Dalai Lama talks of successor

WASHINGTON -- The Dalai Lama says his successor could be chosen from among a group of senior monks, rather than through the centuries-old tradition of reincarnation or he may decide to declare his own successor while he is still alive.

His successor could be chosen like the pope, the Tibetan spiritual leader told international broadcaster Voice of America in an interview during his visit to Washington to receive the Congressional Gold Medal, the country's highest civilian honor, and meet with President Bush.

Chinese authorities issued a new regulation in July that requires all reincarnations--including the Dalai Lama--to be approved by the government.

After the second highest-ranking Tibetan Buddhist leader, the Panchen Lama, died in 1989, the Chinese government negated the reincarnation recognized by the Dalai Lama and installed its own choice.

The 72-year-old Tibetan exile said if he dies in exile, his reincarnation would be born there and would continue his life's work.

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