As the Dalai Lama turns 89, the world watches closely: who will be his successor? This spiritual reflection explores the roots of Tibetan Buddhism, China’s political interference, and the high-stakes question of reincarnation. More than a religious figure, the next Dalai Lama may determine the future of Tibetan identity, freedom, and spiritual leadership in a deeply divided world.
As you all probably know by now, my interest in faith goes far beyond that of the Western world. In my search for the “true” faith, I now have many kilometres in my legs. Already in my early childhood I read books about the Dalai Lama, Krishna, Buddha, Mohammed, and other spiritual greats. I also explored the associated beliefs and habits. The only belief that I regret not yet explored is the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy book for Sikhs. The founder and the first guru of this religious movement was Guru Nanak (1469–1539). The Sikhs worship a god who exists beyond all phenomena, and who is universally accessible to all, regardless of whether one adheres to Hindu, Muslim or any other faith.
What do Sikhs believe about Jesus and God?
Unfortunately, I have not taken enough note of it so far, but I have been told that the Sikhs accept Jesus as a prophet just like Islam, but that they believe that Jesus cannot be a god, because God in their view cannot be born. I find it very interesting to see how, and when the different faiths came into being and who the worshippers in question adhere to, I am especially interested in whether they have a “leader” who is still walking around on earth today. Think of the Catholic faith where Pope Paul Leo the sixteenth has recently been in the lead. Another faith that interests me immensely is Tibetan Buddhism, the faith that is led by the Dalai Lama.
The origins of Tibetan Buddhism and the role of Padmasambhava.
Tibetan Buddhism, also known as Vajrayana or Tantric Buddhism, is a form of Buddhism that was formed around the seventh century with the arrival of Padmasambhava. This Indian-Buddhist monk was commissioned by King Trisong Detsen to introduce Buddhism in Tibet around the year 747 AD. The historical accounts say that: “The king first invited Shantarakshita to spread Buddhism in Tibet, and then also commissioned him to build the first Buddhist temple. However, the man regretted to report to the king that he experienced too much of local demons and spirits during the construction of the temple, so he returned the order to the king, advising the king to seek the help of the tantric master Padmasambhava.
How Padmasambhava brought Buddhism to Tibet?
This tantric master gave the obstructive demons and spirits that had been thwarting temple construction until then the ultimatum to convert to Buddhism or disappear, they chose the first option, and thereby solemnly promised to protect Tibet and above all the Dharma. This is all historiography and of course happened a long time ago according to the stories that have been handed down, and since then fourteen Dalai Lamas have already passed in review. The current Dalai Lama (Tenzin Gyatso) celebrated his eighty-ninth on July 6 of this year (2025). But the question that arises more and more often in the present time is who will succeed him, and how this succession will take place?
Who will be the 15th Dalai lama?
Because the current Dalai Lama has already reached the advanced age of eighty-nine, people in Tibet wonder who will succeed him. The “normal” procedure in this succession is that of reincarnation. This means that if the current Dalai Lama dies, he will be reborn somewhere in the world. A special committee will look for a child who is considered the reincarnation of the deceased leader. This mainly looks at unspecified characteristics, and whether the person recognizes certain objects from the deceased’s possession.
Will Tibetan Buddhism continue to rely on reincarnation for the Dalai Lama?
Although the current Dalai Lama is still alive, preparations for his possible succession are already in full swing. As you may know, the current Dalai Lama has been living in exile in Mcleod Ganj, near Dharamsala in India, since 1959 as a result of his exile from Tibet. He has lived here since his flight from Tibet after the Chinese invasion. Angry rumours say that China would rather not have a Dalai Lama anymore but also wants a possible successor to fall under its rule. Further rumours say that the Chinese authorities even have a successor “chosen” by them ready.
Is the next Dalai Lama already chosen by China?
Is the Chinese Communist Party going to do this job, or does the current Dalai Lama already have something else in mind? We must not forget, however, that this Communist Party also has something similar in store for Christians living in China. The Chinese government is very suspicious of religious believers, and the potential possible persuasion of people of other faiths. In 1995, the current Dalai Lama declared that a Tibetan boy named Gendun Chokyi would be his rightful successor (reincarnation) in life. Unfortunately, nothing has been heard from this boy and his family since then. Evil spirits claim that the Chinese Communist Party would be involved in this.
Will There be a 15th Dalai Lama? The Debate in 2025?
There are all kinds of processes going on at the moment, regarding the succession of the Dalai Lama. The Chinese designate candidates (Panchen lamas), and the Tibetans of course have their own candidates. Recently I heard the proposal of the current Dalai Lama. This wise man has the proposal not to rely on reincarnation for a while, because too much depends on it, and the Chinese threaten to take advantage of it. At the moment he prefers to opt for an elected “interim pope”, where leadership, intellect and wisdom must be looked at, perhaps the rightful reincarnated future enlightened Dalai Lama will announce himself in a special way in the future. Let us hope that this beautiful and very old culture will find its way, and continue to exist, “Anjal Mudra”
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