Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], June 28 : Renowned French Tibetologist Claude Arpi on Saturday noted China was "very upset" ahead of an anticipated statement by the 14th Dalai Lama regarding the sensitive issue of his reincarnation.
Speaking to ANI in Shimla, Arpi underscored that the Dalai Lama has made it clear he will not be reborn in China, reaffirming that any attempt by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to impose control over the deeply spiritual Tibetan tradition of reincarnation would be unacceptable.
As the world turns its attention to Dharamshala -- the seat of the Tibetan Government-in-Exile -- preparations for the 90th birthday celebrations of the Dalai Lama, scheduled for early July, are taking on growing international significance. From July 2 to 4, the Himalayan town will host a major three-day conference bringing together senior Buddhist monks, scholars, and representatives from various global Buddhist traditions. The event is expected to conclude with a highly anticipated address by the Dalai Lama, during which he is likely to provide long-awaited clarity on the future of the Tibetan reincarnation tradition and his own succession plans.
Arpi recalled that a similar landmark religious conference was held in 2011 in Dharamshala, where over 100 senior monks and representatives from all major Tibetan Buddhist sects convened. At the time, the Dalai Lama spoke extensively about the meaning of reincarnation and emanation and why this spiritual process, rooted in centuries of Tibetan tradition, must remain free from political interference.
"In that message, he said once he turns 90, he will give a precise indication about whether he intends to return through reincarnation. But meanwhile, China has been trying to hijack this sacred tradition," said Arpi.
"In 2007, the Chinese government brought in a regulation that gives the Communist Party the power to approve reincarnations, which has nothing to do with spirituality or religion," he added.
Arpi pointed out that the Dalai Lama has been vocal about this threat, stating publicly that people should not accept any future Dalai Lama appointed by Beijing, saying, "That would be a very, very bad thing," as quoted by him.
Reiterating what the Dalai Lama has also mentioned in his recent books, Arpi said, "His Holiness has stated that he will be reborn in a free world, most probably in India, and certainly not in China."
"The Dalai Lama has no intention of coming back in a Communist system that rejects the very basis of reincarnation," said Arpi.
The upcoming statement from the Dalai Lama, expected to be delivered in English, Tibetan, and Chinese, will be watched closely not only by Tibetan Buddhists but also by global followers, scholars, and governments.
"There are millions, including Western Buddhists and even non-Buddhist Indians, who deeply admire the Dalai Lama. They respect him as a man of peace, compassion, and non-violence, and this message of his will carry profound weight," Arpi emphasised.
With growing geopolitical and cultural implications, the world's eyes are now firmly set on Dharamshala, where tradition, politics, and spirituality are poised to intersect in a pivotal moment for the future of Tibetan Buddhism.