The Chinese government believes it has the right to appoint the next Dalai Lama in Tibet. The Tibetan exile movement will appoint another one in exile. When it comes time to find a successor to the soon-to-be 91-year-old Tenzin Gyatso, who has held the title since 1940, Tibetan Buddhism looks set to have two competing spiritual leaders.
The Chinese government believes it has the right to appoint the next Dalai Lama in Tibet. The Tibetan exile movement will appoint another one in exile. When it comes time to find a successor to the soon-to-be 91-year-old Tenzin Gyatso, who has held the title since 1940, Tibetan Buddhism looks set to have two competing spiritual leaders.