One thing is certain: the institution of the Dalai Lama will outlive the current incumbent, the 14th Dalai Lama. His recent announcement at Dharamshala, the seat of the Tibetan government in exile, has brought great relief and joy to Tibetans around the world.

For years, speculation had swirled about whether he would name a successor at all. His long silence on the matter led many to fear that the lineage might end with him. That fear has now been laid to rest.

The Dalai Lama has made it clear that the traditional Tibetan system of identifying the next reincarnation will continue, but with one significant caveat: China will not have a say. The Chinese government, as expected,........

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