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Dalai Lama firm on retirement
Lalit Mohan/TNS

Dharamsala, March 14
The Dalai Lama seems to be firm on carrying out his wish to retire as temporal and administrative head of the Tibetan government in exile despite requests from Tibetan people and leaders. An indication to this affect was given in the message given by the Dalai Lama to the Tibetan parliament in exile on the first day of the session that began here today.

In the message, he said that now the decision of on this important matter (retirement of the Dalai Lama) should be delayed on longer. “All the necessary amendments to the Charter and other related regulations should be made during this session so that I am completely relieved of formal authority.”

The firmness of Dalai Lama’s decision to retire was also reflected in address of Samdhong Rinpoche, Kalon Tripa (Tibetan parliament in exile) to the press. He said, “In view of the strong desire of the Dalai Lama, we would have to find out a way during this session to relieve him from duties of being political and administrative head.”

The offer of the Dalai Lama would be come up for discussion before the Tibetan government in exile tomorrow.”

Citing the reasons for his decision, Dalai Lama said, “It is extremely important that we ensure the continuity of our exile Tibetan administration and our struggle unit the issue of Tibet has been successfully resolved. If we have to remain in exile for several more decades, a time would inevitable come when I will no longer be able to provide leadership. Therefore, it is necessary that we establish a sound system of government while I remain able and health, in order that the exile Tibetan administration can become self reliant rather than being dependent on the Dalai Lama,” he said.

“If we are able to implement such a system from this time onwards, I will still be able to help resolve problems if called upon to do so. But, if the implementation of such a system is delayed and a day comes when leadership is suddenly unavailable, the consequent uncertainty might present an overwhelming challenge. Therefore, it is the duty of all Tibetan to make every effort to prevent such an eventuality,” the Dalai Lama said.

The future

In his message to the Tibetan parliament in exile today, the Dalai Lama also indicated towards the uncertainty over the institution of the Dalai Lama after him. He said that it for the people to decide regarding the continuation of the institution of the Dalai Lama. The Tibetans should take full responsibility for the administration and welfare of the people as if the Dalai Lama was not there.

“As one among the six million Tibetans, bearing in mind that the Dalai Lamas have a special historic and karmic relationship with the Tibetan people, and as long as Tibetans place their trust and faith in me, I will continue to serve the cause of Tibet,” he said. The Dalai Lama statement regarding future of the Dalai Lama institution stems from certain measures taken by the Chinese government in the recent past to control the reincarnation practice of Tibetan Lama. In the recent past an official of the Chinese government was quoted as saying that the next Dalai Lama would have to reincarnate in Tibet.