'India One Of Most Likely Countries…': Tibetan Official On 14th Dalai Lama's 'Reincarnation'

Last Updated:July 06, 2025, 20:33 IST

Central Tibetan Administration president Penpa Tsering said the question of reincarnation, however, feels premature as His Holiness has said he will live for another 20 to 25 years

Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama with others during the celebration of his 90th birthday, at Tsuglagkhang, the main Dalai Lama temple, McLeodganj, in Kangra district on July 6. (Image: PTI)

India is one of the most likely countries for the reincarnation of the next Dalai Lama because His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama has a deep connection with the country, said Central Tibetan Administration president Penpa Tsering. 

In an exclusive interview to News18, on the occasion of the 14th Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday, Tsering said the question of reincarnation, however, feels premature as His Holiness has said he will live for another 20 to 25 years. 

“Talking about reincarnation now might imply that he’s going to leave the world soon, which is not the case. Reincarnation is about seeking a soul after someone’s demise, so any announcement will be made at the appropriate time, not 10 or 20 years in advance," Tsering said.

The 14th Dalai Lama China, Tenzin Gyatso, turned 90 on Sunday. While he has ended speculation on whether he will have a successor or not after his death by reaffirming his succession plan, this is set to escalate tensions with China that has rejected it.

China has said any future heir must receive its seal of approval, adding a new chapter to Tibetan Buddhism’s decades-long struggle with the Chinese ruling Communist Party.

Excerpts:

His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama has stated his official position on his reincarnation. There are three major takeaways from that statement: the foundation will decide the 15th Dalai Lama; the process for the selection has begun; and no other country or institution will have a say. Could you tell us a little about the statement?

This statement is based on what His Holiness already said in September 2011. He had said when he reaches the age of 90, he will consult other high lamas and then make a statement. July 2 was that day. As you mentioned, the takeaways are important for Tibetans.

Among all 14 Dalai Lamas, His Holiness the 14th has lived the longest. The first Dalai Lama lived into his mid-80s, but the others didn’t. So His Holiness reaching 90 is a joyous occasion. He has assured us that he will live for another two decades or more. There are also auspicious signs that this Dalai Lama will live very long and, as his followers, we believe that.

The question of reincarnation feels premature. But since he made a statement in 2011 and now in continuation of that, this latest statement emphasises that he has sometimes said this could be the last Dalai Lama. He has never definitively said he will reincarnate.

Since 1969, he has been consistent in saying whether there should be a next Dalai Lama will be decided by the Tibetan people. Since 2011, many requests have come from religious conferences, the public, Buddhists, and even non-Buddhists. Based on that, His Holiness decided that the institution of the Dalai Lama, the Ganden Phodrang, will continue.

We should not confuse the Ganden Phodrang Trust of His Holiness with the Dalai Lama Trust in India or the Dalai Lama Foundation in Zurich. These two have no role in future responsibilities. The responsibility lies with the Ganden Phodrang Trust. When the time comes, they will consult other lamas from different traditions, protecting deities, and follow traditional methods.

But can we say the process for the reincarnation has begun, or that it will begin at the right time?

His Holiness has said he will live for another 20 to 25 years. Talking about reincarnation now might imply that he’s going to leave the world soon, which is not the case. Reincarnation is about seeking a soul after someone’s demise, so any announcement will be made at the appropriate time, not 10 or 20 years in advance.

Immediately after that statement, China said the next Dalai Lama has to be approved by the Chinese government and is insisting on the Golden Urn procedure for this. Their ambassador in New Delhi also made a social media post. How do you view this response?

China is a communist government that doesn’t believe in any religion. If they want to involve themselves in religious matters, they should first understand Tibetan Buddhism and the concept of life after death.

China has made three statements: first, they will search for His Holiness’ reincarnation within China. But His Holiness has made it clear that he will be born in a free world.

Second, about the Golden Urn – it was introduced only in 1793. Even after that, it was rarely used, only in the case of the 9th and 11th Dalai Lamas. Eight Dalai Lamas were recognised before 1793 without the Golden Urn. So does that mean they were not legitimate? That cannot be justified.

Third, a communist government claiming the right to approve or sanction a religious leader is absurd. It’s a direct interference in Tibetan religious freedom.

Is there any possibility of dialogue with the Chinese government regarding the next Dalai Lama?

Only if China becomes free from authoritarianism and Tibet is free, then there may be a possibility of His Holiness being reborn in Tibet. Otherwise, there is no chance for dialogue.

Even if dialogue happens, they will try to impose their choice, which we cannot accept. There must first be an understanding of traditional means before any solution can be found. As of now, there seems to be no way forward.

Can we say that the reincarnation of the next Dalai Lama will most likely take place in India?

If I’m asked, I say India is one of the most likely countries. There has to be a connection between the Dalai Lama and the family or community he is born into. His Holiness has spent his entire life in India since age 25.

What are your expectations from the Indian government?

I believe the Indian government will be on the right side of history. I don’t want to speak on their behalf, but we’ve always had a transparent relationship. If it weren’t for the Indian government, we wouldn’t exist. So yes, I believe they will support what is right.

News world 'India One Of Most Likely Countries…': Tibetan Official On 14th Dalai Lama's 'Reincarnation'