His Holiness the Dalai Lama. From tibet.net
In a recent interview from his official residence in Dharamsala, northern India, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, who in July celebrated his 80th birthday, reiterated that he has completely retired from political activity.
Recalling the official announcement of his retirement four years ago, he emphasized: “You see, in 2011 I totally retired. Now no connection with political responsibility.” His focus now, he says, is on his moral responsibility as an advocate for world peace—a role that earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989. (Religion & Ethics Newsweekly)
His Holiness announced his intention to step down as the political leader of the India-based Tibetan government-in exile, the Central Tibetan Administration, on 10 March 2011, the 52nd Anniversary of the 1959 Tibetan National Uprising. His retirement became effective from 29 May the same year. Although the government-in-exile initially opposed his decision, the Dalai Lama insisted that it was necessary to establish a more democratic and sustainable system for leading the 150,000 Tibetans who live in exile and heading the campaign of non-violence aimed at gaining greater autonomy for Tibet.
“If we have to remain in exile for several more decades, a time will inevitably come when I will no longer be able to provide leadership. Therefore, it is necessary that we establish a sound system of governance while I remain able and healthy,” he said in a speech to the parliament-in-exile at the time. (dalailama.com)
During the recent interview, His Holiness also touched upon the sensitive and much-discussed topic of succession with his familiar brand of gentle humor. “Many people showing interest about the institution of Dalai Lama. For me, not much interest,” he said, laughing. “As far [back] as 1969 I publicly stated [that] this institution, whether [it] should continue or not, [is] entirely up to Tibetan people.” (Religion & Ethics Newsweekly)
His Holiness the Dalai Lama greets well-wishers in Dharamsala, India. From dalailama.com
The Dalai Lama was born into a farming family in the Tibetan region of Amdo, now Qinghai Province and part of Gansu Province in China, and was identified at the age of two after passing various tests, including identifying personal items belonging to his predecessor. His Holiness has previously said that around the age of 90, he will consult with Tibet’s spiritual leaders to “re-evaluate whether the institution of the Dalai Lama should continue or not.” (The Wall Street Journal)
Instead, he would rather focus on more pressing, pragmatic matters: “Inner values and world peace and [a] 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,” he added. (Religion & Ethics Newsweekly)
His Holiness also expressed the hope of seeing a common ethics curriculum taught in schools, noting that some religious leaders place too much emphasis on exclusion and division, leading to conflict and inequality between and within societies. “Like America, very rich country but many people poor. And then India and China, now developing—great potential. Like Africa also, [a] lot of potential. But I think this lack of moral principle in that respect, I think we need some sort of lesson, education about socialism. I am socialist. Then furthermore as far as social economy theory concerned I am Marxist. I am Buddhist Marxist,” he said. (Religion & Ethics Newsweekly)
Nevertheless, the Dalai Lama noted that his message of compassion is not exclusive to Buddhism: “All major religions teach the practice of compassion, love, forgiveness, and tolerance. If people . . . really, seriously, sincerely follow their own tradition, then [this] brings inner peace; through that way, genuine peace.” (Religion & Ethics Newsweekly)