Dalai Lama confirms his institution will continue, Gaden Phodrang holds sole reincarnation authority

Описание: n a landmark declaration at the opening ceremony of the 15th Tibetan Religious Conference held on Tuesday, the foremost Tibetan Buddhist leader, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, announced that the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue and reaffirmed that the sole authority over the recognition of his reincarnation rests with the Gaden Phodrang Trust—the Office of the Dalai Lama.

“I am affirming that the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue,” he said in a pre-recorded message to the gathering of over 180 Tibetan religious leaders and representatives of major spiritual traditions of Tibet, also acknowledging the sentiments and aspirations of Tibetans both in exile and Tibet. The three-day conference, organized by the Department of Religion and Culture of the Central Tibetan Administration, commenced at the Dalai Lama Library and Archives in Dharamshala.

Addressing the sensitive issue of his future reincarnation, the Nobel Peace Laureate underlined that the procedure for identifying a future Dalai Lama was clearly outlined in his 2011 statement. “The responsibility for doing so will rest exclusively with members of the Gaden Phodrang Trust,” he emphasized. The office, he explained, will consult the heads of various Tibetan Buddhist traditions and oath-bound Dharma Protectors inseparably linked to the lineage of the Dalai Lamas to carry out the recognition in accordance with tradition.

“I hereby reiterate that the Gaden Phodrang Trust has sole authority to recognize the future reincarnation; no one else has any such authority to interfere in this matter,” the Dalai Lama affirmed.

The 15th Tibetan Religious Conference, which runs from July 2–4, brings together 121 Tibetan Buddhist leaders and is expected to deliberate on key religious matters. It is one of the events leading up to the 90th birthday celebrations on July 6th, where thousands will gather to celebrate the revered Tibetan leader.

Reporter/Producer: Tenzin Nyidon
Camera/Editing: Tsering Dhundup