Who Will Be the Next Dalai Lama? Explained

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As the 14th Dalai Lama turns 90 on July 6, 2025, attention turns to how his spiritual successor will be chosen

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Traditionally, a Dalai Lama is a reincarnation of his predecessor, identified through signs, visions, and recognition rituals

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The current Dalai Lama was recognized at age two after identifying belongings of the 13th Dalai Lama

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In his 2025 book Voice for the Voiceless, he declared his successor will be born outside China—in the “free world”

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He urged Tibetans to reject any candidate selected by China, viewing such attempts as politically driven

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The Tibetan parliament-in-exile and the Gaden Phodrang Foundation (established in 2015) will oversee the search and recognition process

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China cites a Qing-era “Golden Urn” tradition from 1793 to legitimize its authority in selecting the successor

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If both sides select successors—one abroad, one in China—it could result in rival claimants to the title

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