The search for the Dalai Lama’s successor is rooted in centuries-old Tibetan Buddhist tradition.
Successors are believed to be reincarnations of their predecessors, identified through spiritual signs.
Monks from the Gaden Phodrang institution lead the sacred search using visions, dreams, and rituals.
Tests are conducted on young children to identify traits linked to the previous Dalai Lama.
In 1995, the Dalai Lama recognized a boy as the 11th Panchen Lama—he disappeared soon after.
China installed its own Panchen Lama, rejected by Tibetans and rights groups worldwide.
Now, China insists it must approve the next Dalai Lama, sparking global concern.
India has declared the choice belongs solely to the Dalai Lama and his institution.
This is more than a religious matter—it's a geopolitical and cultural flashpoint.
The future of Tibetan identity may hinge on who decides the next Dalai Lama.