Dalai Lama may drop ‘born again’ rule

The Dalai Lama says that he may appoint a successor or call elections before his death instead of relying on reincarnation, after recent orders that China must approve Tibet’s new spiritual leaders.

The exiled leader also accused Chinese authorities of stepping up persecution of Tibetan monks and civilians, and called the region’s relations with the Chinese Government “the most tense in recent years.”



“The Tibetan people would not support a successor selected by China after my death,” the Dalai Lama was quoted as saying.

“If the Tibetan people wish to uphold the Dalai Lama system, one possibility would be to select the next Dalai Lama while I am still living. Among options being considered are a democratic selection by the high monks of Tibetan Buddhism, or the appointment of a successor by myself,” he added.

The Dalai Lama arrived in Japan last week for a nine-day visit. He has been snubbed by Japanese officials, who want to improve relations with China.