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News18
12 hours ago
- Politics
- News18
Will There Be Two Dalai Lamas? Inside The Clash Between China And Gaden Phodrang Trust
The Dalai Lama today reaffirmed that only the Gaden Phodrang Trust can decide his reincarnation, rejecting China's claim to appoint a successor through state-backed channels As the 14th Dalai Lama turns 90 this week on July 6, the quiet monastery town of Dharamshala is again at the centre of a global debate. The issue this time goes beyond religion; it's about who gets to decide the spiritual future of Tibet, and more importantly, who gets to control it. At the heart of this succession struggle is the Gaden Phodrang Trust, the only institution authorised by the Dalai Lama to recognise his future reincarnation. China has made no secret of its intention to identify its own Dalai Lama candidate, using state-controlled religious channels. While it has never appointed a Dalai Lama before, Beijing has repeatedly signalled, particularly through a 2007 regulation, that it intends to name its own successor after the 14th Dalai Lama passes. The Gaden Phodrang, however, asserts exclusive spiritual and historical legitimacy in the succession process. As both sides prepare to assert their claims, the role of the Gaden Phodrang Trust, and why it remains central to the search for the next Dalai Lama has come into sharp focus. FROM TEMPORAL POWER TO SPIRITUAL CUSTODIANSHIP The Gaden Phodrang was originally the name of the government established by the 5th Dalai Lama in the 17th century. It was both the spiritual and temporal authority in Tibet, ruling from the Potala Palace in Lhasa. For centuries, this institution was central to Tibetan governance, combining monastic leadership with political power. After the Chinese annexation of Tibet in 1950 and the subsequent flight of the 14th Dalai Lama to India in 1959, the Gaden Phodrang was re-established in exile. Over time, its role evolved. In 2011, the Dalai Lama gave up all political authority, passing it to the democratically elected Central Tibetan Administration. The Gaden Phodrang remained his personal spiritual office, which he then formalised as a non-profit trust to carry forward his religious legacy. Since then, the Gaden Phodrang Trust has served as the spiritual and institutional body overseeing matters relating to the Dalai Lama's lineage, teachings, and reincarnation. The current Dalai Lama has repeatedly emphasised that only the Gaden Phodrang Trust can carry out the process of identifying his successor. This position has been established through decades of spiritual discourse and policy decisions: As early as 1969, the Dalai Lama publicly stated that whether the institution of the Dalai Lama should continue was for the Tibetan people to decide. In 2011, this was codified in a resolution: when the Dalai Lama turns 90, a decision would be made—if succession were to proceed, the process would be led entirely by the Gaden Phodrang, in consultation with Tibetan Buddhist leaders and spiritual protectors. On Wednesday, days before his 90th birthday, he reaffirmed that no one else, governmental or otherwise, has any authority to interfere in this matter. 'I hereby reiterate that the Gaden Phodrang Trust has sole authority to recognise the future reincarnation; no one else has any such authority to interfere in this matter," the Dalai Lama said, clearly drawing the battle lines against Beijing's ambitions to appoint a China-backed successor. This exclusive mandate derives from religious tradition, the personal authority of the Dalai Lama, and the institutional continuity of Gaden Phodrang's spiritual role. THE TRADITIONAL PROCESS OF RECOGNISING A DALAI LAMA According to Tibetan custom, after a Dalai Lama passes away, senior monks and spiritual advisors consult oracles, observe dreams, and interpret visions. They also look for physical signs and test potential children to see if they recognise sacred items from the previous Dalai Lama's life. It was through this process that the current Dalai Lama was discovered in 1939. A two-year-old boy in Amdo, northeastern Tibet, identified objects belonging to the 13th Dalai Lama, and was eventually enthroned in 1940. This sacred, non-political process is what the Gaden Phodrang Trust now seeks to preserve. CHINA'S CHALLENGE: GOLDEN URN AND STATE CONTROL The Chinese government has a different vision. Beijing claims the right to manage all religious affairs within its borders, including reincarnations. It bases its claim on a 1793 Qing Dynasty edict, which introduced the Golden Urn system—a lottery-based method to select reincarnated lamas. Though seldom used historically, China now insists it must be the only method allowed. In 2007, the Chinese State Administration for Religious Affairs passed a regulation stating that all reincarnations of Tibetan Buddhist leaders must receive state approval. This legal framework effectively blocks any candidate from being recognised in China without Communist Party approval. The Dalai Lama has explicitly rejected this, stating that his reincarnation will be born in a 'free country", outside Chinese jurisdiction. THE PANCHEN LAMA CONTROVERSY The Panchen Lama case stands as the clearest precedent for what may unfold again. The Panchen Lama is traditionally the second-highest spiritual authority in Tibetan Buddhism, often playing a key role in identifying the Dalai Lama's reincarnation. In 1995, the 14th Dalai Lama identified a six-year-old boy, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, as the 11th Panchen Lama. Within days, Chinese authorities abducted the boy and his family. He has not been seen since. In his place, Beijing installed its own Panchen Lama—Gyaincain Norbu—a child loyal to the Party's religious apparatus. However, the Chinese-appointed figure is widely rejected by the Tibetan exile community and many Buddhists worldwide. He is seen as a political figure lacking spiritual legitimacy. The controversy continues to cast a long shadow, reinforcing why the Gaden Phodrang Trust is determined to safeguard the traditional, monastic-led process of reincarnation. The fear remains that Beijing will attempt a similar intervention in the case of the Dalai Lama, using state power to impose a successor lacking spiritual legitimacy. WHY THE TRUST MATTERS TO INDIA AND THE WORLD The Gaden Phodrang Trust is not just a religious entity; it is based in Dharamshala, India, and symbolises India's moral and spiritual support for the Tibetan cause. For India, the Dalai Lama represents more than a refugee; he is a cultural guest, a Nobel laureate, and a symbol of religious freedom. The succession process, therefore, places India in a diplomatically sensitive spot. If the next Dalai Lama is found within India, it may strain ties with China, but refusing to support the Trust's authority could weaken New Delhi's moral standing. Globally, countries like the United States have already legislated support for the Tibetan-led succession process. The Tibetan Policy and Support Act of 2020 authorises sanctions against any Chinese officials who interfere with the Dalai Lama's reincarnation. The European Parliament and other democratic governments have echoed similar sentiments. TWO DALAI LAMAS? All signs point to a likely duality in succession. China is expected to appoint its own Dalai Lama through official state institutions, possibly invoking the Golden Urn—a Qing-era ritual it used in the Panchen Lama case. On the other side, the Gaden Phodrang Trust, following established Tibetan Buddhist procedures, is expected to identify a reincarnation outside Chinese territory, most likely from among exile communities. top videos View all This would result in two claimants: one endorsed by the Chinese state and the other recognised by the Tibetan religious hierarchy and the global diaspora. The world must now prepare for a religious showdown with geopolitical implications. The question is no longer just 'who will be the next Dalai Lama?", it is also 'whose Dalai Lama will the world accept?" About the Author Karishma Jain Karishma Jain, Chief Sub Editor at writes and edits opinion pieces on a variety of subjects, including Indian politics and policy, culture and the arts, technology and social change. Follow her @ More Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from geopolitics to diplomacy and global trends. Stay informed with the latest world news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : China on Dalai Lama Dalai Lama Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: July 02, 2025, 12:34 IST News world Will There Be Two Dalai Lamas? Inside The Clash Between China And Gaden Phodrang Trust
Economic Times
21 hours ago
- Politics
- Economic Times
View: Will India endorse sole right of His Holiness Or shy away? Can't shrug off security angle
The 14th Dalai Lama has declared that his reincarnation will be solely determined by his private office, the Gaden Phodrang, using traditional methods, a move aimed at preventing interference, particularly from China. This decision, welcomed by the Tibetan community, reinforces the Dalai Lama's institution as a symbol of unity and religious sovereignty. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this column are that of the writer. The facts and opinions expressed here do not reflect the views of .) The 14th Dalai Lama has announced that the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue and, when the time comes, his private office, the Gaden Phodrang, will bear the exclusive responsibility to search for his reincarnation. This will be done by the traditional announcement follows his statements issued some years back that a decision on the subject would be taken after consultation with stakeholders after he attains the age of 90 which he will on 6th of this Tibetan community in Tibet and worldwide will be greatly relieved at his decision as the institution is regarded as a symbol of Tibetan unity and of Tibetan religious sovereignty. By giving the Gaden Phodrang the sole responsibility of finding his reincarnation, he has ruled out any possible interference by other is hoped that he will leave clear written instructions to prevent, as the 17th Karmapa pointed out in 2018, room for manipulation by mischievous parties. It can be seen as a pre-emptive strike against Beijing which has arrogated the right to decide his reincarnation. The decision will enthuse Tibetans and possibly sharpen the divide between them and the for the institution of Dalai Lama is not merely because of the exceptional personality of the 14th Dalai Lama but in the deep-rooted Tibetan belief in the concept of reincarnation in which the person wills himself to be reborn to carry on his work in a new life. It is a personal choice the authenticity of which is through a time-tested religious process. In this belief, devotion and loyalty are transferred unquestioned to the reincarnation, even small announcement will be denounced by China which, citing an old ritual of the golden urn from the 18th century, has long insisted that it alone has authority to choose the reincarnation of living Buddhas, including the Dalai Lama. Controlling this institution is important for China. It will choose its own Dalai Lama however dubious this process on a spiritual matter be by an atheist future, we may have two Dalai Lamas, one chosen according to the wishes of the 14th and the other by the Chinese. This experiment may not produce any better results than what Beijing has attempted with the 11th Panchen Lama. However, its mischief potential should not be dismissed US has resolved that the decision on the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama is his business and that of the Tibetan religious leadership. No one or any institution has any grounds to interfere and the US will sanction anyone who India endorse the sole right of His Holiness? Expectation is that, as a secular country, it will at least state that religious matters are the sole preserve of religious leaders. Or, will New Delhi shy away as China may consider this a provocative interference in its internal affairs?There is a security angle to the issue. Buddhists in the Himalayan belt have spiritual loyalty to the Dalai Lama. China is certain to attempt making inroads across the border using its protege. This needs to be has a moral obligation to support the Tibetan civilisational struggle. Over 65 years, it has hosted over 100,000 Tibetan refugees and helped in nurturing Tibetan Buddhism which is under onslaught by the Chinese policy of Sinicization. The country has gained by the presence of His Holiness and the flourishing of Tibetan Buddhism will do in Tibet or to India what it wants to whether the Dalai Lama is based in India or elsewhere. That should not deter New Delhi from continuing its support to the Tibetan cause. It will lose moral stature if it doesn't.
Time of India
a day ago
- Politics
- Time of India
View: Will India endorse sole right of His Holiness Or shy away? Can't shrug off security angle
The 14th Dalai Lama has declared that his reincarnation will be solely determined by his private office, the Gaden Phodrang, using traditional methods, a move aimed at preventing interference, particularly from China. This decision, welcomed by the Tibetan community, reinforces the Dalai Lama's institution as a symbol of unity and religious sovereignty. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this column are that of the writer. The facts and opinions expressed here do not reflect the views of .) The 14th Dalai Lama has announced that the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue and, when the time comes, his private office, the Gaden Phodrang, will bear the exclusive responsibility to search for his reincarnation. This will be done by the traditional announcement follows his statements issued some years back that a decision on the subject would be taken after consultation with stakeholders after he attains the age of 90 which he will on 6th of this Tibetan community in Tibet and worldwide will be greatly relieved at his decision as the institution is regarded as a symbol of Tibetan unity and of Tibetan religious sovereignty. By giving the Gaden Phodrang the sole responsibility of finding his reincarnation, he has ruled out any possible interference by other is hoped that he will leave clear written instructions to prevent, as the 17th Karmapa pointed out in 2018, room for manipulation by mischievous parties. It can be seen as a pre-emptive strike against Beijing which has arrogated the right to decide his reincarnation. The decision will enthuse Tibetans and possibly sharpen the divide between them and the for the institution of Dalai Lama is not merely because of the exceptional personality of the 14th Dalai Lama but in the deep-rooted Tibetan belief in the concept of reincarnation in which the person wills himself to be reborn to carry on his work in a new life. It is a personal choice the authenticity of which is through a time-tested religious process. In this belief, devotion and loyalty are transferred unquestioned to the reincarnation, even small announcement will be denounced by China which, citing an old ritual of the golden urn from the 18th century, has long insisted that it alone has authority to choose the reincarnation of living Buddhas, including the Dalai Lama. Controlling this institution is important for China. It will choose its own Dalai Lama however dubious this process on a spiritual matter be by an atheist future, we may have two Dalai Lamas, one chosen according to the wishes of the 14th and the other by the Chinese. This experiment may not produce any better results than what Beijing has attempted with the 11th Panchen Lama. However, its mischief potential should not be dismissed US has resolved that the decision on the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama is his business and that of the Tibetan religious leadership. No one or any institution has any grounds to interfere and the US will sanction anyone who India endorse the sole right of His Holiness? Expectation is that, as a secular country, it will at least state that religious matters are the sole preserve of religious leaders. Or, will New Delhi shy away as China may consider this a provocative interference in its internal affairs?There is a security angle to the issue. Buddhists in the Himalayan belt have spiritual loyalty to the Dalai Lama. China is certain to attempt making inroads across the border using its protege. This needs to be has a moral obligation to support the Tibetan civilisational struggle. Over 65 years, it has hosted over 100,000 Tibetan refugees and helped in nurturing Tibetan Buddhism which is under onslaught by the Chinese policy of Sinicization. The country has gained by the presence of His Holiness and the flourishing of Tibetan Buddhism will do in Tibet or to India what it wants to whether the Dalai Lama is based in India or elsewhere. That should not deter New Delhi from continuing its support to the Tibetan cause. It will lose moral stature if it doesn't.
South China Morning Post
a day ago
- Politics
- South China Morning Post
Beijing says Dalai Lama's succession plan breaks tradition, tensions set to rise
Beijing said the succession of the Dalai Lama should be in accordance with tradition and Chinese law, in a swift rejection of a plan announced by the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader. The comment was made hours later after the 14th Dalai Lama said his office – the Gaden Phodrang Trust – held the sole authority to recognise the next Dalai Lama. On Wednesday, four days ahead of his 90th birthday, he posted a statement to X discussing the future of the Tibetan spiritual leadership, particularly his succession plans. He said that his reincarnation should be decided by Tibetans and Buddhists, echoing his 2011 statement that only this trust, in consultation with Buddhist leaders and protectors, could identify the next Dalai Lama. 'I hereby reiterate that the Gaden Phodrang Trust has sole authority to recognise the future reincarnation; no one else has any such authority to interfere in this matter,' he said in the statement on Wednesday. Hours later, Beijing swiftly rejected his succession plan and maintained that the successor would be selected in accordance with tradition and Chinese law. 'The Dalai Lama's reincarnation must follow the principles of domestic recognition, the 'golden urn' process, and approval by the central government, in line with religious traditions and laws,' Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told a press conference on Wednesday.
BBC News
a day ago
- Politics
- BBC News
Who be Dalai Lama and why tok about im successor dey trend?
Di Tibetan spiritual leader, di Dalai Lama don confam say im go get a successor afta im death. E tok say na only di foundation wey e set up fit recognise a future Dalai Lama and "no one else get dat kain authority to to put mouth" According to Tibetan tradition, dem go 'reborn' di Dalai Lamas for anoda bodi afta dem die. Di current Dalai Lama wey dem exile from Tibet afta China join dem decades ago, don make succession a big kasala as e turn 90. Hundreds of followers bin gada to hear di long-awaited announcement for di Indian town of Dharamshala wia e dey live since e dey exile since wen e run comot from Tibet for 1959. Howeva, di China govment respond say only am fit choose di Dalai Lama successor, and dem gatz "approve am by di central govment". Earlier , di Dalai Lama share a video message wia e confam say di 600-year-old institution of Tibetan spiritual leader go kontinu afta im death and say im go get a successor. E add say only di Gaden Phodrang Trust, wey im create get di authority to recognise im future reincarnation. But China dey regards di Dalai Lama as a separatist. Who be Dalai Lama Born as Lhamo Dhondup for 1935 to a farming family, di 14th Dalai Lama na just two years old wen e identify as di reincarnation of di Thubten Gyatso, di 13th Dalai Lama. For 1940, dem move am from im home, a small hamlet for northeastern Tibet, to di Potala Palace wey be di former seat of di Dalai Lama wia dem declare am as di spiritual leader of Tibetans. Dem give am a new name as Tenzin Gyatso. Dis na how e begin im monastic education. Im curriculum cova topics and subjects, like logic, Sanskrit grammar, medicine and most importantly, Buddhist philosophy. For 1959, wen im be 23 years old, e run go India wit thousands of oda Tibetans afta a failed anti-Chinese uprising, and e live for exile for Dharamshala since den. For 1989, dem award am a Nobel Peace Prize for im "nonviolent struggle to protect Tibetan identity". For decades, dem regard am as an influential global figure, as his followers go far beyond Buddhism. How di Dalai Lama end up for India? Di Dalai Lama don dey live for India since 1959 afta e run comot from Tibet as a young man. On 10 March 1959, a Chinese general bin invite di Dalai Lama to attend a dance performance. But di Tibetans fear say na trap to kidnap di Dalai Lama, and many begin dey gada for im palace to protect am. Dis turn into protests against di Chinese to claim di Tibetan territory since 1950. Di People's Liberation Army launch a brutal crackdown and reports say thousands don die. Days later, di Dalai Lama run comot, a decision wey e say na divine orders from im personal oracle. E disguised imsef as a soldier and enta di crowd one night togeda wit thousands of followers. E arrive for di Indian border afta 15-day trek across di Himalayas. Wen di Dalai Lama arrive for India for March 1959 wit thousands of im followers, di den prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru bin welcome am. Nehru give am permission to form di Tibetan govment-in-exile for di northern Indian hill town of Dharamshala. Dis na how di Dalai Lama and im followers create a society for di hill town wia Tibetan language, culture, arts and religion dey promoted freely for decades. How dem dey choose di Dalai Lama? Tibetan Buddhists believe say dia senior monks dey reincarnated afta death and a dem go choose a Dalai Lama by Buddhist officials if dem dey convinced say di one wey dem dey choose get di soul of im predecessor. Di current Dalai Lama, di 14th, dey identified as di reincarnation wen e dey two years old. E bin previously tok say di line of spiritual leaders fit end wit am, but now tok say a successor go dey. E tok say na di Gaden Phodrang Foundation wey im create for 2015 to maintain and support di Dalai Lama religious duties, go choose im successor. Di group senior officers, wey include im aides, go carry out di procedures of search and recognition in accordance wit past tradition. "I go leave clear written instructions about dis. Bear in mind say apart from di reincarnation recognised through such legitimate methods, no recognition or acceptance go dey for a candidate wey dem chose for political ends by anyone, including anyone from di People Republic of China." Wetin to know about di Tibetan group and wetin di role of Dalai Lama mean to dem India don host di Dalai Lama since March 1959, wen e run comot from Tibet afta a failed uprising against Chinese rule. India don house more dan 100,000 Tibetan refugees. But China no really dey support di Tibetan autonomy to avoid diplomatic fallout and tensions wit dia neighbour. But China don openly defend di Dalai Lama right to kontinue im spiritual activities for India. For March 2025, 46 Indian MPs sign, a declaration wey hold say di Dalai Lama get exclusive right to choose im successor and reject China interference for di process. China bin claim di Tibetan territory, and for 950 and afta dem establish di People Republic of China under Communist rule, thousands of People's Liberation Army troops march into Tibet. As di foremost leader for Tibetan Buddhism, di Dalai Lama dey considered as di living manifestation of Avalokiteshvara or Chenrezig, di patron saint of Tibet. Di role of di Dalai Lama dey ancient, dem don get 14 Dalai Lamas since at least di 15th Century. Tibetan Buddhists believe say wen di Dalai Lama die, im soul go reincarnated for anoda pesin and an elaborate process go follow to identify di successor. Since 1642, di Dalai Lama dey act as both di political and spiritual leader of Tibetans. But dis bin change wit di current Dalai Lama, wey chose to give im political leadership duties to a democratically-elected Tibetan government-in-exile. E still remain an important figurehead, not just as a spiritual leader but also a living symbol of exiled Tibetans' wey dey hope to reclaim dia homeland one day.
