Amristar, India (AHN) -
In an effort to keep religious control away from China, the Dalai Lama proposed the fate of his succession be determined by means of a voting system.
The spiritual leader proposed two options: either he will not go through rebirth, ending a lineage that goes back to the 14th century, or he will be reborn before his death.
If results show that the majority favors his rebirth prior to his death, the Dalai Lama will be given the authority to appoint his successor.
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If people feel that the institution of the Dalai Lama is still necessary, it will continue," explained the religious leader in an interview during a convention of religious leaders at Amristar, India.
This move would strip China of its current control over the selection of the next Tibetan spiritual leader - something that the Dalai Lama admitted as one of his major objectives.
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Yes, a referendum, yes, it's possible," quoted Time Times.
The Scotsman added that the referendum would be held among all Tibetan Buddhists along the Himalayan range, Nepal, India, Mongolia, and even China.
He announced that the fate of his position will be left to the hands of the Tibetan people.
The Dalai Lama has been a source of recent aggravation for China regarding the matter, as his announcements of his plans regarding succession have continuously threatened to eliminate China's control.
China's control over religion has been highly contested by Tibetans, who are insisting that they be recognized as an independent people. China has continuously opposed the demand, determined to retain the control that it has had over the region since 1951.
The Dalai Lama, a supporter of the fight for Tibetan independence, was exiled from Tibet due to his strong influence.