in the People Republic of China."

[Harold Musetescu]

http://www.dorjeshugden.com/forum/index.php?topic=6218.0
 

[Alex]

After His Holiness announced the possibility that there will not be a next Dalai Lama, suddenly His Holiness spoke about the possibility of him selected a high lama to be his successor. This is a very strange idea from His Holiness. The reincarnation line of Dalai Lama has been going on for 14 lifetimes now and all the Dalai Lamas are proven to be the reincarnation of the previous Dalai Lama.

I think His Holiness is trying to select a successor to the Dalai Lama name so that his next reincarnation is not needed. As long as someone is inheriting the throne and the power, the search for his next reincarnation is not necessary. His Holiness is really trying to get people to stop looking for his next reincarnation. I guess His Holiness is serious about there is no more future Dalai Lamas.

There is a prophecy of the 14th Dalai Lama will be the last of the Dalai Lama incarnation line. He will be the one that will leave the biggest impact in the world. Looks like he is on the right path with the Dorje Shugden ban and other problems that he created. The ban had propelled the protector practice into international attention and many more had made a connection with Dorje Shugden. When Dorje Shugden ban is lifted, the practice will become very big and popular.

[Tracy]

Everyone has been quite worried about the Dalai Lama's reincarnation, especially the CTA. In order to ensure the rest of the world recognises the Dalai Lama chosen by the CTA, the Dalai Lama wants to change the system. This is his way to invalidate the Dalai Lama chosen by the Chinese government.

Traditionally, the Dalai Lama is recognised by the Panchen Lama. At the moment, only the Chinese government has the Panchen Lama. Therefore, by tradition, the Chinese government will have the legitimate Dalai Lama as they are following the traditional method to find and recognise the Dalai Lama.

Even if the Dalai Lama has successfully changed the system, it will not be the system will want to follow. The Chinese government will still find their own reincarnation and enthrone him. This Dalai Lama will be supported by all the Gelugpas in China. China won't care if the rest of the world agrees or not.

[Harold Musetescu]

Everyone has been quite worried about the Dalai Lama's reincarnation, especially the CTA. In order to ensure the rest of the world recognises the Dalai Lama chosen by the CTA, the Dalai Lama wants to change the system. This is his way to invalidate the Dalai Lama chosen by the Chinese government.

Traditionally, the Dalai Lama is recognised by the Panchen Lama. At the moment, only the Chinese government has the Panchen Lama. Therefore, by tradition, the Chinese government will have the legitimate Dalai Lama as they are following the traditional method to find and recognise the Dalai Lama.

Even if the Dalai Lama has successfully changed the system, it will not be the system will want to follow. The Chinese government will still find their own reincarnation and enthrone him. This Dalai Lama will be supported by all the Gelugpas in China. China won't care if the rest of the world agrees or not.

The CTA could use the still living 10th Panchen Otrul Rinpoche to pick the next Dalai Lama.

There were in fact two 10th Panchen Lamas and the 14th Dalai Lama did pick Panchen Otrul Rinpoche who is anti Dorje Shugden.

As long as the Panchen Otrul Rinpoche is alive after the Dalai Lama's death the CTA could use him against the Chinese.