NEW DELHI: No one except the Dalai Lama can decide the next successor, Union minister Kiren Rijiju said on Thursday, sending a clear and first message to China.
The Tibetan spiritual leader declared on Wednesday that the institution of the Dalai Lama would continue, with the Gaden Phodrang Trust holding exclusive authority to identify his future reincarnation.
During a press interaction, Rijiju emphasised that the Dalai Lama represents the most significant institution for Buddhists.
"The Dalai Lama holds a deeply significant position not only for Tibetans but also for millions of his followers around the world. The decision regarding his successor lies solely with the Dalai Lama," Rijiju said.
"And all those who follow the Dalai Lama feel that the Incarnation is to be decided by the established convention and as per the wish of the Dalai Lama himself. Nobody else has the right to decide it except him and the conventions in place," he added.
This message came after China refused to agree with the Nobel Peace laureate's succession arrangements, and said that it must be "approved by the Chinese government."
"The reincarnation of the Dalai Lama, the Panchen Lama and other great Buddhist figures must be chosen by drawing lots from a golden urn, and approved by the central government," foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told news agency AFP.
Rijiju, who practises Buddhism, will attend the Dalai Lama's 90th birthday celebration in Dharamshala on July 6, alongside Union minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh, representing the Indian government.
The 14th Dalai Lama stands as the principal institution for Tibetans and adherents of the Nalanda tradition of Buddhism.
The Tibetan spiritual leader declared on Wednesday that the institution of the Dalai Lama would continue, with the Gaden Phodrang Trust holding exclusive authority to identify his future reincarnation.
During a press interaction, Rijiju emphasised that the Dalai Lama represents the most significant institution for Buddhists.
"The Dalai Lama holds a deeply significant position not only for Tibetans but also for millions of his followers around the world. The decision regarding his successor lies solely with the Dalai Lama," Rijiju said.
"And all those who follow the Dalai Lama feel that the Incarnation is to be decided by the established convention and as per the wish of the Dalai Lama himself. Nobody else has the right to decide it except him and the conventions in place," he added.
This message came after China refused to agree with the Nobel Peace laureate's succession arrangements, and said that it must be "approved by the Chinese government."
"The reincarnation of the Dalai Lama, the Panchen Lama and other great Buddhist figures must be chosen by drawing lots from a golden urn, and approved by the central government," foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told news agency AFP.
Rijiju, who practises Buddhism, will attend the Dalai Lama's 90th birthday celebration in Dharamshala on July 6, alongside Union minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh, representing the Indian government.
The 14th Dalai Lama stands as the principal institution for Tibetans and adherents of the Nalanda tradition of Buddhism.
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