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The Independent
43 minutes ago
- Politics
- The Independent
Who will be the next Dalai Lama and how will they be chosen?
As the Dalai Lama approaches his 90th birthday this Sunday, the question of his succession looms large. The issue is captivating not only his millions of followers but also drawing significant strategic interest from global powers including China, India, and the United States. The Nobel Peace Laureate is widely regarded as one of the world's most influential figures, with his spiritual and moral authority extending far beyond the confines of Buddhism. Central to Tibetan Buddhist tradition is the belief that the soul of a senior monk is reincarnated after death. This ancient practice was pivotal in identifying the 14th Dalai Lama, born Lhamo Dhondup on July 6, 1935, to a farming family in what is now Qinghai province. He was recognised as the reincarnation of his predecessor at just two years old. According to his official website, a search party dispatched by the Tibetan government made the determination based on several auspicious signs, including a vision revealed to a senior monk. Their conviction was solidified when the young toddler reportedly identified belongings of the 13th Dalai Lama, exclaiming, "It's mine, it's mine." In the winter of 1940, Lhamo Thondup was taken to the Potala Palace in Lhasa, the capital of today's Tibet Autonomous Region, and officially installed as the spiritual leader of Tibetans. How will his successor be chosen? The Dalai Lama has announced that he will be reincarnated, and that his successor will be chosen by his closest Tibetan advisers without interference from China. In a statement issued to a gathering of the Tibetan government-in-exile on Wednesday, the 14th Dalai Lama said he had long believed that the future of his role should be decided by the Tibetan people themselves. He said: 'In particular, I have received messages through various channels from Tibetans in Tibet making the same appeal (that the institution of the Dalai Lama continue). In accordance with all these requests, I am affirming that the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue.' He added: 'The process by which a future Dalai Lama is to be recognised has been clearly established in the 24 September 2011 statement which states that responsibility for doing so will rest exclusively with members of the Gaden Phodrang Trust, the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.' The statement comes after the Dalai Lama's comments in his book Voice for the Voiceless, released in March 2025, where he said his successor would be born outside China. The Dalai Lama has lived in exile in northern India since 1959, after fleeing a failed uprising against the rule of Mao Zedong's Communists. The Tibetan parliament-in-exile, based in the Himalayan town of Dharamshala, like the Dalai Lama, says a system has been established for the exiled government to continue its work while officers of the Gaden Phodrang Foundation will be charged with finding and recognising his successor. The current Dalai Lama set up the foundation in 2015 to "maintain and support the tradition and institution of the Dalai Lama" with regard to his religious and spiritual duties, it says on its website. Its senior officers include several of his aides. What does China say? China says its leaders have the right to approve the Dalai Lama's successor, as a legacy from imperial times. A selection ritual, in which the names of possible reincarnations are drawn from a golden urn, dates to 1793, during the Qing dynasty. Chinese officials have repeatedly said the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama should be decided by following national laws that decree use of the golden urn and the birth of reincarnations within China's borders. But many Tibetans suspect any Chinese role in the selection as being a ploy to exert influence on the community. It is inappropriate for Chinese Communists, who reject religion, "to meddle in the system of reincarnation of lamas, let alone that of the Dalai Lama," the Buddhist leader has said. In his book, he asked Tibetans not to accept "a candidate chosen for political ends by anyone, including those in the People's Republic of China," referring to the country by its official name. Beijing brands the Dalai Lama, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989 for keeping alive the Tibetan cause, as a "separatist" and prohibits displays of his picture or any public show of devotion towards him. In March 2025, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said the Dalai Lama was a political exile with "no right to represent the Tibetan people at all". China denies suppressing the rights of the Tibetan people, and says its rule ended serfdom in, and brought prosperity to, a backward region. What role could India and the US play? Apart from the Dalai Lama, India is estimated to be home to more than 100,000 Tibetan Buddhists who are free to study and work there. Many Indians revere him, and international relations experts say his presence in India gives New Delhi some kind of leverage with rival China. The United States, which faces rising competition from China for global dominance, has repeatedly said it is committed to advancing the human rights of Tibetans. U.S. lawmakers have previously said they would not allow China to influence the choice of the Dalai Lama's successor. In 2024, then U.S. President Joe Biden signed a law that presses Beijing to resolve a dispute over Tibet's demands for greater autonomy.
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Business Standard
5 hours ago
- Politics
- Business Standard
Dalai Lama says Trust will decide his reincarnation, rules out China's role
Ahead of his 90th birthday, the Dalai Lama has once again publicly reaffirmed that the authority to recognise his reincarnation rests solely with the Gaden Phodrang Trust established by him, not with any external political power, including China. In a statement released on Tuesday, May 25, the Buddhist leader said the institution of the Dalai Lama would continue, following widespread appeals from Tibetan communities and Buddhist practitioners across Asia. 'I am affirming that the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue,' he said. 'I have received messages from Tibetans in Tibet and abroad, as well as from followers of Tibetan Buddhism across the Himalayan region, Mongolia, the Russian Federation, and even mainland China.' The 14th Dalai Lama, born Lhamo Dhondup in 1935, was identified at the age of two through a traditional process involving visions, omens, and ritual testing. That same process, considered deeply embedded in the Buddhist belief, has been challenged by China, which claims it holds final authority over all reincarnations of Tibetan religious figures. In today's statement, the Dalai Lama referenced a 2011 meeting, where he had already outlined the succession process. In that statement, he said the responsibility for identifying a future Dalai Lama would rest exclusively with the Gaden Phodrang Trust, the official body associated with his office, and would involve consultation with senior lamas of the Tibetan Buddhist traditions and other established spiritual mechanisms. He reiterated, 'The Gaden Phodrang Trust has sole authority to recognise the future reincarnation; no one else has any such authority to interfere in this matter.'
India.com
a day ago
- Politics
- India.com
Explained: How will the next Dalai Lama be chosen? What is the role of reincarnation in it?
This year, the Dalai Lama's 91st birthday celebration in Dharamshala might be extra special. There are reports that he could announce his successor on this occasion. In Tibetan Buddhism, choosing the next Dalai Lama is a very traditional and spiritual process, often linked to the belief in reincarnation. However, China wants to interfere in this process. Chinese authorities claim that they have the right to approve the next Dalai Lama. But many Tibetans believe this is just a way for China to influence the Tibetan people and their religion. This time, the selection of the next Dalai Lama is not only important for Tibetan Buddhists, but also for countries like India, China, and the United States, because of the political and strategic impact it may have. The Dalai Lama, who won the Nobel Peace Prize, is seen as one of the most respected spiritual leaders in the world. His followers are spread across many countries, not just in Buddhist communities. After fleeing from Tibet in 1959, the Dalai Lama made Dharamshala in India the base for his government-in-exile. He has been living here and guiding the Tibetan people for the past 66 years, continuing to be their spiritual head from this small town in the Indian Himalayas. Q: Why do people think the Dalai Lama might announce his successor this time? The Dalai Lama has been living in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, since 1959, after fleeing Tibet during a failed uprising against China's communist rule. He recently wrote a book called 'Voice for the Voiceless', published in March 2025. In the book, he said he would share details about his successor around the time of his 90th birthday. That's why many believe he may make the announcement this year, during his 91st birthday celebration. Q: When and how was the current Dalai Lama chosen? According to Tibetan tradition, it is believed that a senior monk's soul is reborn after death. The current Dalai Lama, the 14th, was born on 6 July 1935 in a small farming family in northeast Tibet. His birth name was Lhamo Dhondup. When he was just 2 years old, a search team from the Tibetan government came looking for the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama. They found several signs. The final proof came when young Lhamo recognized items that belonged to the 13th Dalai Lama and said, 'This is mine.' In winter 1940, he was taken to the Potala Palace in Lhasa and was formally declared the spiritual leader of Tibet. Q: How will the next Dalai Lama be chosen? In his 2025 book, the Dalai Lama said that his successor will be born outside China. He plans to reveal the location as well. The responsibility to find and recognize the next Dalai Lama will be given to the Gaden Phodrang Foundation, which he established in 2015. This foundation was created to preserve the Dalai Lama's spiritual tradition and includes many of his close and trusted followers. Q: How is the next Dalai Lama traditionally found? The search follows ancient Tibetan Buddhist customs built on the belief in reincarnation, the idea that the Dalai Lama's spirit is reborn in a new child after he passes away. The main steps are: Senior monks study unusual dreams, omens, or events that happened around the Dalai Lama's death. These clues point them toward the place where the child may be born. A team of trusted monks travels to the likely regions to look for children who fit those clues. Each child is shown everyday items mixed with possessions that belonged to the late Dalai Lama (such as beads, bowls, or prayer tools). If a child confidently picks out or says, 'This is mine,' that is taken as a strong sign of recognition. The monks quietly observe the child's temperament, kindness, and wisdom—qualities expected of a future Dalai Lama. When the search team and senior lamas agree, the chosen child is publicly proclaimed the next Dalai Lama. Q: Can the same process still work now that Tibet is under Chinese control? The current Dalai Lama has said in recent talks and in his 2025 book 'Voice for the Voiceless' that he will leave clear written instructions for picking his successor: He says the next Dalai Lama will be found in a country where China cannot interfere. The successor could be a girl, an adult, or take some new form, whatever best serves the Tibetan people. Any choice must be accepted by Tibetan Buddhist tradition and by the Tibetan community itself, not by outside governments. What happens if there's no Dalai Lama yet? Who will lead the Tibetan people? If there is a time when the current Dalai Lama is no longer there and the next one has not been found yet, the work will still continue. The Tibetan government-in-exile, which is based in Dharamshala (Himachal Pradesh), has already created a system to keep running smoothly during this gap. This system will take care of both the government and the responsibilities of the Dalai Lama. What does China say about the next Dalai Lama? China says that it has the right to approve the next Dalai Lama. They claim this power comes from a tradition started in 1793 during the Qing dynasty. According to China, the selection must follow Chinese laws, which include using a 'Golden Urn' lottery system and choosing someone born inside China. However, the Tibetan community doesn't accept this. They believe only the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan Buddhist tradition should decide who the next spiritual leader is. Why are Tibetans worried about China's role? Many Tibetans fear that China wants to control the Dalai Lama's selection to influence the Tibetan people. A respected Buddhist monk even said that it's wrong for the Chinese Communist Party, which doesn't follow religion, to interfere in something as sacred as choosing the next Dalai Lama. China often calls the Dalai Lama a 'separatist' and bans his photos or any public support for him. In March 2025, China's foreign ministry said the Dalai Lama is just a 'political exile' and doesn't represent the Tibetan people. China also claims that its rule brought development to Tibet by ending 'slavery.' What roles can India and the US Play? India is home to over 100,000 Tibetan Buddhists. They live, study, and work freely in India. But China has always seen the Dalai Lama's presence in India as a problem and considers India a rival. The United States has shown strong support for Tibetan rights. American leaders have said many times that China should not be allowed to interfere in the selection of the next Dalai Lama. In 2024, U.S. President Joe Biden signed a law that puts pressure on China to allow more freedom for Tibet and to settle issues peacefully.
News18
a day ago
- Politics
- News18
The Next Dalai Lama: How Tibetan Monks Will 'Confirm' Reincarnation
Last Updated: On his 91st birthday in Dharamshala, the Dalai Lama may reveal his successor—born outside China—defying Beijing's efforts to control Tibetan spiritual leadership Tibetans in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, are preparing for a grand celebration of the Dalai Lama's 91st birthday, amid much speculation that he may designate his successor. Unlike political appointments, the selection of a new Dalai Lama is guided by Buddhism's traditional process of reincarnation. Yet China insists on controlling this process, claiming the right to approve the next Dalai Lama, an assertion many Tibetans view as an attempt to undermine their culture. The succession is not merely a religious matter but one with geopolitical significance, drawing interest from India, the United States, and of course, China. The Nobel Peace Laureate has led the Tibetan community from Dharamshala for 66 years since fleeing Tibet in 1959, and remains revered far beyond Buddhist circles. How The 14th Dalai Lama Was Chosen According to Tibetan tradition, it is believed that the soul of a senior Buddhist monk is reincarnated after death. The 14th Dalai Lama was born on July 6, 1935, as Lhamo Dhondup into a farming family in north-eastern Tibet. At the age of two, a search team appointed by the Tibetan government confirmed his identity as the 'reincarnation" when he apparently recognised possessions belonging to the 13th Dalai Lama. In the winter of 1940, Lhamo Dhondup was brought to the Potala Palace in Lhasa, where he was formally enthroned as the spiritual leader of the Tibetan people. This time, the Gaden Phodrang Foundation, set up by the Dalai Lama in 2015, will head the search and recognition process. The Dalai Lama has stated that his successor will be born outside China, ensuring freedom from political interference. The Selection of His Successor The process of the selection of the successor involves: Ensuring Tibetan Governance In Exile Until a new Dalai Lama emerges, the Tibetan Parliamentary body in Dharamshala will continue managing governance and ensuring continuity of Tibetan leadership. Beijing asserts that its leaders must approve the next Dalai Lama, relying on a Qing-era golden urn method (established in 1793) and insisting that the next incarnation be born within China. The Tibetan exiled government rejects this, arguing China, an officially atheist state, has no place in spiritual matters. Beijing counters by labelling the Dalai Lama a 'separatist' and heavily regulates devotion to him within China. With over 100,000 Tibetan Buddhists in India, China views the Dalai Lama's presence there as contentious. Meanwhile, the US last year passed laws urging China to refrain from interference, framing the issue as one of religious freedom and human rights.
Malay Mail
a day ago
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Who picks the next Dalai Lama? A spiritual question with global stakes
DHARAMSHALA (India), July 1 — The choice of a successor to the Dalai Lama, the spiritual head of Tibetan Buddhists, is a matter of riveting interest not only for followers of his religion, but also China, India, and the United States, for strategic reasons. The Nobel peace laureate, who turns 90 on Sunday, is regarded as one of the world's most influential figures, with a following extending well beyond Buddhism. How was he chosen? Tibetan tradition holds that the soul of a senior Buddhist monk is reincarnated after his death. The 14th Dalai Lama, born as Lhamo Dhondup on July 6, 1935, to a farming family in northeastern Tibet, was identified as such a reincarnation when he was just two years old. A search party sent by the Tibetan government made the decision on the basis of several signs, such as a vision revealed to a senior monk, the Dalai Lama's website says. The searchers were convinced when the toddler identified belongings of the 13th Dalai Lama with the phrase, 'It's mine, it's mine'. In the winter of 1940, Lhamo Thondup was taken to the Potala Palace in Lhasa, the capital of today's Tibet Autonomous Region, and officially installed as the spiritual leader of Tibetans. How will his successor be chosen? In his book Voice for the Voiceless, released in March 2025, the Dalai Lama said his successor would be born outside China. The Dalai Lama has lived in exile in northern India since 1959, after fleeing a failed uprising against the rule of Mao Zedong's Communists. He wrote that he would release details about his succession around the time of his 90th birthday. The Tibetan parliament-in-exile, based in the Himalayan town of Dharamshala, like the Dalai Lama, says a system has been established for the exiled government to continue its work while officers of the Gaden Phodrang Foundation will be charged with finding and recognising his successor. The current Dalai Lama set up the foundation in 2015 to 'maintain and support the tradition and institution of the Dalai Lama' with regard to his religious and spiritual duties, it says on its website. Its senior officers include several of his aides. What does China say? China says its leaders have the right to approve the Dalai Lama's successor, as a legacy from imperial times. A selection ritual, in which the names of possible reincarnations are drawn from a golden urn, dates to 1793, during the Qing dynasty. Chinese officials have repeatedly said the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama should be decided by following national laws that decree use of the golden urn and the birth of reincarnations within China's borders. But many Tibetans suspect any Chinese role in the selection as being a ploy to exert influence on the community. It is inappropriate for Chinese Communists, who reject religion, 'to meddle in the system of reincarnation of lamas, let alone that of the Dalai Lama,' the Buddhist leader has said. In his book, he asked Tibetans not to accept 'a candidate chosen for political ends by anyone, including those in the People's Republic of China,' referring to the country by its official name. Beijing brands the Dalai Lama, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989 for keeping alive the Tibetan cause, as a 'separatist' and prohibits displays of his picture or any public show of devotion towards him. In March 2025, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said the Dalai Lama was a political exile with 'no right to represent the Tibetan people at all'. China denies suppressing the rights of the Tibetan people, and says its rule ended serfdom in, and brought prosperity to, a backward region. Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama (centre) attends a Long Life Prayer offering ceremony at the Main Tibetan Temple in McLeod Ganj, near Dharamsala on June 30, 2025. — AFP pic What role could India and the US play? Apart from the Dalai Lama, India is estimated to be home to more than 100,000 Tibetan Buddhists who are free to study and work there. Many Indians revere him, and international relations experts say his presence in India gives New Delhi some kind of leverage with rival China. The United States, which faces rising competition from China for global dominance, has repeatedly said it is committed to advancing the human rights of Tibetans. US lawmakers have previously said they would not allow China to influence the choice of the Dalai Lama's successor. In 2024, then US President Joe Biden signed a law that presses Beijing to resolve a dispute over Tibet's demands for greater autonomy. — Reuters
