By Yang Mingzhu
Epoch Times, Central News Agency
      Nov 23, 2007


TOKYO-Tibet's 72 year-old exiled spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, 
visited Japan on November 15, 2007. He paid a visit to the Ise Shrine 
(Ise-jing_) in Mie Prefecture earlier this month. He also announced 
at a press conference in the Prefecture that his successor, the 15th 
Dalai Lama, may be elected through ways other than the Tibetan 
traditional custom. This remark seems to contend with the new 
regulations made by the Chinese regime last September. He went on to 
say that he also seeks autonomy and democracy in Tibet, but not 
independence and separation from China.

Regarding his successor, he suggested several new potential selection 
methods. He said that, in addition to the Tibetan traditional way, 
his successor can be elected from eminent monks, or nominated 
directly by himself.

"If I die in India, the 15th Dalai Lama must accomplish my historical 
mission and be elected in India or abroad but not in Tibet (in 
China)," He said.

According to Japanese media, the Chinese regime made new regulations 
concerning the election of the Dalai Lama's successor last September: 
the successor of the Dalai Lama must receive approval from the 
Chinese regime. The 14th Dalai Lama's statement on his successors' 
election is to maintain the power of Tibetan Buddhism.

In addition to visiting the Ise Shrine (Ise-jing_), the Dalai Lama 
also made a speech at an international religious forum held at the 
Kogakkan University. He will attend a Buddhist conference in Kanagawa 
Prefecture over the next two days. On November 20, he will give a 
talk on "faith and peace" in Yokohama city. On November 21, he will 
go Tokyo to give a speech. He will end his visit to Japan on November 
23, 2007.

The Japanese government agreed to allow him to visit Japan on the 
condition that he will not engage in political activities. The Dalai 
Lama was awarded a U.S. congressional gold medal last October. The 
Chinese Foreign Ministry recently expressed regret that the Japanese 
government agreed to issue a visiting visa to the Dalai Lama.