The Dalai Lama, turning 90 soon, declared that his non-profit, the Gaden Phodrang Trust, will have sole authority to recognize his future reincarnation, directly challenging China's insistence on choosing the successor. He reiterated that his successor would be born outside China and urged followers to reject Beijing's choice. Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning, however, maintained that Beijing has the right to approve the successor through a centuries-old ritual.
Dalai Lama says his Gaden Phodrang Trust will lead search for his successor
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️The Dalai Lama, turning 90 soon, declared that his non-profit, the Gaden Phodrang Trust, will have sole authority to recognize his future reincarnation, directly challenging China's insistence on choosing the successor. He reiterated that his successor would be born outside China and urged followers to reject Beijing's choice. Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning, however, maintained that Beijing has the right to approve the successor through a centuries-old ritual.
Trending- 1 July 6, 1935: Lhamo Dhondup (Dalai Lama) born.
- 2 Winter 1940: Lhamo Thondup installed as spiritual leader.
- 3 1959: Dalai Lama flees Tibet after failed uprising.
- 4 1989: Dalai Lama wins Nobel Peace Prize.
- 5 1793: Golden urn selection ritual dates to Qing dynasty.
- 6 March (2025): "Voice for the Voiceless" book released.
- 7 Wednesday (July 2, 2025): Dalai Lama states Gaden Phodrang Trust will lead successor search.
- 8 Wednesday (July 2, 2025): Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning reiterates China's right to approve.
- 9 Sunday (July 6, 2025): Dalai Lama turns 90.
- Direct challenge to China's authority over the Dalai Lama's succession
- Heightened geopolitical interest in the succession
- Affirmation of the Dalai Lama's institution
- Potential for a successor born outside China and of any gender/nationality
- Continued tension between Tibetan exiles and China
What: The Dalai Lama stated that his Gaden Phodrang Trust will have the sole authority to recognize his future reincarnation, countering China's claim to choose the successor.
When: Wednesday (Dalai Lama's statement); Sunday (Dalai Lama turns 90); 1959 (Dalai Lama fled Tibet); March (Voice for the Voiceless released); 1793 (golden urn ritual dates to Qing dynasty); July 6, 1935 (Dalai Lama's birth); Winter 1940 (Dalai Lama installed).
Where: Dharamshala (India), Tibet, China, United States.
Why: To ensure the continuity of the institution of the Dalai Lama in a free world, prevent Chinese interference in the succession process, and maintain the spiritual independence of Tibetan Buddhism.
How: The Dalai Lama made a public video message affirming the Gaden Phodrang Trust's authority, in consultation with heads of Tibetan Buddhist traditions, to carry out the search and recognition procedures. China reiterated its historical claim to approve the successor through a golden urn ritual.