Dalai Lama Steps Down?

The answer is yes. However, it's a little more complex than simply a matter of "stepping down," or not.

In March of last year (2011), the 14th Dalai Lama decided to step down as the political leader of Tibet's government in exile. There were reports from several sources that announced China's hesitation to believe the Lama's antics as anything other than a deceitful ploy. It was clearly meant to be established that China expects to have full power in deciding the succession of the Lama's dynasty.

The 14th Lama himself however -- a relatively humble, wise, and agely man -- has not taken leave of his presence as Tibet's foremost spiritual leader. As Barbara O'Brien from the U.K. Guardian so eloquently puts it, The Dalai Lama steps back, but not down.

No one can blame the Lama for stepping down. At the age of 15, he was expected to assume full political integrity of the entire Tibet nation during the Chinese communist invasion. At the ripe age of 76, Tenzin Gyatso has had a rather supple experience in place of what could have been an otherwise dull legacy. It's rather unlikely though, as the entire dynasty of the the Dalai Lama seems to have some auspicious aire about it. Each generation: tactfully, yet uncannily prepped for the duties that would be requested of them. The Chinese communist invasion just marks the latest in what seem like ever-developing conditions for the Dalai Lama dynasty to politically apply itself to. After about sixty years of political confrontation and a lifetime of personally trying to rescue a civil and intelligent people from exile, this Dalai Lama has already begun the dissension of his dynasty's political influence over Tibet (a nation in exile), from its pervading and determined spiritual affluences which are intended for all of humanity.

It is a necessary part of a factual process. A case of conflicting directives. China technically owns Tibet and therefore wants to own the seat of the Dalai Lama. The Dalai Lama does not wish to be owned. Nor does he wish for his people, the people of Free Tibet to be objectified or marginalized. What lies in store for Tibet as a nation is unclear. This remains as unclear as it always has been. Which is in part why I think the Lama has decided to step down politically. It's become apparent that the dream of realizing Tibet as a sovereign, unified nation once again, is somewhat out of reach. The extent of the Dalai Lama's power truly only breaches a social membrane, it is not necessarily purposed to serve political gains - these simply appeared to be accouterments made available to the faculties of the Dalai Lama, just as they are now being dispatched by the Dalai Lama.

There is no doubt that he will continue his professions and teachings as a spiritual leader in the Buddhist and Vedic communities. Though, for now - at least until China discovers and officiates the next "chosen one," the dynasty has ceased action as a political entity. Leaving polity up to the politicians and spirituality up to the righteous, truly substantiates the Dalai Lama's divine perspectives on enlightenment. Such a simple context, embraced so wholly and with such great dignity, the Dalai Lama can serve as an inspiration to us all.

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