NEW DELHI — The 14th Dalai Lama recently made waves by suggesting that, perhaps, the Tibetan way of choosing a successor to his spiritual post may have run its course.
According to Tibetan tradition, the next Dalai Lama would be found by seeking the previous leader’s reincarnation. However, the process of lama succession has become increasingly politicized. China has called for the tradition to continue, though some Tibetans fear the rulers in Beijing may seek to use it for their own ends. [Source]