The Dalai Lama just made a huge announcement that will change everything for millions of Buddhists around the world. The 89-year-old spiritual leader told everyone that his ancient position will keep going after he dies. He made this statement just days before celebrating his 90th birthday on July 6. Followers from Tibet, Mongolia, Russia and China have been asking him for 14 years to make sure someone takes over. The religious leader finally gave them the answer they wanted to hear.
Tibetans believe he represents the 14th comeback of their most important spiritual figure. He has been living in India since Chinese soldiers forced him out of Tibet back in 1959. Thousands of other Tibetans followed him into exile and still live there today. China calls him a troublemaker and rebel, but he just sees himself as a regular Buddhist monk. The whole situation has created tension between China and Tibet for decades.
Many Tibetans worry that China might try to pick the next Dalai Lama to control their religion. The current leader shut down those fears by saying only one group can choose his replacement. He named the Gaden Phodrang Trust as the only organization with power to find the 15th Dalai Lama. This trust operates from India and answers to nobody else about this important decision.
Tibetans believe he represents the 14th comeback of their most important spiritual figure. He has been living in India since Chinese soldiers forced him out of Tibet back in 1959. Thousands of other Tibetans followed him into exile and still live there today. China calls him a troublemaker and rebel, but he just sees himself as a regular Buddhist monk. The whole situation has created tension between China and Tibet for decades.
Many Tibetans worry that China might try to pick the next Dalai Lama to control their religion. The current leader shut down those fears by saying only one group can choose his replacement. He named the Gaden Phodrang Trust as the only organization with power to find the 15th Dalai Lama. This trust operates from India and answers to nobody else about this important decision.
