His Holiness reaffirms continuation of Dalai Lama lineage, rejects external interference
Dharamshala, July 2,
Reaffirming spiritual independence, the Dalai Lama has declared that the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue, and that only the Gaden Phodrang Trust—the official office of His Holiness—holds exclusive authority to recognize his future reincarnation. Issued from Dharamshala and translated from the original Tibetan, the statement recalls a 2011 message where the Tibetan spiritual leader had announced that the future of the Dalai Lama institution must be decided by Tibetan Buddhists, the Tibetan public, and other concerned parties. Referencing sentiments he first shared in 1969, the Dalai Lama stated that the question of continuing the lineage should remain in the hands of those who cherish the tradition and not be influenced by external forces.
He reiterated that once he turns ninety, he will consult senior lamas of Tibetan Buddhism, along with the Tibetan people, to review whether the institution should persist. However, the current statement leaves little ambiguity: following a flood of appeals over the past 14 years—from the Tibetan Parliament in Exile, religious leaders, NGOs, Buddhists across Asia including Mongolia, Russia, and even mainland China—the Dalai Lama affirmed that the institution will indeed continue. He acknowledged that repeated messages from within Tibet itself have also urged the same, lending weight to the decision.
The statement outlines that the process of identifying a future Dalai Lama remains governed by the framework laid out in the 2011 declaration, making it clear that the Gaden Phodrang Trust alone is responsible for recognition. The Trust, in turn, will consult the heads of Tibetan Buddhist traditions and the oath-bound Dharma Protectors linked to the Dalai Lama lineage, following long-established procedures. His Holiness concluded by firmly rejecting any outside authority’s claim to interfere in this sacred process, stating that no one else has the right to play a role in determining his reincarnation.
This powerful reiteration is widely seen as a direct message to pre-empt geopolitical interference in the succession of Tibetan spiritual leadership, ensuring th8kat the path forward remains rooted in Tibetan tradition and belief
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