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DHARAMSHALA, August 25: The
Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama has reiterated his
position of being “totally retired” from politics. In a brief interview
published August 21, 2015 with Religion and Ethics Newsweekly, an affiliate
of PBS network at his residence here, the Tibetan leader who turned 80 in
July said, “You see, in 2011 I totally retired. Now no connection with political
responsibility.”
While the Tibetan leader rarely makes any political statements during his
visits within India or abroad he continues to be an outspoken aura
divulging fluent and precise one liners on a range of topics from his
reincarnation to his commitment to his message of secular and genuine
practice of compassion.
Asked if his reincarnation is as big an issue as it is being discussed the
world over, he simply noted, “Many people showing interest about the
institution of Dalai Lama. For me, not much interest.”
He added that he had made it clear as early as 1969 that the Tibetan people
would have the final say as to whether the institution of Dalai Lama should
continue or not.
His Holiness has expressed on several occasions in the past that his
reincarnation would be purely subject to the need and validity of the
situation then, saying that he would consult other prominent lamas and the
Tibetan people when he reaches 90 years old to arrive at a decision. He
hasn’t ruled out the possibility of a non Tibetan or even a female Dalai
Lama in the future. “Inner values and world peace and happy world, this is
our common responsibility. About next life is individual business. Our
concept of God, concept of nirvana, concept of next life is private business.”
Emphasizing the need for religious harmony which he has taken up as one of
his three commitments, he said, “All major religions teach the practice of
compassion, love, forgiveness, and tolerance. If people who really,
seriously, sincerely follow their own tradition, then brings inner peace.
Through that way, genuine peace.”
While pointing out that the Communist leaders in China who are supposed to
stand by the principle of Marxism have failed to uphold the genuine Marxist
ideals, His Holiness highlighted the shift in position of Chinese leaders
including President Xi Jinping who recently acknowledged a role for its
religious traditions, including Buddhism.
“It’s unthinkable, a Communist, atheist leader of that express publicly
importance of Buddhism is something quite unique. So this, I think the
reality now shows [that] just material development alone will not get
satisfaction to the public, to the people”.
Responding to a question about China’s allegation against him being a
‘splittist’, His Holiness said, “We seeking genuine autonomy, not seeking
independence”.
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