ThePrint ThePrintPod: Dalai Lama says his trust has sole authority to pick his successor, China asserts control over process
Jul 2, 2025
The Dalai Lama asserts that his trust holds the sole authority to choose his successor, emphasizing the importance of consultation with senior Tibetan Buddhist leaders. In contrast, China insists that any reincarnation of the Dalai Lama must be sanctioned by the government, viewing him as a separatist figure. This discussion unveils the deep-rooted tensions between Tibetan aspirations for autonomy and China's political control, shedding light on the broader implications of this historical conflict.
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Dalai Lama Claims Sole Successor Authority
- The Dalai Lama insists only the Gadan Fodrang Trust he founded can decide his successor.
- This challenges China's claim that the government controls the reincarnation process.
China Asserts Control Over Succession
- China says the successor must be approved by its government under laws and rituals.
- This is based on a Qing dynasty tradition using a golden urn to select Lamas.
Trust to Preserve Dalai Lama Legacy
- The Gadan Fodrang Trust, founded in 2015, will preserve the Dalai Lama's spiritual legacy.
- It will handle locating and recognizing his successor guided by Tibetan Buddhist traditions.
