Tibetan followers of the Dalai Lama have welcomed his recent declaration that the Gaden Phodrang Trust alone will have the authority to recognise his future reincarnation, viewing it as a direct message to the Chinese government to stay out of the succession process.
Speaking on the sidelines of the 15th Tibetan Religious Conference in Dharamshala, attendees expressed relief and joy over the Dalai Lama’s reaffirmation that no external force—including China—will play any role in determining his successor.
Tenzin Nyima, General Secretary of the Tibetan Women’s Association, said: “Many Tibetans were waiting for this announcement. His Holiness has clearly stated that only his office and senior Buddhist leaders will handle the recognition process. It’s a strong message to the outside world—especially to China—that they have no right to interfere.”
Tibetan writer and activist Tenzin Tsundue hailed the statement as historic: “His Holiness has now confirmed that there will be a 15th Dalai Lama, and that the Gaden Phodrang—his own institution—will lead the process. This is a bold and unambiguous response to China’s repeated claims over the selection process.”
He also noted the Dalai Lama’s good health, which adds further reassurance to followers, while praising the spiritual leader’s foresight in clarifying the succession plan early.
Tenzin Lekshay, spokesperson for the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), said the Dalai Lama’s consistency has always guided their faith.
“His Holiness is healthy, vibrant, and has always been clear that he alone holds legitimate authority. The Trust has now been publicly entrusted with that responsibility.”
CTA official Karma Choeying echoed that sentiment, noting the statement aligns with the Dalai Lama’s earlier 2011 declaration.
“It reinforces what he said in 2011—that no foreign entity, especially the Chinese government, can interfere with Tibetan religious traditions.”
Tibetan monk Nawang summed up the prevailing sentiment: “He clearly said the next reincarnation will be chosen from our side, not by others. That is a reason to celebrate.”
Earlier in the day, the 14th Dalai Lama issued a formal statement asserting that the Gaden Phodrang Trust, founded by him, will be solely responsible for identifying his reincarnation, in line with Tibetan Buddhist traditions. This effectively invalidates any claims by China to control or influence the spiritual succession.
The declaration has not only comforted millions of Tibetans and Buddhists globally but also sent a firm geopolitical message defending religious autonomy and Tibetan identity.
