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Originally Posted by Vendzilla
Whens the last time the dalai lama was in his own country?
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The Dali Lama left Tibet in 1959, and formed a government in exile in India (although a separate administrative body has taken over most of the duties), and while he stated as recently as last week that he still expects to return to Tibet in his lifetime, I am not so sure about that given his age of 77.
There is a good deal of speculation as to whether the institution of the Dali Lama will continue upon the death of Thubten Gyatso (the current Dali Lama):
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In a 2004 interview with Time, the current Dalai Lama stated:
The institution of the Dalai Lama, and whether it should continue or not, is up to the Tibetan people. If they feel it is not relevant, then it will cease and there will be no 15th Dalai Lama. But if I die today I think they will want another Dalai Lama. The purpose of reincarnation is to fulfill the previous [incarnation's] life task.
My life is outside Tibet, therefore my reincarnation will logically be found outside. But then, the next question: Will the Chinese accept this or not? China will not accept. The Chinese government most probably will appoint another Dalai Lama, like it did with the Panchen Lama. Then there will be two Dalai Lamas: one, the Dalai Lama of the Tibetan heart, and one that is officially appointed.
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On September 24th, 2011, the Dalai Lama issued the following statement concerning his reincarnation:
When I am about ninety I will consult the high Lamas of the Tibetan Buddhist traditions, the Tibetan public, and other concerned people who follow Tibetan Buddhism, and re-evaluate whether the institution of the Dalai Lama should continue or not. On that basis we will take a decision.
If it is decided that the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama should continue and there is a need for the Fifteenth Dalai Lama to be recognized, responsibility for doing so will primarily rest on the concerned officers of the Dalai Lama?s Gaden Phodrang Trust. They should consult the various heads of the Tibetan Buddhist traditions and the reliable oath-bound Dharma Protectors who are linked inseparably to the lineage of the Dalai Lamas.
They should seek advice and direction from these concerned beings and carry out the procedures of search and recognition in accordance with past tradition. I shall leave clear written instructions about this. Bear in mind that, apart from the reincarnation recognized through such legitimate methods, no recognition or acceptance should be given to a candidate chosen for political ends by anyone, including those in the People?s Republic of China.
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Although I am an atheist myself, I am married to a Buddhist, and I generally find a lot in common with Buddhist philosophy. I consider the current Dali Lama to be a good person that has done much to further peace and understanding in the world, despite having been in exile for over 50 years (the Dali Lama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989).
ADG