Dalai Lama Says Successor Will Be Born Ouside China

Voice for the Voiceless by Dalai Lama

India-West Staff Reporter

DHARAMSALA – In his newly released autobiography, Voice for the Voiceless: Over Seven Decades of Struggle with China for My Land and My People, the Dalai Lama declared that his successor will be born outside China in order to carry on the spiritual mission of Tibetan Buddhism.

The 89-year-old Tibetan spiritual leader emphasized that the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama is meant to continue the work of his predecessors. He believes the next Dalai Lama must be born in a “free world” to safeguard Tibetan traditions and represent the aspirations of the Tibetan people, away from the political influence of the Chinese government.

“I believe the next Dalai Lama must be born in a free world, in a place where Tibetan culture and traditions can thrive without fear of suppression,” the Dalai Lama stated. His remarks come at a time of heightened tensions between China and the Tibetan exile community.

The Dalai Lama, who fled Tibet for India in 1959 after China’s invasion, has long advocated for the “Middle Way” approach—seeking greater autonomy for Tibet without pursuing full independence. Despite this moderate stance, China considers Tibet part of its territory and has labeled him a “separatist,” asserting its right to appoint his successor.

In his book, the Dalai Lama recounts receiving numerous requests from Tibetans and supporters worldwide to ensure that his lineage continues. He writes, “One clear lesson from history is this: If you keep people unhappy for too long, you cannot have a stable society.” This statement reflects his belief that Tibet’s ongoing struggle for freedom remains vital to the preservation of its unique culture and identity.

The autobiography, Voice for the Voiceless, offers a personal, spiritual, and historical account of the Dalai Lama’s nearly 75-year struggle to protect Tibet and its people from Chinese oppression. It chronicles his early encounters with Communist China, including his first meeting with Chairman Mao at age 19, his escape to India at 25, and his subsequent leadership in exile. Over the decades, he has faced several generations of Chinese leaders, including Mao Zedong, Deng Xiaoping, Jiang Zemin, Hu Jintao, and Xi Jinping.

Throughout the book, the Dalai Lama reflects on the profound challenges he has faced and how he has managed to preserve his humanity and sense of hope in the face of great adversity. He also discusses the geopolitics surrounding Tibet and the hardships his people continue to endure under Chinese rule.

Nearly 75 years after China’s initial invasion of Tibet, the Dalai Lama uses his book to remind the world of Tibet’s unresolved struggle for freedom and the ongoing oppression of its people. He also offers his vision for the future, while expressing enduring hope for Tibet’s eventual restoration of dignity and freedom.

Having stepped down from his political role as the leader of Tibet’s government-in-exile in 2011, the Dalai Lama now focuses solely on his spiritual mission. Voice for the Voiceless serves as both a poignant testimony to his life’s work and an inspiration for continued efforts to preserve the cultural and spiritual heritage of Tibet.