Institution of Dalai Lama Will Go On

China fumes as incumbent says the Gaden Phodrang Trust alone has the authority to recognise his reincarnation

- HARPREET BAJWA & JAYANTH JACOB @ Chandigarh/New Delhi

In a landmark announcement just days ahead of his 90th birthday, the 14th Dalai Lama on Wednesday formally announced that the centuries-old institution of the Dalai Lama will continue after his death, ending years of speculation over the future of Tibetan Buddhism's highest spiritual seat.

The decision, however, drew sharp criticism from China, which insists it holds authority over any future reincarnation.

"I am affirming that the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue," the exiled Tibetan leader declared in a statement posted on social media and his official website. He emphasized that only his personal institution, the Gaden Phodrang Trust, has the authority to identify and recognize his reincarnation, warning that no outside entity, including governments, has any right to interfere in the sacred process.

"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."