How To Choose Next Dalai Lama: Who Comes After the 14th Dalai Lama? Know How Reincarnation Is Discovered

How To Choose Next Dalai Lama: For decades, we have heard the revered name of the Tibetan Buddhist monk, the Dalai Lama. This name has become synonymous not just with Tibetan Buddhism but globally represents peace, compassion, and humanity. The 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, has lived a life in exile, yet his spiritual aura has never dimmed. As he approaches the age of 90, a question once again rises in relevance: Who will be the next Dalai Lama, and how will he be chosen?

Let’s explore who the Dalai Lama is, the history behind the title, his connection with India, the process of finding his successor, and the geopolitical complications arising from China’s involvement.

Who Is the Dalai Lama?

The Dalai Lama is the supreme spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism. The title is given to the head of the Gelug school, one of the main traditions of Tibetan Buddhism.

The term Dalai comes from the Mongolian word for “ocean,” and Lama in Tibetan means “teacher” or “guru.” Thus, the Dalai Lama is considered a teacher whose wisdom and compassion are as vast as the ocean.

How Did the Tradition Begin?

The Dalai Lama lineage began in the 16th century. In 1578, the Mongol ruler Altan Khan bestowed the title “Dalai Lama” on Sonam Gyatso.

Though Sonam Gyatso was the third in the spiritual lineage, he was the first to be formally given the title, and his two predecessors, Gendun Drup and Gendun Gyatso, were posthumously recognized as the first and second Dalai Lamas.

The Current Dalai Lama – Tenzin Gyatso

The 14th and current Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, was born on July 6, 1935, in Taktser village, Tibet (now part of China’s Qinghai Province).

His birth name was Lhamo Dhondup. At the age of two, he was recognized as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama.

By 15, he had been officially enthroned as Tibet’s spiritual and political leader. After the failed Tibetan uprising of 1959 against Chinese occupation, he fled to India, where he has lived in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, ever since — now known as “Little Tibet.”

The Dalai Lama and India

India has not only served as the Dalai Lama’s exiled residence but also as the largest center for Tibetan refugees.

Dharamshala is home to the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), regarded as the Tibetan Government-in-Exile.

The Indian government provided asylum, established schools, hospitals, and monasteries, and helped preserve Tibetan culture.

The Dalai Lama has often described India as his “spiritual home.”

How Is the Next Dalai Lama Chosen?

According to Tibetan Buddhist tradition, the Dalai Lama is reincarnated — his soul is reborn in another body after death.

The next Dalai Lama is not appointed — he is discovered.

What Happens in the Search Process?

Senior monks — especially the Ganden Tripa and the Panchen Lama — play a key role. They examine spiritual signs from the previous Dalai Lama’s death, such as the direction his face pointed, or the way the smoke rose from his cremation.

Dreams and meditative visions are also crucial. Monks meditate, especially at the sacred Lhamo Latso Lake, and interpret visions of temples, houses, or symbolic Tibetan letters seen in trance states.

Identifying Objects from the Previous Dalai Lama

Potential child candidates are shown belongings of the former Dalai Lama.

If a child recognizes or shows attachment to them, it is seen as a spiritual sign that he may be the reincarnation.

The Golden Urn Method

In some cases, names of candidates are placed in a golden urn, and one name is drawn to make the final decision.

This method has historic precedence and is considered sacred.

How Was the Current Dalai Lama Found?

After the death of the 13th Dalai Lama, monks noticed signs suggesting the reincarnation would be born in the northeast.

Visions at Lhamo Latso Lake revealed an image of a temple, a house, and Tibetan script.

Following these signs, they reached Taktser village in Qinghai, China, where a two-year-old boy, Lhamo Dhondup, not only recognized sacred objects but also displayed remarkable behavior.

He was later confirmed as the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso.

China’s Interference and the Growing Challenge

Since the 1959 uprising, China has exerted total control over Tibet and has started intervening in religious practices.

Now, Beijing claims it has the exclusive right to appoint the next Dalai Lama — a move strongly opposed by Tibetans.

Could There Be Two Dalai Lamas?

Many fear that after the current Dalai Lama’s death, there may be two rival successors:

1. One recognized by the traditional Tibetan religious authorities, possibly based in Dharamshala under the Gaden Phodrang Trust.
2. The other appointed by the Chinese Communist Party, aiming to legitimize their control over Tibet.

The Dalai Lama’s View on the Future

The current Dalai Lama has clearly stated that his reincarnation will occur outside China.

In 2004, he said, “My life has been lived in India, so logically, my rebirth will also occur in India or another free country.”

In his recent book, “Voice for the Voiceless”, he emphasized that his successor should be identified only after his death, and the entire process must be supervised by the Gaden Phodrang Trust.

Tradition vs Politics in Successor Selection

The process of identifying a successor is deeply spiritual, involving dreams, signs, reincarnation, and community consensus.

However, it now stands at the crossroads of Tibetan religious freedom and China’s political ambitions.

The Dalai Lama once remarked, “If this tradition no longer serves the people, it should be ended.”

This statement shows that he values practicality and relevance alongside tradition.

Now, the world awaits to see which force will prevail — spiritual faith or political interference.