Four days ahead of his 90th birthday, Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama on Wednesday stated that the institution of Dalai Lama will continue, putting to rest uncertainty over whether he will have a successor after his death.
In a statement made on May 21, 2025 in Tibetan language and released by his office in Dharamshala on Wednesday, he said that the Gaden Phodrang Trust has the sole authority to recognise the future Dalai Lama.
The 90th birthday celebrations of the 14th Dalai Lama — Tenzin Gyatso, who is also called Lhama Thondup — commenced at Tsuglagkhang, the main temple in Mcleodganj near Dharamshala on June 30.
“I am affirming that the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue and I hereby reiterate that the Gaden Phodrang Trust has sole authority to recognise the future reincarnation. No one else has any such authority to interfere in this matter,” the statement said.