Dalai Lama lays out succession plan, pledging reincarnation as China eyes interference
Share this @internewscast.com

Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, has declared that the long-standing institution of the Tibetan Buddhist tradition will persist following his death. He emphasized that his successor must be selected independently, free from Chinese government influence.

As he approaches his 90th birthday this Sunday, the Dalai Lama, who is internationally celebrated with a Nobel Peace Prize for his leadership in Tibetan Buddhism, shared his plans for succession. This was conveyed in a recorded message broadcasted during a religious assembly of Buddhist monks in Dharamshala, India. Known at birth as Tenzin Gyatso, he was recognized as the 14th reincarnation of the Dalai Lama in 1940. He escaped from Tibet after Chinese military forces suppressed a revolt in Lhasa, the Tibetan capital, in 1959.

The English version of his speech, available on his official website, states that the duty of selecting the forthcoming Dalai Lama “will lie solely with the members of the Gaden Phodrang Trust.”

A non-profit he founded in 2015 that oversees matters related to the spiritual leader and the institute of the Dalai Lama, the trust “should consult the various heads of the Tibetan Buddhist traditions and the reliable oath-bound Dharma Protectors who are linked inseparably to the lineage of the Dalai Lamas,” the elderly leader said. “They should accordingly carry out the procedures of search and recognition in accordance with past tradition.” 

“Tibetan Buddhists, like all faith communities, must be able to choose their spiritual leaders without coercion or interference by the authorities,” Brooks said.

The Dalai Lama has often urged his followers to reject anyone chosen by Beijing. He previously headed the Tibetan government in exile before relinquishing his political role in 2011. 

Penpa Tsering, the current president of the government-in-exile, said Tibetans from around the world made “an earnest request with single-minded devotion” that the position of the Dalai Lama should continue “for the benefit of all sentient beings in general and Buddhist in particular.”

Dalai Lama leaves birthday celebration

Attendant monks help the Dalai Lama to leave after presiding over an event celebrating his 90th birthday in Dharamshala, India, on Monday, June 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Ashwini Bhatia)

“In response to this overwhelming supplication, His Holiness has shown infinite compassion and finally agreed to accept our appeal on this special occasion of his 90th birthday,” he said at a press conference, according to the AP.

Tsering, however, warned China not to meddle in the process of the Dalai Lama’s succession, saying it is a “unique Tibetan Buddhist tradition.”

“We not only strongly condemn the People’s Republic of China’s usage of reincarnation subject for their political gain, and will never accept it,” he said.

The search for the Dalai Lama’s reincarnation begins only upon the incumbent’s death. In the past, the successor has been identified by senior monastic disciples, based on spiritual signs and visions, and it can take several years after the next Dalai Lama is identified as a baby, or “soul child,” and groomed to take the reins. The current Dalai Lama previously suggested the tradition could end with him – or that his successor could be an adult or an “attractive” woman, NPR reported. 

Wednesday’s announcement essentially marked his decision to “reincarnate,” signaling that he believes the Dalai Lama tradition should not end with him. 

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Seals on a beach near the ocean.

“Freak ‘Mini-Tsunami’ Sweeps Across Tourist Beach, Injuring 8 as Wave Drags Sunbathers Over Rocks”

THIS is the shocking moment a “mini-tsunami” swept sideways across a tourist…
Package of Oscar Mayer Original Turkey Bacon.

Oscar Mayer Recalls 367,000 Pounds of Meat Due to Risk of Harmful Bacteria – Advisory Issued for Pregnant Women and Infants

YOUR breakfast could put your life in danger after a possible contamination…
Twice-deported Honduran fugitive caught hiding on American soil

Honduran Fugitive, Deported Twice, Apprehended in the U.S.

An illegal alien listed among the “Top 10 Most Wanted” in Honduras…
Blood stain on a sidewalk after a stabbing.

Panic Erupts as Attacker Wields Knife, Injuring Several at Crowded Finnish Shopping Mall

MULTIPLE people are injured after a knifeman went on a rampage and…
Zarah Sultana speaking at a strike rally.

Zarah Sultana Leaves Labour to Form New Political Party with Jeremy Corbyn and Independent MPs

A LABOUR MP has resigned after 14 years and vowed to co-lead…
Headshot of Andrey Badalov.

Oil Executive with Ties to Former KGB Spy Found Dead After Falling from Moscow Luxury Apartment

A RUSSIAN oil tycoon has died after falling from a tower block…

Travis Decker’s ‘Campsite’ Photo Mystery: Suspected Murderer Father Remains Fugitive with $6M Spent on Manhunt

THE truth has come to light about eerie images of a campsite…
Los Angeles 7-Eleven employee Jessica McLaughlin brain dead after being attacked by manager in Hollywood, family says

Family Reports Brain Death of 7-Eleven Employee Jessica McLaughlin Following Manager’s Assault in Hollywood

LOS ANGELES — An employee at a 7-Eleven in Los Angeles is…
River North, Chicago mass shooting victims outside Artis nightclub last night include hairstylist, health care worker

Victims of the River North, Chicago Shooting Outside Artis Nightclub Include Hairstylist and Healthcare Worker

CHICAGO (WLS) — Those killed in a mass shooting outside a River…
Oasis’ Manchester homecoming has locals fearing fan behavior — and they want a dress code

Locals Concerned Over Fan Conduct During Oasis’ Manchester Return, Suggest Dress Code

Concerned residents are calling for a ‘dress code’ and a ‘buffer zone’…
Watch What Happens on the House Floor After Speaker Johnson Announces OBBB Passage

See What Unfolds on the House Floor Following Speaker Johnson’s Announcement of OBBB Approval

During C-SPAN’s broadcast, Johnson revealed the final vote count in the House,…
Pentagon's weapons pause to Ukraine could ‘encourage’ and ‘escalate’ Putin’s war ambitions: security experts

Pentagon’s Halt on Arms to Ukraine May ‘Fuel’ and ‘Intensify’ Putin’s War Intentions: Security Specialists

The Pentagon’s choice to suspend the air defense systems it had previously…