Rijiju: The Dalai Lama is the most important and respected figure for Buddhists. Everyone who follows him believes that his next incarnation should be decided according to tradition and the Dalai Lama’s own wishes.
On Wednesday (July 2, 2025), the Dalai Lama said that the role of the Dalai Lama will continue, and only the Gaden Phodrang Trust has the authority to recognize his future reincarnation.
He made this statement ahead of his 90th birthday on July 6, as concerns grew over who would choose his successor—especially with China claiming it has that right because it controls Tibet.
His message made it clear that the Dalai Lama tradition will not end with him and that China cannot decide who the next Dalai Lama will be.
How the Dalai Lama’s Successor Will Be Chosen
Rijiju: China reacted angrily to the Dalai Lama’s statement. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said the next Dalai Lama “must be chosen by drawing lots from a golden urn and approved by China’s central government.”
She also claimed that while China supports religious freedom, it has the right to set rules on religious matters, including how Tibetan spiritual leaders are reincarnated.
Mr. Rijiju’s statement clearly goes against China’s position. He will attend the Dalai Lama’s birthday celebrations, along with his Cabinet colleague Rajiv Ranjan Singh “Lallan,” who is an MP from Bihar.
Bihar is home to some of the most important Buddhist sites in the world, including Nalanda, whose Buddhist traditions are followed by the Dalai Lama.
Rijiju’s remarks came after China rejected the Dalai Lama’s plan for choosing his successor, saying it must be approved by the Chinese government.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told AFP that the next Dalai Lama, Panchen Lama, and other important Buddhist leaders must be chosen by drawing lots from a golden urn and approved by China’s central government.
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