ABC: Waiting for the next Dalai Lama

The reincarnation of Tibetan Buddhism against infinite Chinese patience. With these unique weapons, a fight is waged for the control of Tibet and its religion that is no longer to the death., but it goes further. Specifically, beyond the death of Dalai Lama, who is the highest religious authority of Buddhism and has been in exile in India since 1959, when he fled on foot across the Himalayas after the failure of the Tibetan revolt against the Chinese occupation. Con 80 years old in July, he «Ocean of Wisdom» is approaching a new stage in the wheel of life that will be transcendental for Tibetan Buddhism, that is heading inevitably towards a schism after his death and, how they proclaim their beliefs, his subsequent reincarnation. One more time, It is a power struggle where religion and politics go hand in hand..

Aware of its historical dominance over Tibet, which dates back toYuan Dynasty (1206-1368), and its increasing relevance in the international community, The authoritarian regime in Beijing insists that, when the Dalai Lama dies, will control his reincarnation according to the traditions of the past. In an election system that was imposed by the Qing Dynasty in 1793, Chinese authorities will choose his successorextracting a paper with his name from a golden urn, in which the identities of other candidates will have been entered. How this draw will allow the regime to appoint a Dalai Lama at will, just like he already did in 1995 with the Panchen Lama (the second most revered figure in Buddhism), The Tibetan movement in exile is torn between appointing a reincarnation in life or even democratically electing it.

From 2011, when he voluntarily renounced his political authority, he «Ocean of Wisdom» He has been speculating on the possibility of ending the tradition of his own reincarnation.. Ironically, This threat gets on the nerves of the atheist gyrfalcons of the Chinese Communist Party, that in September 2007 They promulgated Order Number 5 to legally recognize the reincarnations of sacred Buddhist monks. «Through History, The reincarnation of the Dalai Lama has been carried out according to the religious traditions of Buddhism, which will continue to be maintained along with the relevant laws of the People's Republic of China on this matter». This is how he explained it executive vice president of Tibet, Deng Xiaogang, in a recent meeting with eleven foreign correspondents, including ABC, authorized to travel to this remote region lost in the peaks of the Himalayas, which remains closed to the international press.

In your opinion, «There will be no possibility of dialogue or reconciliation as long as the Dalai Lama continues to support the separation of Tibet and does not recognize China's sovereignty over this region.». Although years ago the leader of Buddhism renounced independence and only asks for greater autonomy and respect for religious and cultural tradition., Beijing continues to call him a separatist and terrorist. «The Dalai Lama clique, an illegal government in exile, wants to divide China and organized the 2008 riots», Deng Xiaogang accused, referring to the bloody revolt that broke out in Lhasa he 14 March of that year and spread rapidly throughout the region and through Tibetan areas of the bordering provinces.. The official version of the authorities assures that they died 19 ethnic people «He» -the majority in China and that has colonized this region-, lynched and burned by a mob of angry Tibetans, who looted and destroyed their shops. next to them, Two Tibetans perished who jumped out of a window to escape from the Police, but the movement in exile raises that figure to 200 victims of the crushing of the rebellion and the subsequent repression.

A better life

Since then, The Chinese regime has reinforced security to prevent new unrest and control the wave of bonzo suicides that has shaken, above all, to Tibetan villages in Sichuan provinces, Qinghai y Gansu. Since February 2009 until last April, They have set themselves on fire to protest against China 138 Tibetans, mostly teenagers and monks. «They have our full support because, with this sacrifice, they will go to heaven or be reincarnated in a better life», They are defended by a Tibetan in favor of independence. Hiding his name out of fear, reasons that «The objective of these immolations is make the Tibetan cause known to the world. That's why they are recorded with mobile phones and then the recordings are posted on the internet.».

How Buddhism preaches compassion and pacifism, this «suicidal revolution» does not provoke attacks to attract attention, but sacrifices. But it does show a radicalization of young Tibetans that will worsen when the Dalai Lama dies and the Beijing regime names its reincarnation.

¿Who will the Tibetans believe then?: the Dalai Lama appointed by China or the one chosen by exile? «Lamas are sacred people and, depending on your karma, They decide about their reincarnation and leave signs. Everything is decided in rituals and in History, it doesn't depend on us», The monk Lhapa answers such a difficult question, director of administration of Templo de Jokhang, spiritual heart of buddhism. Although he seems uncomfortable with the insistent questions from journalists in the presence of Chinese officials, ensures that «The Dalai Lama has a special relationship with the faithful, who believe their karma. If there are two Dalai Lamas, they will know which one to choose».

The answer seems clear in view of the fervor of the Tibetans, one of the most devout people in the world. Round and round Jokhang Temple, in the «kora» (circuit) del Barkhor, Thousands of faithful pray and shake their prayer wheels while others prostrate themselves on the ground every two steps. Such overwhelming scenes are repeated around the imposing Potala Palace, former official residence of the Dalai Lama, and in the beautiful Namtso Lake, four hours drive from Lhasa. Although the regime prohibits portraits of the Dalai Lama, Just show a photo of yourself on your cell phone to make Tibetans' faces light up with happiness. and start praying for him. «The Dalai Lama is my teacher. ¿How are they going to ask me not to worship him??», a monk asks angrily, who warns that «You have to be careful with what you say because there are many spies, even in monasteries». with fear, between suspicions, Tibetans still waiting for the Dalai Lama, or his reincarnation.