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Statement Affirming the Continuation of the Institution of Dalai Lama
July 2, 2025
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(Translated from the original Tibetan)
On 24 September 2011, at a meeting of the heads of Tibetan spiritual traditions, I made a statement to fellow Tibetans in and outside Tibet, followers of Tibetan Buddhism, and those who have a connection with Tibet and Tibetans, regarding whether the institution of the Dalai Lama should continue. I stated, “As far back as 1969, I made clear that concerned people should decide whether the Dalai Lama’s reincarnations should continue in the future.”
I also said, “When I am about ninety I will consult the high Lamas of the Tibetan Buddhist traditions, the Tibetan public, and other concerned people who follow Tibetan Buddhism, to re-evaluate whether or not the institution of the Dalai Lama should continue.”
Although I have had no public discussions on this issue, over the last 14 years leaders of Tibet’s spiritual traditions, members of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile, participants in a Special General Body Meeting, members of the Central Tibetan Administration, NGOs, Buddhists from the Himalayan region, Mongolia, Buddhist republics of the Russian Federation and Buddhists in Asia including mainland China, have written to me with reasons, earnestly requesting that the institution of the Dalai Lama continue. In particular, I have received messages through various channels from Tibetans in Tibet making the same appeal. In accordance with all these requests, I am affirming that the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue.
The process by which a future Dalai Lama is to be recognized has been clearly established in the 24 September 2011 statement which states that responsibility for doing so will rest exclusively with members of the Gaden Phodrang Trust, the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. They should consult the various heads of the Tibetan Buddhist traditions and the reliable oath-bound Dharma Protectors who are linked inseparably to the lineage of the Dalai Lamas. They should accordingly carry out the procedures of search and recognition in accordance with past tradition.
I hereby reiterate that the Gaden Phodrang Trust has sole authority to recognize the future reincarnation; no one else has any such authority to interfere in this matter.
Dalai Lama
Dharamshala
21 May 2025
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Tibetans mourn the demise of Kalon Trisur Gyalo Thondup, brother of the 14th Dalai Lama
Tenzin Lhadon 10 February 2025
His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and his elder brother Gyalo Thondup in December, 2023. (Photo: OHHDL)His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and his elder brother Gyalo Thondup in December, 2023. (Photo: OHHDL)
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Dharamshala — Former Minister Gyalo Thondup, the main figure of Sino-Tibetan dialogue and the second eldest brother of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, passed away on February 8, 2025 at the age of 97. Tibetans in Tibet and in exile expressed their deep grief over the passing away of Gyalo Thondup and organised prayers for him.
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Gyalo Thondup, former Kalon Tripa (Chairman) of the 9th Kashag (Cabinet) of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) and the second eldest brother of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, passed away on February 8, 2025 at the age of 97 at his home in Kalimpong, West Bengal, India.
Gyalo Thondup, was born in 1928 in Taktser, Amdo, Tibet and was the second eldest brother of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. He studied Standard Chinese and Chinese history in Nanjing, China, in his early days, during which, he met several influential Chinese leaders, including Chiang Kai-shek.
In 1949, amidst the Communist revolution in China, he left Nanjing and eventually relocated to Kalimpong, India, in 1952. He became a key figure in the Tibetan diaspora, dedicating his life to advocating for Tibet’s independence and self-determination.
Thondup played an essential role in building early connections with the Indian and U.S. governments to rally support for Tibet’s cause. In 1957, he helped recruit Tibetan fighters who were trained in U.S. camps to strengthen the resistance against Chinese occupation. His coordination also resulted in the passing of three resolutions by the United Nations General Assembly in 1959, 1961, and 1965.
His diplomatic efforts were pivotal in bringing global attention to the Tibetan cause. He worked closely with the Indian government, including Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, during His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s escape to India in 1959. His outreach to U.S. officials also secured vital support for Tibet, and he played a major role in fostering ties between Tibetan leaders and American policymakers.
In 1979, he initiated direct talks with Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping, marking a shift toward dialogue from earlier resistance methods. This meeting laid the groundwork for subsequent negotiations between Tibetan envoys and Chinese leadership, aiming for a peaceful resolution to the Tibet-China conflict.
He served as Kalon Tripa (Chairman) of the 9th Kashag (Cabinet) of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) in exile from August 1991 to January 1993 and as the Kalon (Minister) of the Department of Security during the 10th Kashag. His steadfast dedication to the restoration of Tibetan freedom earned him widespread respect.
The Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama held a memorial prayer at the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery in Bylakuppe, South India, on February 9, 2025. His Holiness the Dalai Lama presided over the prayer service and expressed, “It is with deep sorrow that I share the passing of my elder brother, Gyalo Thondup. The primary purpose of the offerings made to the monks gathered here today for his memorial service is to honour his life and legacy."
"My brother worked with immense dedication and courage, and his determination was truly remarkable. Through these memorial offerings, we pray for his auspicious rebirth, specifically as a Tibetan, where he may continue to serve the cause of Tibet, as he so deeply desired. I too make this prayer on his behalf. His lifelong aspiration was to remain by His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s side, serving him for many lifetimes. I kindly request everyone’s support in fulfilling this profound prayer," His Holiness said.
Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel posted on his X platform on February 8, 2025, "With a heavy heart, we mourn the demise of Gyalo Thondup, esteemed elder brother of the DalaiLama. His lifelong dedication to the Tibetan cause and his remarkable contributions will be remembered with deep gratitude, inspiring our unwavering pursuit of justice and freedom for Tibet."
Similarly, Sikyong Penpa Tsering wrote his X platform on February 10, 2025, "It is with deep sorrow that we, CTA and the Tibetan people, mourn the passing of Gyalo Thondup, the elder brother of the DalaiLama. A towering figure in Tibet’s history, he lived a meaningful life defined by his unparalleled contributions to the Tibetan cause. His legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. May he attain a swift rebirth and continue his virtuous legacy."
CTA held a prayer service for the demise of Kalon Trisur Gyalo Thondup on February 10, 2025 at Sikyong Hall, Gangkyi, Dharamshala, HP, India, which was attended by all the staff and leadership of CTA. A similar prayer service was held at Tsuklagkhang, Mcleod ganj, Dharamshala at 9 am to 10:30 am by Tibetans from around Dharamshala. Prayer services were also held in Tibetan monasteries and schools, Tibetan settlements in India, USA, Canada, European countries and in Tibet for the late Gyalo Thondup, who dedicated his life for the Tibetan cause.
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