Dalai Lama

Indian govt says it takes no position on Dalai Lama succession issues

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday said it has seen a statement issued by the 14th Dalai Lama in July about the institution of the Dalai Lama, and underlined that it "does not take any position" on matters concerning beliefs and practices of faith and religion. Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh said this in a written response to queries in the Rajya Sabha. The MEA was asked whether it is a fact that the government has "openly backed Dalai Lama's right to decide on his own succession". "Government has seen a statement regarding the institution of Dalai Lama issued by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama on 02 July 2025. Government of India does not take any position on matters concerning beliefs and practices of faith and religion," the MoS said. "Government has always upheld freedom of religion for all in India and will continue to do so. Government's position has also been conveyed to the Chinese side," he said. In July, Central Tibetan ...

Xi visits Lhasa for 60th anniversary of Tibet Autonomous Region

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday arrived in Lhasa, Tibet's provincial capital, to mark the 60th anniversary of Tibet's founding as an autonomous region. Xi, heading a delegation of officials from Beijing, was welcomed by people from various ethnic groups in Tibet, state-run Xinhua news agency reported. The Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) was formed officially by China in 1965 after it annexed the region in 1950. The Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, along with a large group of Tibetans fled to India in 1959, and has lived in Himachal Pradesh's Dharamsala ever since. The octogenarian monk celebrated his 90th birthday last month during which he said his successor will be chosen by Gaden Phodrang Trust, which was founded by him in 2015. China has rejected the Dalai Lama's succession insisting that any future heir must receive its seal of approval. China calls Tibet Xizang. Xi also held separate meetings with representatives of cadres who come to work in Tibet from ot

Dalai Lama lays foundation for Chowkhang Vihara rebuild in Ladakh

The Dalai Lama on Sunday here laid the foundation of the Chowkhang Vihara for reconstruction. The event drew a large gathering of religious leaders, local dignitaries, and community members. At the Chowkhang Vihara, the 14th Dalai Lama was received by Ladakh Buddhist Association president Chering Dorjay Lakruk. The reception featured traditional Ladakhi music and ceremonial offerings of khattaks. "Let this not be a place for only ritual prayers and idle chatter but a centre for deep study and debate on Buddhist philosophy, a wellspring of wisdom for generations," the the Tibetan spiritual leader said after laying the foundation. Lakruk called the event a historic moment for the region. He said a request had been made to his holiness to come for the event some three months back. "This is perhaps the greatest blessing we could receive. The whole of Ladakh is touched by auspicious winds today," he said. The temple, constructed in 1957, is up for reconstruction after developing crack

At 90, Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama's succession test begins

The Indian government joins the Tibetan spiritual leader's birthday celebrations amid growing scrutiny over his succession and Beijing exerting pressure to control the reincarnation process

Dalai Lama turns 90: Monk, exile, Nobel laureate and symbol of hope

From a shepherd boy in Amdo to a global peace icon, the Dalai Lama's life spans resistance to Chinese rule, spiritual leadership, and a Nobel Prize for non-violence

Dalai Lama turns 90, urges compassion and peace in birthday message

Calling himself "just a simple Buddhist monk", the Dalai Lama thanked well-wishers for global celebrations and reaffirmed his commitment to peace, compassion, and harmony

Dalai Lama dismisses successor talk, hopes to live 30-40 years more

The Dalai Lama on Saturday put to rest rumours surrounding the announcement of his successor as he said he hopes to live for another 30-40 years more to serve people. Speaking at the long life prayer ceremony ahead of his 90th birth anniversary on Sunday at Tsuglagkhang, the main Dalai Lama temple in McLeodganj, Tenzin Gyatso said that he has "clear signs and indications" that the blessings of the Avalokiteshvara are with him. "Looking at the many prophecies, I feel I have blessings of the Avalokiteshvara. I have done my best so far. I hope to still live for 30-40 years more. Your prayers have borne fruit so far," the Tibetan spiritual leader said. He added, "Though we have lost our country and we are living in exile in India, that's where I have been able to benefit beings quite a lot. Those living here in Dharamshala. I intend to benefit and serve beings as much as I can.

Best of BS Opinion: Post-Op Sindoor, India must plan five years ahead

Today's articles revolve around the idea of succession, whether it's the US Federal Reserve's chief, a Pak army chief, or the Dalai Lama

How India enabled Tibetans to preserve their religion, culture and language

The Dalai Lama has expressed his gratitude for India's hospitality on multiple occasions, and has been vocal about his admiration for the Gandhian approach to nonviolence

Dalai Lama's 90th birthday to be celebrated in McLeodganj, Rijiju to attend

As days draw closer to the Dalai Lama's 90th birthday on July 6, monks clad in maroon and saffron robes are moving towards Tsuglagkhang, the main Dalai Lama temple, in the Himalayan town of McLeodganj. The small town in Himachal Pradesh, also known as 'Little Lhasa' for being the host to the Tibetan government-in-exile, is the centre of global interest as a series of events, celebrations and, perhaps, announcement of a successor mark the 90th birth anniversary of the spiritual leader. The week-long celebrations that began on June 30 have picked up pace with a lineup of religious conferences, youth forums, film screenings, and communal prayers over the weekend. Over 100 Tibetan Buddhist leaders and representatives attended the 15th Tibetan Religious Conference on July 2-4 and more than 100 young Tibetans from 15 countries are attending the International Tibetan Youth Forum from July 3-5. The major events leading up to the Dalai Lama's birth anniversary include a community prayer on

India takes no position on matters of faith: MEA on Dalai Lama's successor

India refrains from taking a stance on Dalai Lama's succession; Rijiju backs spiritual autonomy, prompting Chinese protest amid rising sensitivities over Tibet

MEA clarifies it takes no position on Dalai Lama after China's objection

The government has always upheld freedom of religion for all in India and will continue to do so, Randhir Jaiswal said

Explained | Dalai Lama vs China: Who will choose the next spiritual leader? | Gaden Phodrang Trust

Who will choose the next Dalai Lama? In a decisive message, the Dalai Lama has ruled out Beijing’s authority, asserting that the age-old Tibetan tradition alone will guide the search for his successor

Only established institution to decide next Dalai Lama, no one else: Rijiju

In a snub to China, Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Thursday asserted that the decision on the Incarnation of the Dalai Lama would be taken by the established institution and the leader of Tibetan Buddhist himself and no one else. This is the first reaction by a senior government functionary on the comments of the Dalai Lama on his successor. On Wednesday, Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama said that the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue and only the Gaden Phodrang Trust will have the authority to recognise his future reincarnation. Talking to reporters here, Rijiju said the Dalai Lama is the "most important and defining institution" for the Buddhists. "And all those who follow the Dalai Lama feel that the Incarnation is to be decided by the established convention and as per the wish of the Dalai Lama himself. Nobody else has the right to decide it except him and the conventions in place," Rijiju said. The minister's remarks came after China rejected the Nobel

India backs Dalai Lama's sole authority in choosing his next successor

Dalai Lama said the 600-year-old institution will continue and only his office can decide his successor; China insisted the process must follow its Chinese regulations

Dalai Lama says Trust will decide his reincarnation, rules out China's role

The institution of the Dalai Lama will continue following the traditional procedures carried out by the Gaden Phodrang Trust

China insists on final say over next Dalai Lama, rejects Trust role

Beijing passed a law in 2007 to claim authority over Dalai Lama's reincarnation process, stating all such appointments require government approval

Dalai Lama nears 90th birthday: Who will choose the next Buddhist leader?

Tibetan reincarnation traditions face political challenge from China; Dalai Lama expected to clarify on matters of succession on 90th birthday

'Voice for the Voiceless' explores the Dalai Lama's Tibetan destiny

Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama, has written a book that demands to be read cover to cover - especially by those who feel let down by his perceived softness towards the Chinese government

NIMAS team scales new peak, names it after 6th Dalai Lama Tsangyang Gyatso

An expedition team of the National Institute of Mountaineering and Adventure Sports scaled a previously unclimbed peak, at an altitude of 20,942 ft in the Gorichen range of Arunachal Pradesh Himalayas