Ahead of his 90th birthday, Tibetan spiritual leader the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, confirmed that the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue, and only the Gaden Phodrang Trust will have the authority to recognize his future reincarnation. This declaration, released by his office on May 21, 2025, challenges China’s stance, which insists that any successor must be approved through its traditional ‘golden urn’ process. In a video message, the Dalai Lama emphasized that no external body, including China, has the right to interfere in this sacred matter. The announcement, timed with the start of his birthday celebrations in McLeodganj, follows widespread appeals from Tibetan Buddhists to preserve the lineage. The Dalai Lama stated that the trust, in consultation with senior lamas and protectors, would follow traditional procedures to identify his successor, intensifying tensions with Beijing.
Dalai Lama Says His Institution Will Continue, Trust Will Identify Successor
