Dalai Lama Successor Will Be Appointed After His Passing: Gaden Phodrang Trust Has Exclusive Authority to Decide:

As the Dalai Lama approaches his 90th birthday, Tibet’s spiritual leader has clarified crucial details about his succession. Emphasizing continuity of his revered institution, he announced that his next incarnation will be identified after his passing, and only the Gaden Phodrang Trust has authority to oversee the process.

Who Will Choose the Next Dalai Lama?

The 14th Dalai Lama emphasized that only the Gaden Phodrang Foundation of the Dalai Lama will have the authority to identify and declare the reincarnation of the next spiritual leader. This statement firmly rejects any external interference, particularly from China, which has long insisted on using the controversial “Golden Urn” method to control the selection of Tibetan religious figures. The Gaden Phodrang Trust, in close consultation with senior Tibetan lamas and spiritual councils, will follow traditional methods rooted in Tibetan Buddhist belief and lineage.

India and Global Response

India, which hosts the Dalai Lama and the CTA in Dharamshala, has a critical role to play. As the India-Tibet relations continue to evolve, India is expected to support the Dalai Lama’s choice and reject any politically motivated decisions made by Beijing. The U.S. Tibet Policy and Support Act also supports the autonomy of Tibetans to choose their spiritual leaders without Chinese interference. American lawmakers have repeatedly voiced concern over the growing influence of China in matters of Tibetan religion and culture.

Looking Ahead: A Global Test of Faith and Diplomacy

The declaration that the next Dalai Lama will be selected only after his death and under the strict supervision of the Gaden Phodrang Trust, has set the stage for a diplomatic and spiritual standoff. As Beijing’s separatist claims grow more aggressive, the Tibetan struggle for religious and cultural autonomy may soon face its most significant challenge in decades

 A Turning Point for Tibetan Buddhism

The fate of Tibetan Buddhism, the legacy of the Dalai Lama, and the geopolitical balance between India, Tibet, and China are now intertwined more tightly than ever. The world will be watching closely to see if tradition, faith, and the will of the Tibetan people prevail over political control.