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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Dalai Lama giving up?
He is relinquishing the last vestiges of his formal governmental role in the Tibetan government in exile (Central Tibetan Administration, or CTA). These duties, enshrined in the Charter (constitution) of Tibetans in exile, include summoning or suspending the parliament, appointing ministers, and holding referenda.
Is the Dalai Lama ending his advocacy for the Tibetan people?
No. He says, "My desire to devolve authority has nothing to do with a wish to shirk responsibility," and "as long as Tibetans place their trust and faith in me, I will continue to serve the cause of Tibet." He will continue to speak out on, and speak with world leaders about, the struggles facing Tibetans in Tibet.
Does this announcement affect the Dalai Lama's spiritual role?
No. Recognized and venerated as the 14th reincarnation of the Bodhisattva of Compassion, his spiritual role is intact and inescapable. It is expected that he will continue to travel the world to give teachings.
Why is the Dalai Lama doing this?
He frames it as the culmination of a decades-long transition to democracy, which includes elections for an executive and the legislature. He also puts it in context of making the Tibetan people self-reliant for any eventuality, including his passing. He says, "it is necessary that we establish a sound system of governance while I remain able and healthy, in order that the exile Tibetan administration can become self-reliant rather than being dependent on the Dalai Lama."
What will happen to the dialogue with the Chinese government?
The nine rounds of dialogue have been between the Chinese authorities and the envoys of the Dalai Lama. This issue may become clearer in the coming days as the parliament discusses matters like this.
He is relinquishing the last vestiges of his formal governmental role in the Tibetan government in exile (Central Tibetan Administration, or CTA). These duties, enshrined in the Charter (constitution) of Tibetans in exile, include summoning or suspending the parliament, appointing ministers, and holding referenda.
Is the Dalai Lama ending his advocacy for the Tibetan people?
No. He says, "My desire to devolve authority has nothing to do with a wish to shirk responsibility," and "as long as Tibetans place their trust and faith in me, I will continue to serve the cause of Tibet." He will continue to speak out on, and speak with world leaders about, the struggles facing Tibetans in Tibet.
Does this announcement affect the Dalai Lama's spiritual role?
No. Recognized and venerated as the 14th reincarnation of the Bodhisattva of Compassion, his spiritual role is intact and inescapable. It is expected that he will continue to travel the world to give teachings.
Why is the Dalai Lama doing this?
He frames it as the culmination of a decades-long transition to democracy, which includes elections for an executive and the legislature. He also puts it in context of making the Tibetan people self-reliant for any eventuality, including his passing. He says, "it is necessary that we establish a sound system of governance while I remain able and healthy, in order that the exile Tibetan administration can become self-reliant rather than being dependent on the Dalai Lama."
What will happen to the dialogue with the Chinese government?
The nine rounds of dialogue have been between the Chinese authorities and the envoys of the Dalai Lama. This issue may become clearer in the coming days as the parliament discusses matters like this.