Dharamshala: The 15th Tibetan Religious Conference began this morning at the Dalai Lama Library and Archive in the gracious presence of several high lamas of Tibetan Buddhism and the Bon tradition, as well as the leadership of the Central Tibetan Administration and the secretaries of the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
It was attended by a total of 115 lamas, tulkus, and monastery representatives, including: 17 Nyingma lamas, tulkus, and monastery representatives; 17 Kagyu lamas, tulkus, and monastery representatives; 11 Sakya lamas, tulkus, and monastery representatives; 37 Gelug lamas, tulkus, and monastery representatives; 7 Yungdrung Bon lamas, tulkus, and monastery representatives; 3 Jonang lamas, tulkus, and monastery representatives; 3 representatives each from Bodong (or Bodongpa), Bulug, and Shi Jepa traditions; 2 representatives from non-sectarian (Rime) monasteries; 5 lamas, tulkus, and representatives from the Himalayan regions; and 13 special attendees.
This conference, scheduled from 2 to 4 July 2025, was organised by the Department of Religion and Culture and featured the launch of the department’s Neykor application, which contains audio guides, detailed maps, and complete addresses to help visitors explore monasteries, statues, and cultural events. It was jointly launched by the presiding lamas and the participants of the conference.
The conference began with the lighting of ceremonial lamps by the 43rd Sakya Trizin Kyabgon Gyana Vajra Rinpoche and Sikyong Penpa Tsering, representing the participating lamas and monastic communities and the Central Tibetan Administration, respectively. This was followed by the utterance of auspicious words by four monks from Namgyal Monastery.
Extending his greetings and appreciation to the participants for their attendance, Sikyong Penpa Tsering, in his capacity as the incumbent Kalon (Minister) of the Department of Religion and Culture, introduced the programmes and agendas for the three-day conference.
This was followed by a video message from His Holiness the Dalai Lama, in which He read a statement affirming the continuation of the institution of the Dalai Lama.
Following a brief tea break, during which Sikyong Penpa Tsering and Kalon Trisur Samdong Rinpoche, Vice Chairman of the Gaden Phodrang, addressed the media in a press conference, the inaugural session continued. Each of the revered lamas on the dais delivered speeches.
In his keynote address, the 43rd Sakya Trizin Kyabgon Gyana Vajra Rinpoche expressed his profound joy at hearing His Holiness’ affirmation to continue the tradition of His reincarnation. He stressed that His Holiness alone holds the exclusive right to decide on his own reincarnation. Rinpoche then shared his concerns over the declining number of laypeople choosing to become novice monks and emphasised the need to foster exemplary monks and nuns to ensure the continued flourishing of Tibetan Buddhism.
To underscore the relevance of His Holiness’ four noble commitments in today’s world, the 105th Gaden Tripa, Jetsun Lobsang Dorje Pal Sangpo, highlighted the significance of each commitment and their contributions to global peace and harmony, as well as the preservation and thriving of Tibetan Buddhism. Gaden Tri Rinpoche also stated that, as a Tibetan himself, His Holiness has made tremendous contributions to preserving the Tibetan language and culture.
Kyabje Menri Trizin Rinpoche, highlighting His Holiness’ contributions to the preservation and promotion of Tibetan Buddhism and the Bon tradition, stated that despite the challenges faced since the Tibetan people went into exile, His Holiness has made extensive efforts to ensure the survival of all Tibetan Buddhist schools and the Bon tradition. He further stressed that this effort must be carried forward by younger generations to fulfil His Holiness’ commitments.
Addressing the conference via a video message, the 17th Kyabgon Gyalwang Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje offered his prayers and best wishes for the longevity and fulfilment of His Holiness’ noble aspirations.
Kyabje Minling Khenchen Rinpoche commended the CTA for organising such an important conference for the 15th time and encouraged the continuation of such initiatives. While calling on everyone to express gratitude to His Holiness through meaningful actions, the holder of the Minling Kenrab lineage disapproved of any intervention by unrelated external parties in the matter of His Holiness’ reincarnation. Echoing the concerns of the 43rd Sakya Trizin, he urged the monastic community to actively teach laypeople in order to ensure the continued growth of Tibetan Buddhism.
In his address, Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang Rinpoche stated that the current Dalai Lama has achieved more than any of his predecessors in promoting Tibetan Buddhism. He further noted that His Holiness’ integration of Buddhism and science has played a pivotal role in attracting the interest of educated Westerners. To the Tibetans, Rinpoche advised to prioritise the greater good of Tibet and Tibetans over individual or group interests.
Representing the Drukpa Kagyu lineage on behalf of Kyabgon Gyalwang Drukchen Rinpoche, Ven. Khenpo Ngedhon Tenzin emphasised His Holiness’ teachings on love and compassion, which he said benefit the global community, regardless of individual beliefs. The Khen Rinpoche credited His Holiness for establishing a robust exile community that has become a hub for Tibetan Buddhism.
Speaking on behalf of Taklung Kyabgon Ghazi Trizin Shabdrung Tenzin Gyurmey Choe-ki Wangchuk, Kyabje Taklung Ma Tulku Rinpoche rejected political manipulation and interference in the matter of His Holiness’ reincarnation, stating that the reincarnation system is a unique aspect of Tibetan Buddhism and should not be subject to external influence.
Kyabje Jonang Gyaltsab Rinpoche highlighted that His Holiness’ statement regarding his reincarnation benefits not only various Buddhist traditions in Asia but also the broader global community. Emphasising the importance of aligning Tibetan Buddhism with contemporary mindsets, he called for reforms that promote the tradition’s relevance. In his concluding remarks, Rinpoche appealed for support from all lamas, geshes, and the leadership of the CTA for the preservation and promotion of the Jonang tradition, which is currently facing challenges.
Before concluding the inaugural session, Secretary Dhondul Dorjee of the Department of Religion and Culture conveyed a vote of thanks to all the participants and facilitators for the successful convention of this conference.
Over the course of the following sessions, the gathering will discuss and deliberate on various important agendas.
