The Dalai Lama, a symbol of peace and spiritual leadership, has been a beacon of hope for millions around the world. His teachings transcend borders, promoting compassion, non-violence and understanding. As the Dalai Lama ages, the question of his reincarnation becomes increasingly pertinent. It is crucial for India, which has historically provided refuge to the Dalai Lama and his followers, to respect and support his right to choose his place of rebirth, even if it is outside the confines of China.
The Dalai Lama’s lineage is deeply rooted in Tibetan Buddhism, where the process of reincarnation is a fundamental belief. The selection of the next Dalai Lama is not just a political decision, but a spiritual one, guided by centuries-old traditions.
Historically, the Dalai Lama has been a unifying figure for Tibetans, embodying their cultural and religious identity. The Chinese government’s attempts to control the reincarnation process are seen by many as an effort to undermine Tibetan autonomy and spiritual freedom.
India has been a sanctuary for the Dalai Lama since 1959, when he fled Tibet following a failed uprising against Chinese rule.
That was not just a political gesture, but a commitment to uphold human rights and religious freedom. By supporting the Dalai Lama’s right to be reborn outside China, India would reaffirm its dedication to those principles. It would also send a powerful message about the importance of spiritual autonomy and the right to self-determination.
Supporting the Dalai Lama’s right to choose his place of rebirth could have significant geopolitical implications. It would likely strain India’s already complex relationship with China. However, it is essential to weigh those potential diplomatic tensions against the ethical and moral considerations. Upholding the Dalai Lama’s spiritual rights aligns with India’s democratic values and its long-standing tradition of religious tolerance.
India’s support for the Dalai Lama’s right to be reborn outside communist China is not just about respecting an individual’s spiritual journey. It is about standing up for the principles of freedom, human rights and cultural preservation.
We must advocate for a world where spiritual leaders can practice their beliefs without fear of political interference. India’s leadership in this matter could inspire other nations to take a stand, fostering a global environment of respect and understanding.
Respecting the Dalai Lama’s right to choose his place of rebirth is a testament to India’s commitment to human rights and spiritual freedom. It would continue India’s legacy of compassion and support for those who seek refuge from oppression. By doing so, India would not only honor the Dalai Lama’s spiritual journey, but also uphold the values that define its identity.
Khedroob Thondup is a former member of the Tibetan parliament in exile.
The gutting of Voice of America (VOA) and Radio Free Asia (RFA) by US President Donald Trump’s administration poses a serious threat to the global voice of freedom, particularly for those living under authoritarian regimes such as China. The US — hailed as the model of liberal democracy — has the moral responsibility to uphold the values it champions. In undermining these institutions, the US risks diminishing its “soft power,” a pivotal pillar of its global influence. VOA Tibetan and RFA Tibetan played an enormous role in promoting the strong image of the US in and outside Tibet. On VOA Tibetan,
Sung Chien-liang (宋建樑), the leader of the Chinese Nationalist Party’s (KMT) efforts to recall Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Legislator Lee Kun-cheng (李坤城), caused a national outrage and drew diplomatic condemnation on Tuesday after he arrived at the New Taipei City District Prosecutors’ Office dressed in a Nazi uniform. Sung performed a Nazi salute and carried a copy of Adolf Hitler’s Mein Kampf as he arrived to be questioned over allegations of signature forgery in the recall petition. The KMT’s response to the incident has shown a striking lack of contrition and decency. Rather than apologizing and distancing itself from Sung’s actions,
US President Trump weighed into the state of America’s semiconductor manufacturing when he declared, “They [Taiwan] stole it from us. They took it from us, and I don’t blame them. I give them credit.” At a prior White House event President Trump hosted TSMC chairman C.C. Wei (魏哲家), head of the world’s largest and most advanced chip manufacturer, to announce a commitment to invest US$100 billion in America. The president then shifted his previously critical rhetoric on Taiwan and put off tariffs on its chips. Now we learn that the Trump Administration is conducting a “trade investigation” on semiconductors which
By now, most of Taiwan has heard Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an’s (蔣萬安) threats to initiate a vote of no confidence against the Cabinet. His rationale is that the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP)-led government’s investigation into alleged signature forgery in the Chinese Nationalist Party’s (KMT) recall campaign constitutes “political persecution.” I sincerely hope he goes through with it. The opposition currently holds a majority in the Legislative Yuan, so the initiation of a no-confidence motion and its passage should be entirely within reach. If Chiang truly believes that the government is overreaching, abusing its power and targeting political opponents — then
RSS