Dalai Lama may name successor on his 90th birthday
Kullu: All eyes will be on the
when he turns 90 on July 6, as he may announce his successor that day. The year-long birthday celebration of the
will kick off on July 6 in Mcleodganj near Dharamshala, the headquarters of the Tibetan govt-in-exile, and conclude on July 5 next year.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
Many ministers in the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), including Penpa Tsering, Sikyong or the elected head of CTA, and deputy speaker Dolma Tsering, have said the Dalai Lama may reveal his successor when he turns 90. Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, speaker of the Tibetan govt-in-exile, told TOI that a three-day religious conference, beginning on July 2 in Mcleodganj, was also likely to discuss the successor. "Even though this topic is not part of the conference agenda, there is a strong likelihood that the question of the Dalai Lama's successor would be discussed.
We may even get the answer too," said Tenphel. "The Dalai Lama's successor must be from the free world outside of China, as our holy leader has said. In any case, the Tibetans would accept only the one revealed by the Dalai Lama himself," added Tenphel.
In his book 'Voice for the Voiceless', published this March, the Dalai Lama has specified for the first time that his successor would be born in the "free world" and outside China.
The Dalai Lama's statement is significant because China insists it will choose the successor in an attempt to gain religious control over Tibet. But Tibetans, especially those in exile, will not accept one chosen by China.
The Dalai Lama has said any successor named by China would not be accepted by the Tibetans.
More than 300 dignitaries from around the world are expected to reach Dharamshala on July 6 to attend the birthday celebrations of the Dalai Lama.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
The Tibetan govt-in-exile, which was set up in Dharamshala, Kangra, in 1960, a year after the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, escaped from Tibet along with thousands of his followers after a failed uprising against Chinese invasion, is going through a crucial time. The CTA wants a smooth transition of the present Dalai Lama's spiritual authority to his successor in the face of the Chinese claim to name the successor.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Indian Express
26 minutes ago
- Indian Express
Dalai Lama turns 90: How will his successor be chosen and who gets to decide?
As the Dalai Lama approaches his 90th birthday this Sunday, the question of who will succeed the Tibetan spiritual leader has taken centre stage: not just among Buddhists, but also in political circles across China, India, and the United States. The Nobel Peace Prize laureate, revered globally for his advocacy of nonviolence and compassion, is also seen as a symbol of resistance against Chinese control of Tibet. With succession potentially reshaping Tibetan religious authority and geopolitical equations, the process is closely watched by world powers. According to Tibetan tradition, the soul of a senior monk is reincarnated after death, and the Dalai Lama is no exception. The current, 14th Dalai Lama — born Lhamo Dhondup in 1935 in northeastern Tibet — was identified at age two after a search party, guided by visions and signs, believed he was the reincarnation of his predecessor. When the child recognised items belonging to the 13th Dalai Lama and declared, 'It's mine, it's mine,' their doubts were settled. He was officially installed at the Potala Palace in Lhasa in 1940. The Dalai Lama, who has lived in exile in India since fleeing Tibet in 1959 after a failed uprising against Chinese rule, has indicated his successor will be born outside China. In his 2025 book Voice for the Voiceless, he wrote that further details about the succession plan would be made public around his 90th birthday. The Tibetan parliament-in-exile, based in Dharamshala, says a framework is already in place to ensure continuity of leadership. A key role in the process will be played by the Gaden Phodrang Foundation, which the Dalai Lama established in 2015 to support his religious and spiritual responsibilities. Senior aides and officers from the foundation are expected to guide the search and recognition of his reincarnation. Beijing, however, claims that its government has the authority to approve the Dalai Lama's successor, citing laws rooted in Qing dynasty-era traditions. Officials have pointed to the golden urn ritual — a lottery system introduced in 1793 — as the official mechanism to determine reincarnations within China's borders. Chinese authorities argue that any reincarnation must occur within China and follow national laws. But many Tibetans see this as a political maneuver designed to control their spiritual leadership. It is inappropriate for Chinese Communists, who reject religion 'to meddle in the system of reincarnation of lamas' the Dalai Lama has said. He has urged Tibetans to reject any candidate 'chosen for political ends… including those in the People's Republic of China.' India hosts the Dalai Lama and over 100,000 Tibetan Buddhists in exile. His presence in the Himalayan town of Dharamshala gives New Delhi a subtle but strategic advantage in its complex relationship with Beijing, reported Reuters. Many Indians hold him in high regard, and he continues to have access to Indian institutions and media. The United States has frequently voiced support for Tibetan autonomy and rights. In 2024, Joe Biden signed a law urging Beijing to negotiate on Tibet's status and reaffirming Washington's opposition to Chinese interference in the Dalai Lama's succession. US lawmakers have also made clear that any future Dalai Lama chosen under Chinese influence would not be recognised. (With inputs from Reuters)
Time of India
29 minutes ago
- Time of India
Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi begins 4-day visit to Bhutan
Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi is on a four-day visit to Bhutan to strengthen military ties amid China's infrastructure push near Doklam. He will meet King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Lt Gen Batoo Tshering to discuss regional security, including the Doklam plateau situation and Chinese activities. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Chief of Army Staff Gen Upendra Dwivedi on Monday began a four-day trip to Bhutan to further enhance the already close bilateral military ties against the backdrop of China's relentless efforts to strengthen infrastructure around the strategically located Doklam plateau In Bhutanese capital Thimphu, Gen Dwivedi will call on King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and hold wide-ranging talks with Bhutan's military chief Lt Gen Batoo Tshering, officials Army Chief's visit to Bhutan from June 30 to July 3 comes amid the evolving regional security scenario and over seven weeks after India's Operation Sindoor targeting terror bases in Pakistani territories."The visit aims to further bolster the enduring bilateral defence cooperation between the two nations," the Indian Army said, adding it reflects India's commitment to its is expected that the overall situation in the Doklam plateau as well as Chinese activities in the region are set to figure in Gen Dwivedi's talks with his Bhutanese strategic ties between India and Bhutan witnessed an upward trajectory in the last few years in the backdrop of a 73-day face-off between Indian and Chinese troops in Doklam tri-junction in Doklam plateau is considered an important area for India's strategic standoff at the Doklam tri-junction in 2017 began after China tried to extend a road in an area that Bhutan claimed belonged to it. India had strongly opposed the construction as it would have impacted its overall security India-China stand-off in the Doklam plateau even triggered fears of larger conflict between the two neighbours. Bhutan had said the area belonged to it and India supported the Bhutanese face-off was resolved following several rounds of shares an over 400-km-long border with China and the two countries have held a series of boundary talks in a bid to resolve the and Bhutan are looking at an expeditious resolution of their festering boundary row that could have implications for India's security late 2023, Bhutan's then Foreign Minister Tandi Dorji held talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Beijing. A Chinese readout on the talks said Bhutan firmly abides by the one-China principle and stands ready to work with China for an early settlement of the boundary Delhi has been keeping a close eye on the negotiations between Bhutan and China on their boundary row as it could have implications for New Delhi's security interests, especially in the Doklam October 2021, Bhutan and China signed an agreement on the "three-step roadmap" to expedite negotiations to resolve their boundary dispute Chief Operations Officer of the Royal Bhutan Army Lt General visited India in the trip, he held talks with Gen Dwivedi, NSA Ajit Doval, Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.
India Gazette
32 minutes ago
- India Gazette
Dalai Lama attends prayers at Dharamshala ahead of 90th birthday
Dharamshala (Himachal Pradesh) [India], June 30 (ANI): A large number of Tibetans and other well-wishers gathered in Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh's Kangra district on Monday morning to participate in celebrations to honour the Dalai Lama, who will turn 90 on July 6 this year. Tibetans mark the occasion with great devotion and enthusiasm every year. Visuals from the event this morning showed a large gathering of Tibetans participating in cultural programmes, prayer sessions, and traditional rituals to honour the spiritual leader's milestone birthday. The Dalai Lama, globally revered as the Spiritual Leader of Tibetan Buddhism and a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, is known for his teachings on compassion, non-violence, and interfaith harmony. His leadership has been central to the Tibetan cause and Buddhist philosophy worldwide. Special arrangements to mark the occasion, including a long life prayer ceremony was held at the main Tibetan temple, Tsuglagkhang, in Dharamshala, which the Dalai Lama attended in the morning today. 'His Holiness the Dalai Lama reaffirmed his lifelong commitment to serve humanity--through his institution and personally--during the Long Life Offering by the people of Dhomey Cholkha on June 30, 2025, at the Main Tibetan Temple in Dharamshala,' the Voice of Tibet reported today. From July 2 to 4, Dharmshala will host a major three-day conference bringing together senior Buddhist monks, scholars, and representatives from various global Buddhist traditions. The event is expected to conclude with a highly anticipated address by the Dalai Lama, during which he is likely to provide long-awaited clarity on the future of the Tibetan reincarnation tradition and his own succession plans. Many parliamentarians in exile and members of the organising committee were present at Kangra Airport to welcome spiritual gurus arriving for the 90th birthday celebrations of the Dalai Lama. Meanwhile, the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) will organise a special event on July 13 at the Ashoka Hotel in New Delhi to celebrate the 90th birth anniversary of the 14th Dalai Lama. Tibetan Buddhist leaders, including heads and representatives of all four sects--Sakya, Kagyu, Nyingma, and Gelug--will meet the Dalai Lama in July. However, Karmapa Rinpoche, head of the Kagyu sect, will not attend the event, and his absence is expected to disappoint many Tibetans. The day will bring together international scholars, Buddhist leaders, and experts with long-standing associations with the Dalai Lama. Panel discussions will focus on his teachings and the future of Buddhism, with themes such as 'The Relevance of Buddha Dharma in the 21st Century' and 'The Future of Tibetan Buddhism and the Preservation of its Culture.' A special session titled 'Quantum Physics, Neurosciences and Buddhism' will explore how modern science intersects with Buddhist philosophy. The event will conclude with the adoption of a special declaration on 'Karuna & Its Relevance in Conflict Avoidance,' emphasising compassion as a guiding principle for addressing today's global challenges. (ANI)
