Dalai Lama to Announce Reincarnation Plans at 2025 Tibetan Religious Conference in Dharamshala

Dalai Lama to Announce Reincarnation Plans at 2025 Tibetan Religious Conference in Dharamshala (representative image / ANI)

Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh: The upcoming 15th Tibetan Religious Conference in Dharamshala is set to become a landmark event, as His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama is expected to make a significant announcement regarding his reincarnation. The three-day spiritual gathering, scheduled from July 2 to 4, coincides with preparations for the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday on July 6.

Religious heads and senior representatives from all four main sects of Tibetan Buddhism — Gelug, Nyingma, Sakya, and Kagyu — will attend the conference. This marks the first such gathering under the current Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) Cabinet. Notably, Karmapa Rinpoche, the head of the Kagyu sect, will not be present, a decision likely to disappoint many Tibetans.

Reincarnation Announcement Expected

There has been considerable anticipation around the Dalai Lama’s reincarnation decision. In a 2011 document, His Holiness had indicated that he would discuss the matter upon reaching the age of 90. The document outlined that any decision regarding his successor or emanation before death would involve consultations with senior monks and lamas — a process rooted deeply in Tibetan spiritual traditions.

CTA President Penpa Tsering affirmed this timing, saying, “We scheduled the conference now because the Dalai Lama had previously mentioned that, around the age of 90, he would begin consultations about his reincarnation. This year, he turns 90.”

The issue of Chinese interference in the reincarnation process remains a pressing concern. Penpa Tsering condemned Beijing’s involvement, stating that “a Communist government, which does not believe in religion, has no right to interfere in spiritual matters or restrict the religious freedom of the Tibetan people.” He urged China to focus on meaningful dialogue with the living 14th Dalai Lama rather than attempt to control the future of Tibetan Buddhism.

Namgyal Dolkar Lhagyari, a member of the Tibetan Parliament in exile, reiterated the spiritual weight of this announcement. “We all recall that in 2011, His Holiness had clearly stated he would make an important declaration about his reincarnation when he turns 90,” she said. Tenzin Tsundue, a Tibetan activist, added that this conference is not only about internal dialogue but also about preserving the spiritual integrity of Tibetan Buddhism. “This will be a consultative process, and the insights of senior religious leaders will shape the future,” he said.