Fact Check: "The Dalai Lama can uniquely choose who he reincarnates as."
What We Know
The claim that "The Dalai Lama can uniquely choose who he reincarnates as" is rooted in the beliefs of Tibetan Buddhism. According to adherents, the Dalai Lama is believed to have the ability to choose the body into which he will be reincarnated, and this person will subsequently become the next Dalai Lama (Succession of the 14th Dalai Lama). The 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, has expressed that he could reincarnate outside of Tibet and even suggested that he might not have a successor at all (Succession of the 14th Dalai Lama).
The process of identifying the next Dalai Lama involves a series of traditional tests and consultations with high lamas or oracles (Succession of the 14th Dalai Lama). If multiple candidates are found, the true successor is determined through a public lot-drawing ceremony (Succession of the 14th Dalai Lama). The Chinese government, however, asserts that it has the authority to approve the next Dalai Lama, which has led to significant geopolitical tensions (The Dalai Lama announces plans for a successor).
Analysis
The claim is partially true. While Tibetan Buddhist tradition holds that the Dalai Lama can choose his reincarnation, the actual process of identifying the next Dalai Lama is complex and involves various religious rituals and tests. The 14th Dalai Lama has indicated that he may not follow the traditional path of reincarnation, suggesting that he could be reborn as a woman or even not at all (Succession of the 14th Dalai Lama, Dalai Lama says he will be reincarnated, Trust will identify ...).
The credibility of sources discussing this claim varies. For instance, the information from NPR and Reuters is generally reliable, as they are established news organizations (The Dalai Lama announces plans for a successor, Dalai Lama says he will be reincarnated, Trust will identify ...). However, the Chinese government's perspective on the matter is often viewed with skepticism due to its political motivations and history of suppressing Tibetan culture (The Dalai Lama announces plans for a successor, Why the Dalai Lama Decided Not to Break From Tradition ...).
The Dalai Lama's statements about his potential reincarnation and the authority of the Gaden Phodrang Trust to identify his successor further complicate the claim. He has explicitly stated that no outside authority, including the Chinese government, has the right to interfere in the matter of his reincarnation (The Dalai Lama announces plans for a successor, How will the next Dalai Lama be chosen – and who could ...). This indicates a significant divergence between the traditional Tibetan view and the Chinese government's stance.
Conclusion
The claim that "The Dalai Lama can uniquely choose who he reincarnates as" is partially true. While Tibetan Buddhist tradition supports the notion that the Dalai Lama has the ability to choose his next incarnation, the reality is more nuanced. The process involves a combination of religious rituals, traditional tests, and the influence of geopolitical factors, particularly the Chinese government's claims to authority over the succession process. Thus, while the Dalai Lama may have significant influence, the ultimate determination of his reincarnation is subject to various traditional and political complexities.
