By Tenzin Dharpo
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”.
