The current Dalai Lama, officially referred to as His Holiness the Dalai Lama, turned 74 on July 6th, and amidst the joyous birthday celebrations held around the world, concerns about succession options were also renewed. While in the West many know the current Dalai Lama primarily as a spiritual leader and author, he is also the head of the Tibetan government-in-exile, and Tibetans fear that the Chinese government will use his eventual death as an opportunity to weaken their struggle for independence, by rejecting the Tibetan choice for a successor, or appointing their own.

To understand the complex issues involved, it is helpful to understand the history of the position. The Dalai Lama is the head of the lineage of teachers within the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism, one of the four main schools. The others are the Nyingma, Kagyu and Satya schools, each of which have their own religious hierarchies and leaders. But in the 17th Century, the Dalai Lama also became the political head of the Tibetan government, and his religious leadership was acknowledged by all four schools.

The current Dalai Lama is the fourteenth, and all have been considered rebirths in a long line of tulkus - beings who have chosen to be reborn in order to enlighten others. Traditionally, when a Dalai Lama dies, a regent is appointed until his official successor is found. The Lamas of the Gelug school, along with the regent and representatives of the Tibetan government, search for the reborn Dalai Lama based on seeings by the official Tibetan oracle, the Nechung oracle, and signs and dreams that often appear to Lamas involved in the search. Once found, a tulku child is 'tested' by being shown artifacts from his prior life to identify.

The entire process can take months or years - the current Dalai Lama was located when he was 2 years old. Once found, the Dalai Lama is instilled with the regent, and educated as a monk, until such time as he is old enough to assume the position of Dalai Lama. Many fear that if this traditional method is used this time, the Chinese will use the period it takes to locate and educate a new Dalai Lama to instill their own, or weaken the Tibetan government-in-exile.

These concerns were heightened by what occurred to the Panchen Lama - the 2nd highest-ranking Lama in the Gelug school. In 1995, the Dalai Lama certified a young Tibetan boy as the Panchen Lama. Shortly thereafter, he and his family disappeared, presumably taken in to custody by Chinese authorities. The Chinese have alternated between denials he is in custody and assurances that he is safe but wishes for privacy. They have named their own Panchen Lama, who is not recognized by the Dalai Lama or the Tibetan people.

Based on all these concerns, the Dalai Lama has delicately suggested other possibilities in various interviews over the years. At one point, he suggested that the position of Dalai Lama may have outlived its usefulness, and that he might not reincarnate, which prompted consternation among many Tibetans. He later said that whether or not he should return should be left up to the Tibetan people, but that he would not reincarnate in the People’s Republic of China or in any other country that is not free.

Other options are reportedly being considered in order to provide a smooth transition. Some say the Dalai Lama may appoint a regent himself soon, and/or even take another birth while he is still alive - a feat only the most adept Lamas are considered capable of attaining - so that he can recognize and certify his own successor before his death. Another option reportedly being considered is for the Dalai Lama to offer clues to his future rebirth prior to his death, instead of through signs after he is gone.

In any case, the current Dalai Lama enjoys the unequivocal support of all four Tibetan Buddhist schools, and the admiration and respect of many Westerners. His grace and influence continue, and hopefully will for a long time to come.

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