In his latest book, the Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, asserts that the Tibetan people’s long-held desire for freedom cannot forever be put on hold. The 89-year-old chief of Tibetan Buddhism reveals that his successor will be born in a “free world” outside of China.

In Voice for the Voiceless, released this Tuesday, the Dalai Lama states that he will reincarnate outside of Tibet, a region recognized as an autonomous part of China. He argues that the new Dalai Lama must be born in a place of freedom, to ensure the continuation of the traditional mission of the Dalai Lama. This mission includes being a symbol of universal compassion, the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, and the embodiment of the hopes and aspirations of the Tibetan people.

China does not share this view and sees Tibet as an intrinsic part of the country. According to Beijing, movements advocating for greater autonomy or independence pose a danger to its national sovereignty. The current Dalai Lama, who was recognized as the reincarnation of his predecessor at the age of two and who fled Tibet for India in 1959, is considered by Beijing to be a “separatist” and wants to have a say in choosing his successor.

However, the Dalai Lama denies advocating for Tibetan independence and instead suggests a “Middle Way” approach, which would grant Tibet heightened autonomy. In his book, he explains that he has received repeated requests from Tibetans and non-Tibetans alike to ensure the continuation of his lineage, urging that the Tibetan people’s longing for freedom cannot be disregarded indefinitely. He writes that history teaches us that a society cannot remain stable if its people are persistently discontent.

Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/3/11/dalai-lama-says-successor-will-be-born-in-free-world-outside-of-china?traffic_source=rss