- By Chetna Shree
- Wed, 02 Jul 2025 11:12 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
The Tibetan Spiritual Leader, Dalai Lama, ahead of his 90th birthday, declared that the institution of the Dalai Lama would continue after his death, and a trust founded by him has sole authority to choose the successor. The Dalai Lama said that the non-profit Gaden Phodrang trust will recognise the future reincarnation, countering China’s insistence that it will choose the successor of the Tibetan Spiritual Leader.
In an official statement, he said, “No one else has any such authority to interfere in this matter.” His statement further mentioned the process by which a future Dalai Lama is to be recognised, according to which the rights for doing so will rest with the members of the Gaden Phodrang Trust.
"They (the members) 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 accordingly carry out the procedures of search and recognition in accordance with past tradition," the statement read.
In a meeting with the heads of Tibetan Spiritual Traditions on September 24, 2011, Dalai Lama was asked whether the institution would continue or not.
Statement Affirming the Continuation of the Institution of Dalai Lama
— Dalai Lama (@DalaiLama) July 2, 2025
(Translated from the original Tibetan)
On 24 September 2011, at a meeting of the heads of Tibetan spiritual traditions, I made a statement to fellow Tibetans in and outside Tibet, followers of Tibetan… pic.twitter.com/VqtBUH9yDm
"In particular, I have received messages through various channels from Tibetans in Tibet making the same appeal. In accordance with all these requests, I am affirming that the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue," reads the statement.
The Dalai Lama is turning 90 on Sunday, and grand celebrations have been planned in Mcleodganj, Dharamshala, the seat of Tibetan government in-exile to mark the occasion.