The Dalai Lama believes he may be the last

New Delhi, Dec 17: Exiled Tibetan spiritual leader and a Nobel-prize for peace winner, the Dalai Lama believes that he does not see anyone suitable holding his title after his death. He also said that the centuries-old tradition should end "at the time of a popular Dalai Lama".

The Dalai Lama suggested that the UK had taken a soft line with China over Hong Kong's recent student-led pro democracy protests for financial reasons. However, he believes that international agencies need to do more to encourage democracy in China. "China very much wants to join the mainstream world economy. They should be welcome, but at the same time the free world has a moral responsibility to bring China into mainstream democracy - for China's own interests."

He said another Dalai Lama coming after his death depend on the circumstances and what the Tibetan people wanted.

Pointing that the role no longer held any political responsibilities, he said that these were handed over to an elected leader of the Tibetan government in exile, Lobsang Sangay. Disappointed at China's interference, he said,"The Dalai Lama institution will cease one day. These man-made institutions will cease. There is no guarantee that some stupid Dalai Lama won't come next, who will disgrace himself or herself. That would be very sad. So, much better that a centuries-old tradition should cease at the time of a quite popular Dalai Lama.

The second highest figure after Dalai Lama is the Panchem Lama who plays a key role in electing the next Dalai Lama. The one elected by Dalai Lama has been rejected by China and his whereabouts are unknown

OneIndia News