First, the current Dalai Lama has already resigned political power. So he is no longer the political head of Tibet for the "government in exile".
As for process of finding the next Dalai Lama if they do continue with it, then normally they identify him as a young child. So there would be a few years, long enough for the child to grow up a bit, before he is identified.
And - is possible this may be the last Dalai Lama - he has said as much that he might be the last Dalai Lama, depending how things go. I.e. he might decide to end the institution of the Dalai Lama.
He has said
That's pretty clear; hard to see how the Chinese could legitimately claim that they have found a reincarnation of the Dalai Lama in those circumstances.
Either they accept that it is possible for us to be reborn after we die, and that the Dalai Lama does have this possibility of leaving directions to find his next rebirth - in which case they have to accept what he says here - or else, they don't, in which case how can they possibly say anything about the matter?
See also Robert Walker's answer to Would Tibetan Buddhism lose some of its credibility if the Dalai Lama abandons the tradition of reincarnation?
As for process of finding the next Dalai Lama if they do continue with it, then normally they identify him as a young child. So there would be a few years, long enough for the child to grow up a bit, before he is identified.
And - is possible this may be the last Dalai Lama - he has said as much that he might be the last Dalai Lama, depending how things go. I.e. he might decide to end the institution of the Dalai Lama.
He has said
When I am about ninety I will consult the high Lamas of the Tibetan Buddhist traditions, the Tibetan public, and other concerned people who follow Tibetan Buddhism, and re-evaluate whether the institution of the Dalai Lama should continue or not. On that basis we will take a decision. If it is decided that the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama should continue and there is a need for the Fifteenth Dalai Lama to be recognized, responsibility for doing so will primarily rest on the concerned officers of the Dalai Lama’s Gaden Phodrang Trust. They should consult the various heads of the Tibetan Buddhist traditions and the reliable oath-bound Dharma Protectors who are linked inseparably to the lineage of the Dalai Lamas. They should seek advice and direction from these concerned beings and carry out the procedures of search and recognition in accordance with past tradition. I shall leave clear written instructions about this. Bear in mind that, apart from the reincarnation recognized through such legitimate methods, no recognition or acceptance should be given to a candidate chosen for political ends by anyone, including those in the People’s Republic of China.
That's pretty clear; hard to see how the Chinese could legitimately claim that they have found a reincarnation of the Dalai Lama in those circumstances.
Either they accept that it is possible for us to be reborn after we die, and that the Dalai Lama does have this possibility of leaving directions to find his next rebirth - in which case they have to accept what he says here - or else, they don't, in which case how can they possibly say anything about the matter?
See also Robert Walker's answer to Would Tibetan Buddhism lose some of its credibility if the Dalai Lama abandons the tradition of reincarnation?
About the Author
Robert Walker
Writer of articles on Mars and Space issues - Software Developer of Tune Smithy, Bounce Metronome etc.Studied at Wolfson College, Oxford
Lives in Isle of Mull
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