Dalai Lama Affirms Successor Will Be Reborn, Rejects China’s Claim Over Next Incarnation
“As far back as 1969, I made clear that concerned people should decide whether the Dalai Lama’s reincarnations should continue in the future," Dalai LAma
The spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, the Dalai Lama, has announced that after his passing, his reincarnation will certainly appear, and only the office of the Dalai Lama holds the authority to identify his next birth.
This significant statement comes ahead of the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday, which he will celebrate this Sunday. In a video message released on Wednesday, the Dalai Lama confirmed the continuation of his institution, saying, “I am reaffirming the continuity of the Dalai Lama institution.”
The message was addressed to religious leaders attending a gathering in Dharamshala, India. The Dalai Lama’s announcement sets the stage for a decisive contest with China over the authority to determine his reincarnation.
Later, a statement was also shared on the X platform, stating: On 24 September 2011, at a meeting of the heads of Tibetan spiritual traditions, I made a statement to fellow Tibetans in and outside Tibet, followers of Tibetan Buddhism, and those who have a connection with Tibet and Tibetans, regarding whether the institution of the Dalai Lama should continue.
I stated, “As far back as 1969, I made clear that concerned people should decide whether the Dalai Lama’s reincarnations should continue in the future.”
I also said, “When I am about ninety I will consult the high Lamas of the Tibetan Buddhist traditions, the Tibetan public, and other concerned people who follow Tibetan Buddhism, to re-evaluate whether or not the institution of the Dalai Lama should continue.”
Statement Affirming the Continuation of the Institution of Dalai Lama
— Dalai Lama (@DalaiLama) July 2, 2025
(Translated from the original Tibetan)
On 24 September 2011, at a meeting of the heads of Tibetan spiritual traditions, I made a statement to fellow Tibetans in and outside Tibet, followers of Tibetan… pic.twitter.com/VqtBUH9yDm
According to Tibetan Buddhist beliefs, unlike ordinary humans, the Dalai Lama possesses the ability to choose the place and time of his rebirth for the benefit of others. In his autobiography, the Dalai Lama has already made it clear that his next rebirth will occur in the ‘free world’ and has urged followers worldwide not to accept any candidate appointed by China.
However, the Chinese Communist Party claims the right to decide the next incarnation of the Dalai Lama. The institution of the Dalai Lama dates back centuries, with the current Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, being the 14th in the line. He was only 15 years old when Chinese forces entered Tibet in 1950. Following escalating tensions, he fled to India and established a government-in-exile.
In recent years, reports indicate that several lamas in China, including the Panchen Lama—second only to the Dalai Lama in spiritual hierarchy—have emerged as supporters of the Chinese government. Historically, the Dalai Lama and the Panchen Lama have played key roles in recognising and confirming each other’s reincarnations. However, after the death of the 10th Panchen Lama in 1995, China appointed its own Panchen Lama, while the one identified by the Dalai Lama disappeared from public view.
The debate over the Dalai Lama’s future reincarnation remains a sensitive issue. Foreign media suggest that China could appoint its own Dalai Lama after the current leader’s death.
The process of identifying a reincarnated Dalai Lama is deeply rooted in Tibetan Buddhist tradition. It involves interpreting spiritual signs left by the previous Dalai Lama, guidance from senior monks, astrological consultations, and dreams during meditation. Based on these signs, search teams identify children born after the Dalai Lama’s passing who may be his reincarnation. These children undergo various tests, including recognising items belonging to the previous Dalai Lama.
Notably, the Dalai Lama’s reincarnations have not always been found within Tibet. In the 16th century, the fourth Dalai Lama was discovered in Mongolia, while the sixth Dalai Lama was born nearly a century later in what is now Arunachal Pradesh.
According to his autobiography, the current Dalai Lama was born in a farming family in northeastern Tibet and was recognised as the Dalai Lama at the age of two.
Experts note that if tradition is followed, the next Dalai Lama could be identified in early childhood, and it could take one or two decades of training before he is ready to assume leadership. This potential gap is seen as an opportunity for China to promote its own chosen successor.
