The centuries-old tradition of living Buddha reincarnations in Tibetan Buddhism should be respected, said a tibetologist in Beijing on Wednesday.

"I would not like to make any assumption about the passing of the present Dalai Lama," said Lian Xiangmin, director of Research Projects Office with the China Tibetology Research Center, at a press conference.

"About what is going to be in the future, I suggest looking back on history and taking account of the common wish of the followers."

Since the Yellow Sect of Tibetan Buddhism was founded in the 15th century, it has developed a set of religious rituals and historical conventions concerning the reincarnation of living Buddhas, he said. "We should pay full respect to them."

Since the fifth Dalai Lama, the enthronement of the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama has had approval from the central government, he said.

The current 14th Dalai Lama received approval to be enthroned from the government of the Republic of China in 1940, the then central government.

(Xinhua News Agency April 2, 2008)