Dharamsala, Sep 25 (IANS): Should the institution of the Dalai Lama continue? The incumbent spiritual leader of Tibetans says he will initiate a debate on it after 14 years.

"When I am 90," the 76-year-old Dalai Lama says on the institution's official website, "I will consult the high Lamas, the Tibetan people and other concerned people and re-evaluate whether the institution should continue."

He says any decision on the institution's furture will be on that basis alone.

"If it is decided that the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama should continue and there is need for a 15th Dalai Lama to be recognised, the responsibility for doing so will primarily rest on the officers of the Dalai Lam's Gaden Phodrang Trust," he says.

"They should consult the various heads of Tibetan Buddhist traditions and the reliable oath-bound Dharma Protectors. They should seek advice and direction from from these concerned beings and carry out the procedures of search and recognition, in accordance past tradition," he says.

"I shall leave clear written instructions about this," he says. "Bear in mind that, aprt from the reincarnation recognised through such legitimate methods, no recognition should be given to a candidate chosen for political ends by anyone."