By Barney Henderson in Mumbai

The Independent

Monday June 22 2009

The Dalai Lama has said the tradition of a monk leading Tibet's Buddhists by divine right should end with him.

He told exiles that their next leader should be elected rather than chosen in a centuries-old ritual conducted by monks and shrouded by mystery.

A new Dalai Lama is traditionally selected by monks seeking guidance at a sacred lake and travelling throughout Tibet with relics of the dead Dalai Lama.

The boy monk who recognises the relics proves he is the reincarnated soul of the Dalai Lama and assumes the position of leader. However, China is claiming the right to appoint the 15th Dalai Lama and the prospect of two duelling leaders would severely undermine the position.

The 73-year-old said: "The Dalai Lamas held temporal and spiritual leadership over the last 400-500 years. It may have been quite useful. But that period is over. Today, it is clear to the whole world that democracy is the best system." (©Daily Telegraph, London)

- Barney Henderson in Mumbai