The Dalai Lama addresses spiritual leaders in Dharamshala on Saturday

Dharamshala, Sept. 24: The 14th Dalai Lama today expressed doubt whether the institution of the Dalai Lama should continue after him, saying he and other leaders of Tibetan Buddhism would decide this after 14 years, when he turns 90.

If it is decided that a 15th Dalai Lama is needed and the tradition of rebirth should continue, he said, he would leave “clear written instructions” how his reincarnation should be identified so that China cannot “meddle” in the matter.

The 76-year-old spiritual leader, who gave up his political role in April, fears that China might use the succession issue to install its own Dalai Lama, splitting Tibetan Buddhists and hobbling their freedom movement.

After a Dalai Lama’s death, senior monks identify his reincarnation, who is chosen the new holder of the spiritual office. Beijing recently declared that the government had the sole right to approve any reincarnation of the Dalai Lama.

“When I am about 90, I will consult the high lamas of the Tibetan Buddhist traditions, the Tibetan public, and other concerned people who follow Tibetan Buddhism, and re-evaluate whether the institution of the Dalai Lama should continue or not. On that basis we will take a decision,” the Dalai Lama said in a statement issued here.

To defeat Chinese plans, the monk had earlier suggested he might choose his successor before he died, deviating from the tradition of reincarnation.

Today, he said the responsibility of identifying the new Dalai Lama would rest primarily with the officers of his Gaden Phodrang Trust, who should consult the heads of the various Tibetan Buddhist traditions and the Dharma Protectors (defenders of the faith).

“I shall leave clear written instructions about this. Bear in mind that, apart from the reincarnation recognised through such legitimate methods, no recognition or acceptance should be given to a candidate chosen for political ends by anyone, including those in the People’s Republic of China,” he said.

The search for the reincarnation is usually limited to Tibet, now part of China. The Dalai Lama, however, has already said he would not be reborn in China if Tibet is not free.

Today, he stressed that anyone who reincarnates (voluntarily and not under compulsion through their karma) has sole authority over where and how they take rebirth and how that reincarnation is to be recognised.

The Dalai Lama had discussed his latest stand with the religious heads of the four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism at the 11th religious conference in Dharamshala yesterday. His statement was issued on the conclusion of the three-day event.