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Dalai Lama hints at retirement, within a year

Hindustan Times | By, New Delhi
Nov 23, 2010 02:43 AM IST

The Dalai Lama has given the clearest sign yet that he is preparing for a full retirement from political life, possibly within a year.

The Dalai Lama has given the clearest sign yet that he is preparing for a full retirement from political life, possibly within a year.

HT Image
HT Image

At a television interview, the exiled Tibetan Buddhist spiritual leader said he was contemplating raising the issue with the elected political leadership of the Tibetan community in exile within six months and that a final decision could be made “a few months” later.

“In order to utilise fully democracy I felt (it is) better I am not involved (and that) I am devoted to other fields, promotion of human values and peace and harmony,” the 75-year-old said. “(But) firstly I have to discuss, to inform members of Tibetan parliament.”

The most likely date for discussions to start would be after the elections for the Tibetan parliament in exile to be held in March next year.

Traditionally, the office of the Dalai Lama combines spiritual and temporal roles. The current 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, has progressively distanced himself from a direct political role and expressed a desire to live as a simple monk. He, however, remains the official head of the central Tibetan administration in exile.

Last week, at a conference in Delhi, the Dalai Lama said a new set of political leaders were emerging among exiled Tibetans. Since 1960 an assembly has been elected by voters in exile but since 2001 the Kalon Tripa or prime minister has been elected too. For the coming elections, 80,000 voters have registered in India, Nepal, Bhutan, US, Europe, Australia and elsewhere.

The Dalai Lama also said it was possible that he would be the last Dalai Lama, saying the institution had been useful for many centuries but that this did not necessarily mean it could not be abolished if the majority of followers of the Tibetan Buddhist tradition so wished.

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Stay updated with all top Cities including, Bengaluru, Delhi, Mumbai and more across India. Stay informed on the latest happenings in World News along with Delhi Election 2025 and Delhi Election Result 2025 Live, New Delhi Election Result Live, Kalkaji Election Result Live at Hindustan Times.
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