Dharamshala, India, (EFE).- The Dalai Lama’s long-awaited decision on his succession is expected “in two or three days,” according to the abbot of his monastery, confirming that a major announcement could be made during the high-level Tibetan religious conference that begins Wednesday in Dharamshala, India.
Thamthog Rinpoche, abbot of Namgyal Monastery and one of the Nobel Peace Prize laureate’s closest confidants, told EFE, “The decision depends on him, on what he suggests. After two or three days, we will know.”
He declined to confirm whether a formal declaration will be delivered during the event, but his comments mark the strongest indication yet of an imminent public road map.
The 15th Tibetan Religious Conference, a three-day gathering of the highest Buddhist lamas, is set to begin, coinciding with the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday celebrations.
The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), the Tibetan government-in-exile has already announced that a “written statement” from His Holiness will be distributed, likely outlining the succession process amid heightened geopolitical tensions with China.
Members of the Central Tibetan Administration invoke the Oracle of Nechung, a common practice of the community that this Tuesday gains much more strength due to rumors of a possible revelation of the Dalai Lama’s succession in the coming days. Jul. 1, 2025. EFE/ Central Tibet Administration EDITORIAL USE ONLY / ONLY AVAILABLE TO ILLUSTRATE THE ACCOMPANYING NEWS ITEM (CREDIT REQUIRED)
Tibet’s future in focus
The succession of the 14th Dalai Lama is a pivotal issue for Tibetans, many of whom fear Chinese interference in choosing the next spiritual leader.
Beijing, which views the Dalai Lama as a separatist, has legislated control over reincarnation recognition and abducted the Panchen Lama, the second-most important figure in Tibetan Buddhism, in 1995.
The Panchen Lama, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, was just six years old when he vanished after being recognized by the Dalai Lama hinted that his reincarnation could be born outside of Chinese territory, or even that he may name a successor while alive.
In his book Voice for the Voiceless, he suggested that the next Dalai Lama could be a woman, or that he could be the last of the lineage if political manipulation persists.
“This is not just a spiritual matter, it is a geopolitical battle,” a senior CTA official told EFE under the condition of anonymity.
Oracles, rituals, and Richard Gere
In a symbolic and solemn prelude to the conference, Tibetan leaders in exile consulted the Nechung Oracle, the state’s mystical advisor, during a close ceremony on Tuesday in Dharamshala.
The ritual, led by a trance-induced monk who channels protective deities, has historically guided the Dalai Lama in moments of crisis, including his escape from Tibet in 1959.
The event was attended by CTA President Penpa Tsering, key judicial and legislative figures, and international supporters, including American actor and Tibetan rights advocate Richard Gere, accompanied by his son Homer James Jigme Gere.
“The Nechung Oracle offers spiritual guidance for state matters,” said a CTA spokesperson. “It was consulted specifically before the upcoming religious conference.”
The Oracle’s consultation is interpreted as the final preparatory step before the Dalai Lama reveals his strategy.
While the tradition dictates that reincarnation is determined after the Dalai Lama’s death, through vision, mystical signs, and symbolic object tests, China’s interference has prompted a radical rethinking of the succession process.
Faith, politics, and a waiting world
Tibetan communities remain hopeful.
“We are happy. His Holiness has said he will live to be 130,” said Tashi Lhamo, president of the Tibetan Women’s Association, in conversation with EFE.
This belief, repeated often by the Dalai Lama himself, serves as both spiritual comfort and political shield.
Still, time is pressing. The religious conference is widely seen as the Dalai Lama’s opportunity to assert authority over his legacy before it is potentially co-opted by Beijing.
A clear succession plan from Dharamsala would counter China’s claim to spiritual control in Tibet and shape the future of the movement for autonomy.
“If His Holiness acts now, the world will know his intentions, not China’s,” said a monk attending the conference.
The upcoming days are expected to be among the most significant in modern Tibetan history. EFE
igr-seo/mcd
