DHARAMSALA 2 June: Days ahead of his 90th birthday celebration, the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet has officially affirmed that there will be a 15th Dalai Lama. He unequivocally stated that the responsibility for recognising his future reincarnation lies exclusively with the Gaden Phodrang Trust, the private office of the Dalai Lama, and made it clear that no other party holds any authority in this matter, reaffirming the position he outlined in a statement on his reincarnation dating back to 2011.

The Dalai Lama made the announcement in a pre-recorded video message during the opening of the 15th Tibetan Religious Conference today, attended by 121 Buddhist leaders at the Dalai Lama Library and Archives here in Dharamsala. The conference will commence from 2 to 4 June.

Given the geopolitical sensitivity surrounding the reincarnation process, particularly in light of China’s persistent efforts to influence it for political ends, the Tibetan spiritual leader recalled, “As far back as 1960, I made it clear that concerned people should decide whether the Dalai Lama’s reincarnation should continue in the future.”

He highlighted the heartfelt appeals he has received over the past 14 years since his last public statement on the matter in 2011 from Buddhists across the world,  including those from mainland China and occupied Tibet, urging him to continue the tradition of reincarnation.