The Hindu : National : Dalai Lama contemplates retirement

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National

Dalai Lama contemplates retirement

NEW DELHI: Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama says he is contemplating retirement within months and a final decision will be taken after consultations with the “political leadership” and the “parliament-in-exile.”

“I think, within the next six months,” the Dalai Lama told Karan Thapar's Devil's Advocate programme when asked whether he was retiring as was being speculated. He, however, added that “I do not know. Maybe, next few months. I think, maybe.”

He said that since 2001, his “position is something like semi-retired position. The major decisions are in the hands of political leadership. In order to utilise full democracy, I felt better I am not involved in any sort of these works.”

Asked whether the institution of Dalai Lama would continue even after him, he said that if his death came within the next few years, then most probably the people concerned, including Mongolian and Himalayan Buddhists, would like to keep it.

Asked whether he was reluctant to nominate his successor, he suggested that if people really wanted, having a deputy Dalai Lama could be considered in the event of his death or his becoming too old.

Asked whether his successor should be from Tibet or from the diaspora community, he said that if his death occurred while remaining “outside,” logically the next reincarnation should be from outside Tibet to carry forward his works.

Asked whether his recent comment on having a female Dalai Lama was serious, he replied in the affirmative. “Oh, serious,” he said, adding he did not say anything new as he had said 20 years ago that it was “possible.” “...female reincarnated person is more effective, most useful for serving Buddha dharma, why not?”

Would there be any resistance to the idea of a female Dalai Lama? He said that broadly he did not think so.

On whether he still believed he would be able to return to his homeland before his death, the Dalai Lama said he was optimistic. — PTI

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