Tibetan Buddhism: As long as the Dalai Lama remains a respected figure in Buddhist Tibet, China’s control over the region will never feel complete.
As the 14th Dalai Lama turns 90 tomorrow, his choice to be reincarnated is seen as a major challenge to China’s growing influence in Tibet and its efforts to strengthen its military power on the world’s highest plateau.
By choosing to reincarnate, Tenzin Gyatso has revived the historic role of the Dalai Lama brought the new hope to six million Tibetan Buddhists who have lived under Chinese rule for the past 75 years. His decision strengthens Tibetan Buddhism around the world, as he refuses to give in to China’s efforts to control Tibetan culture and also continues the tradition of being both the spiritual and political leader of the Tibet, even while living in the exile.
All four schools of Tibetan Buddhism — Nyingma, Sakya, Kagyu, and Gelug — respect the Dalai Lama, who insists on choosing his own reincarnation. This goes directly against China’s attempts to interfere for political gain in Tibet.
Many in China and some within India believed the Dalai Lama tradition would end when the 14th Dalai Lama passes away. But the Dalai Lama — seen as the human form of Avalokiteshvara, the Buddha of Compassion — surprised China by announcing that he would reincarnate.
Importantly, the 15th Dalai Lama will be chosen by the Gaden Phodrang Trust, led by his mentor Samdhong Rinpoche, not choose by the Chinese government. This means that the next Dalai Lama will be born in a free country and outside Chinese control. His reincarnation will also be unrelated to the controversy over the Panchen Lama or the Karmapa, the head of the influential Kagyu school.
The fact that Chinese President Xi Jinping met with the China-appointed Panchen Lama and Gyaltsen Norbu, on June 6, 2025, shows how important the Dalai Lama remains in Tibet — even under the Chinese occupation.
Tibetan Buddhism: Even though Beijing will not accept the 15th Dalai Lama chosen by the Gaden Phodrang Trust, it is easy to predict that China will appoint its own Dalai Lama using their puppet, Norbu, and the staged ‘Golden Urn’ process. No one knows what happened to the Panchen Lama chosen by the 14th Dalai Lama, who disappeared in China in 1995 when he was just six years old.
The truth is, as long as the Dalai Lama institution is alive and respected in Buddhist Tibet, China’s control over the region will never be complete.
Background on the Dalai Lama Institution
- The Dalai Lama institution started formally in 1578 after the 3rd Dalai Lama, Sonam Gyatso, allied with the Mongol ruler Altan Khan.
- The Dalai Lama is believed to be the reincarnation of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, serving as both spiritual and cultural leader of Tibet.
- Traditionally, reincarnations are identified by visions, signs, and tests, such as recognizing personal items from the previous Dalai Lama.
- The Qing dynasty introduced the “Golden Urn” system in 1792 as a political method disguised as a religious practice, but Tibetans often rejected this. The 14th Dalai Lama was not chosen using this method.
Succession of the 14th Dalai Lama: Key Points
- Reincarnation Outside China: The 14th Dalai Lama insists his next reincarnation will be born outside Chinese-controlled Tibet, most likely in India, to ensure religious freedom.
- Female or Living-Appointed Successor: He is open to having a female successor and may even appoint his reincarnation while still alive to avoid Chinese interference.
- Gaden Phodrang Trust: The official trust in exile, based in Dharamsala, India, will manage the search, providing a legitimate alternative to Chinese claims.
- Separation of Spiritual and Political Roles: Since 2011, the Dalai Lama transferred into political authority to the elected leader of the Tibetan government-in-exile.
- Rejection of China’s Law: China’s 2007 law requiring state approval for reincarnations is rejected by the Dalai Lama as a breach of spiritual freedom.
What the Future May Hold
- Dual Dalai Lamas: There may be two claimants — one chosen by China and one by the Tibetan exile community, like the current of Panchen Lama dispute.
- Search Beyond Tibet: The search for the reincarnation will likely take place in Tibetan refugee communities in India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Mongolia, outside Chinese control.
- Appointed Emanation: The Dalai Lama might announce his reincarnation during his lifetime to prevent manipulation.
- Global Recognition: International support will be crucial in legitimizing the true successor, limiting China’s influence over Tibetan Buddhism.
Also Read: Rijiju: Successor to Be Decided by Dalai Lama and His Customs
