Should the Chinese Government have any role to play in the succession process of the Dalai Lama?

2021-03-10T03:27:43-05:00

"We believe that the Chinese government should have no role in the succession process of the Dalai Lama", said Ned Price for the U.S. State Department. "The interference in the succession process 25 years ago, including the disappearance of the Panchen Lama by the PRC as a child and then, attempting to replace him with a government-chosen successor is an outrageous abuse of religious freedom", he added.

History

The 14th Dalai Lama fled to India in 1959 with supporters amid growing Chinese repression. The Dalai Lama continues to live in exile today.

Human Rights activists claim China tramples on religious freedom and Tibetan culture ever since the PLA intervened in the region in 1950.

In 1913, the 13th Dalai Lama had asserted Tibetan independence in his "Proclamation of Independence".

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed legislation 392-22 called "Tibetan Policy and Support Act", in which the United States will impose sanctions against officials who directly interfere in the selection process of the 15th Dalai Lama of Tibetan Buddhism.

What are your thoughts on this subject?act

Response by PO1 Victor Cotto made Mar 10 at 2021 5:32 AM

2021-03-10T05:32:06-05:00

No...

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 10 at 2021 7:50 AM

2021-03-10T07:50:26-05:00

No, since the Chinese government is communist and tends to persecute religious groups.

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Mar 10 at 2021 9:01 AM

2021-03-10T09:01:00-05:00

I believe the Dalai Lama said there would not be a successor

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Mar 10 at 2021 10:03 AM

2021-03-10T10:03:29-05:00

Tibet is officially part of China, by both international law and by Tibetan peace treaty. The Dalai Lama is the traditional head of state for Tibet (although the 14th Lama relinquished that role officially), and even when not acting in that capacity is seen as a figure of Tibetan authority and independence. He is currently seen as the embodiment of, and figurehead for, Tibetan independence. Which, remember, Tibet is officially part of China, but their own treaty.

While the Dalai Lama is specifically the head of the Geluk Buddhists - a primarily Tibetan sect - from what I can tell, he is held in high esteem and respect by all Buddhists (and even many non-Buddhists) - and almost half of all Buddhists in the world live in China.

China CLEARLY has a vested interest in the next Dalai Lama.

I do not, personally, think that a secular government should be involved with choosing a religious leader - ANY religious leader. But I ALSO think that America has even LESS business in meddling in China's internal affairs then China has in meddling in the PURELY INTERNAL selection of a religious leader who will SUPPORT its rightful government rather than oppose it.

We aren't talking about eradicating Buddhists here, only able selecting who will speak for them. And let's be perfectly honest, Tibetans will choose their own lama, regardless of who China selects. Yes, this division will weaken the Dalai Lama's authority and influence on the international stage, but if the whole point of the Dalai Lama is SPIRITUAL leadership and stewardship, his lack of international authority is meaningless, all that matters is that his "followers" listen to his teachings. (And yes, it is in quotes, because from what I understand that is not really a Buddhist concept, but I lack the proper knowledge and language to convey it accurately. Adherents, maybe? Supporters?) Does it matter if the US Government says that Reverend Richard Wayne Gary Wayne isn't officially a clergyman? Not to Reverend Wayne's flock, it doesn't.

If you want to consider the Dalai Lama's role as a political leader than A) the 14th Lama relinquished that role, and B) China has even MORE right and authority to amke this determination, because Tibet is officially part of China. Just like China can approve, disapprove, or even appoint governors, ministers, etc.

Response by SFC Melvin Brandenburg made Mar 10 at 2021 1:06 PM

2021-03-10T13:06:10-05:00

Why don't we ask the Dahli Llama?

Response by SFC Randy Hellenbrand made Mar 10 at 2021 2:08 PM

2021-03-10T14:08:13-05:00

NOPE!! CHINA IS A DICTATORSHIP.

Response by LtCol Robert Quinter made Mar 11 at 2021 8:40 AM

2021-03-11T08:40:40-05:00

We, as a nation, can not right every wrong. If the politicians want to impose sanctions and take positions as a statement of our collective position, that is their function. Using our military is another question.
We can look on both historical and more contemporary situations where the world should have taken action sooner (WWII) or should have avoided trying to correct wrongs, but that doesn't mean that our nation should commit to resolving wrongs unilaterally.

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Mar 12 at 2021 11:49 AM

2021-03-12T11:49:46-05:00

The Chinese invented the Panchin Llama