Dalai Lama Affirms Continuation of Institution, Declares Sole Authority Over Successor

His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama has formally affirmed the continuation of the institution of the Dalai Lama, following widespread appeals from Tibetans and Buddhists globally. He clarified that only the Gaden Phodrang Trust holds the authority to recognize his future reincarnation. The Trust will consult Tibetan Buddhist leaders and follow traditional procedures. His Holiness emphasized that no other entity has the right to interfere in the selection process.