Asia

His Holiness The Dalai Lama: “The Religious Institution and The Political Institution should be separate”

March 14, 2011

The Dalai Lama said last week that he will step down as political leader of the Tibet-in-exile government but will remain as the spiritual leader. Political power will be handed over to a new prime minister to be chosen by elections on March 20.

On July 27, 2008, in conversation with Aspen Institute President and CEO Walter Isaacson and author Pico Iyer, The Dalai Lama had expressed his desire to separate himself from the politics of the region and focus directly on leading the Tibetan people spiritually. He also discussed retirement and options for succession including elections.

Watch the full discussion.