Dalai Lama’s Legacy in Transition: What Does He Own and Who Will Inherit It

Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama has garnered international attention ahead of his 90th birthday on July 6. The 89-year-old leader of Tibetans living in exile in India confirmed that his successor will be appointed based on the past tradition. The next head of the exiled community would be born outside China and the Gaden Phodrang Trust will be the sole authority to make the appointment, Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatso said in a statement on July 2. The development has sparked curiosity in the international community regarding the Dalai Lama’s successor. 

“I hereby reiterate that the Gaden Phodrang Trust has sole authority to recognise the future reincarnation; no one else has any such authority to interfere in this matter,” the Dalai Lama said in the statement.

What His Successor Will Inherit? 

Although the Dalai Lama has taken a vow of poverty and doesn’t have a conventional salary or personal income, his influence across the globe, particularly within the Tibetan community, has helped him amass wealth. While his exact net worth isn't much reported or disclosed officially, according to some sources it is estimated to be around $150 million earned through donations and royalties from his books, documentaries, and teachings, and licensing of his image for films and media. Additionally, awards with monetary prizes too contribute a portion of net worth. Meanwhile, there are other reports that project his net worth to be around $1 or $2 million, mainly comprising of his residence in Dharamsala and some investments.

This wealth, however, isn’t used by him in a personal capacity and goes to charitable foundations like the Gaden Phodrang Foundation of the Dalai Lama. It is utilised for humanitarian purposes, including financial needs of the Tibetan refugees and preservation of the culture. 

Although his successor might not receive any personal fortune from the present Dalai Lama, he will inherit the influence over the community that is spread across the world.

Who Will Appoint His Successor? 

The responsibility to appoint the Dalai Lama’s successor lies with the office of His Holiness called the Dalai Lama Gaden Phodrang Trust. The trust is named after the Tibetan government system that was established by the 5th Dalai Lama in 1642. It is located in Zurich, Switzerland, and is tasked with the preservation of Tibetan culture and supporting the community that has spread across the globe. The Trust comprises various heads of the Tibetan Buddhist traditions and the reliable oath-bound Dharma Protectors, who are linked to the lineage of the Dalai Lamas.

Dalai Lama’s Awards & Honors 

The 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, has not just earned a strong reputation as the spiritual head representing the exiled Tibetan community, but with years of influence over the international community, the 89-year-old leader has amassed several awards and honors. He is the recipient of the Ramon Magsaysay Award, the Nobel Peace Prize, the US Congressional Gold Medal and the Freedom Medal.