As the 14th Dalai Lama approaches his 90th birthday, he has sent a clear message to the world. He officially stated that the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue, and that the Gaden Phodrang Trust will be the only authority responsible for recognising his future reincarnation. In his words, no one else has any authority to interfere in this matter.
This declaration builds on a similar statement he made in 2011, where he said that if the tradition of the Dalai Lama is to continue, the Gaden Phodrang Trust would be primarily responsible for identifying the next spiritual leader. The message has once again confirmed that the decision will rest entirely within the Tibetan Buddhist community.
The Meaning of Gaden Phodrang
Gaden Phodrang originally referred to the living quarters of the Dalai Lamas at Drepung Monastery in Lhasa, starting from the time of the second Dalai Lama. After the fifth Dalai Lama built the Potala Palace, future Dalai Lamas used it as their winter residence and stayed at Norbulingka during summer. This tradition continued until 1959, when the 14th Dalai Lama left Tibet and sought refuge in India.
Today, Gaden Phodrang represents more than a place. It symbolises the institutional and spiritual leadership of the Dalai Lama, which now continues in exile through formal organisations.
What is the Gaden Phodrang Trust?
The Gaden Phodrang Trust was formally registered in 2011 in Dharamshala, India. It is one of three key institutions associated with the Dalai Lama. The other two are the Dalai Lama Trust, which is also a non-profit organisation in India, and the Gaden Phodrang Foundation, which is registered in Zurich, Switzerland.
The trust was created with the specific purpose of managing the recognition process of the next Dalai Lama. It operates directly from the office of His Holiness and is led by the Dalai Lama himself. Key members include senior monks and close aides such as Prof Samdhong Rinpoche, a respected scholar and former head of the Central Tibetan Administration.
Key Functions of the Gaden Phodrang Trust
- Recognition of Reincarnation: The trust holds exclusive authority to identify and confirm the 15th Dalai Lama and future successors according to Tibetan Buddhist traditions.
- Cultural Preservation: It works to uphold and promote the spiritual heritage of Tibet, including rituals, teachings, and practices passed down through generations.
- Institutional Governance: It collaborates with the Dalai Lama Trust in New Delhi and the Gaden Phodrang Foundation in Zurich to support charitable work and global outreach.
- Protection from External Influence: The trust serves as a safeguard against any external attempts, especially from China, to interfere in the sacred process of succession.
The Gaden Phodrang Foundation in Switzerland
While the trust manages spiritual matters in India, the Gaden Phodrang Foundation carries out His Holiness’s wider global mission. It is a Swiss tax-exempt, nonprofit organisation under the supervision of the Swiss Federal Department of Home Affairs.
The foundation was established to promote human values, mutual respect among religions, non-violence, and environmental protection. It also supports the preservation of Tibetan culture and helps people in need, regardless of nationality or background.
Its activities include supporting the SEE Learning (Secular, Ethical, and Emotional Learning) programme, backing the Mind and Life Institute, and funding a wide range of books and translations that share Buddhist knowledge with the world. The foundation has also organised major public events with the Dalai Lama across Europe, promoting dialogue and peace.
A Clear Spiritual Path
The recent statement leaves no doubt about the Dalai Lama’s wishes. He has firmly asserted that the Gaden Phodrang Trust alone will guide the sacred process of finding his next incarnation. This is especially significant given the political interest shown by external powers, including China, in influencing Tibetan religious traditions.
By giving full responsibility to the trust, the Dalai Lama has ensured that the future of his lineage will remain within the spiritual and cultural framework of Tibetan Buddhism.
A Legacy of Compassion and Clarity
Through the Gaden Phodrang Trust and Foundation, the Dalai Lama continues to build a future based on compassion, wisdom, and independence. These institutions are not only guardians of his spiritual legacy but are also active contributors to global humanitarian causes.
As His Holiness celebrates his 90th year, his message remains simple and strong. The values he has lived by kindness, peace, and moral clarity, will continue to guide his people and followers around the world through the trusted institutions he has built.
