The Dalai Lama announced on Wednesday, just before his 90th birthday, that his institution will continue, with the Gaden Phodrang Trust, established in 2015, holding sole authority to recognise his future reincarnation, ending speculation about the next successor
The Dalai Lama affirms the future of his institution after global Tibetan Buddhist request for its continuation. Pic/PTI
Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama announced on Wednesday that the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue, and that only the Gaden Phodrang Trust will possess the authority to recognise his future reincarnation. This declaration puts an end to speculation regarding whether he would have a successor after his death.
The Gaden Phodrang Trust was established by the Office of the Dalai Lama in 2015.
The statement, made by the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, also known as Lhama Thondup, on 21st May 2025, was released by his office on Wednesday, four days ahead of his 90th birthday. A 5.57-minute video of his speech in Tibetan was also made public.
Previously, the Dalai Lama had suggested that Tibet's most sacred tradition could potentially be concluded, or that his successor might be a woman or someone born outside China.
However, China, which considers Lhama Thondup a separatist, had maintained that Beijing would approve the identity of the successor through a centuries-old ritual.
According to PTI, the week-long celebration marking the Dalai Lama's 90th birthday commenced at Tsuglagkhang, the main temple at McLeodganj near Dharamshala, on 30th June. The occasion is particularly significant, as the Dalai Lama had stated in 2011 that he would decide at the age of 90 whether the institution would continue or not.
"I am affirming that the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue and I hereby reiterate that the Gaden Phodrang Trust has the sole authority to recognise the future reincarnation. No one else has any such authority to interfere in this matter," the statement released on Wednesday affirmed.
During a meeting of the heads of Tibetan spiritual traditions on 24th September 2011, the Dalai Lama had previously stated that "as far back as in 1969, I had made clear that people concerned should decide whether the Dalai Lama's reincarnations should continue in future."
He had further stated that when he reached 90 years old, he would consult the high Lamas of the Tibetan Buddhist traditions, the Tibetan public, and other individuals who follow Tibetan Buddhism, to evaluate whether the institution of the Dalai Lama should continue.
"I have received messages through various channels from Tibetans and Tibetan Buddhists living in other parts of the world requesting that the institution of the Dalai Lama should continue. I am affirming that the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue," his statement confirmed.
He added that the responsibility to recognise the reincarnation rests with the members of the Gaden Phodrang Trust. They will consult the heads of various Tibetan Buddhist traditions and reliable oath-bound Dharma Protectors linked to the lineage of Dalai Lamas.
"They should carry out the procedures of search and recognition in accordance with the tradition," the statement concluded.
(With inputs from PTI)
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