Benjamin Allen

Author

[Dalai Lama @DalaiLama]

Statement Affirming the Continuation of the Institution of Dalai Lama

(Translated from the original Tibetan)

On 24 September 2011, at a meeting of the heads of Tibetan spiritual traditions, I made a statement to fellow Tibetans in and outside Tibet, followers of Tibetan Buddhism, and those who have a connection with Tibet and Tibetans, regarding whether the institution of the Dalai Lama should continue. I stated, “As far back as 1969, I made clear that concerned people should decide whether the Dalai Lama’s reincarnations should continue in the future.”

I also said, “When I am about ninety I will consult the high Lamas of the Tibetan Buddhist traditions, the Tibetan public, and other concerned people who follow Tibetan Buddhism, to re-evaluate whether or not the institution of the Dalai Lama should continue.”

Although I have had no public discussions on this issue, over the last 14 years leaders of Tibet’s spiritual traditions, members of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile, participants in a Special General Body Meeting, members of the Central Tibetan Administration, NGOs, Buddhists from the Himalayan region, Mongolia, Buddhist republics of the Russian Federation and Buddhists in Asia including mainland China, have written to me with reasons, earnestly requesting that the institution of the Dalai Lama continue. In particular, I have received messages through various channels from Tibetans in Tibet making the same appeal. In accordance with all these requests, I am affirming that the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue.

The process by which a future Dalai Lama is to be recognized has been clearly established in the 24 September 2011 statement which states that responsibility for doing so will rest exclusively with members of the Gaden Phodrang Trust, the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. They should consult the various heads of the Tibetan Buddhist traditions and the reliable oath-bound Dharma Protectors who are linked inseparably to the lineage of the Dalai Lamas. They should accordingly carry out the procedures of search and recognition in accordance with past tradition.

I hereby reiterate that the Gaden Phodrang Trust has sole authority to recognize the future reincarnation; no one else has any such authority to interfere in this matter.

Dalai Lama

Dharamshala
21 May 2025

[Benjamin Allen @benlen]

Goodbye @GeorgeForeman.

May a flock of angels cheer in disbelief when your gloves will cross again with Ali and Frazier.

Thanks for everything champ.

[Mike Tyson @MikeTyson]

Condolences to George Foreman’s family. His contribution to boxing and beyond will never be forgotten.

[Benjamin Allen @benlen]

You know the film industry is at its peak when the crackling fire is in the Top 10 TV programs. #Netflix

[Benjamin Allen @benlen]

When you’re asked to write a ghost story and this is the only title you can come up with…

[Benjamin Allen @benlen]

The good old Washington's dream on liberty.
And good night.

https://t.co/hKIg07x0jS

[Benjamin Allen @benlen]

An old gentleman walking you through the noble art of boxing. Thanks for this @FrankGilfeather

https://t.co/LfRiZxdKj4

[Benjamin Allen @benlen]

The essence of dancing.
Wonderfully portrayed by @BodytalksCIC

https://t.co/JiZNH2QEjB

[Benjamin Allen @benlen]

@liamgallagher hey man, you know we all went crazy when you guys got back together. And we love your music, and we love you.

But those £360 tickets today were really a low blow. You’ll be missing out on tons of real fans.
You’ll smash it tho. As always. Welcome back @oasis.

[Benjamin Allen @benlen]

"A Few Words About Breasts"

https://t.co/G5ISPP4sOL

[Benjamin Allen @benlen]

https://t.co/Mk8ElXfLst

[Benjamin Allen @benlen]

Recycling big time this weekend.

[Benjamin Allen @benlen]

Wonderfully humorous piece from @Forbes to cheer you up after a shit day at work.

“[If you think you’re being ghosted] Before jumping to conclusions, consider if the person might be on vacation”

https://t.co/PYoEGHruSq

[Benjamin Allen @benlen]

Just read this old article by @JRMoehringer. And maybe I've got too much time to kill these days. But that's the first time I manage to finish a @NewYorker piece without giving up halfway through.

Sutton up next on my pile. Your writing is hypnotic, mate.
https://t.co/kRxFdYyirp

[Benjamin Allen @benlen]

Airport Cinderella

"My sister successfully managed to domesticate her husband to clean, hoover and cook pies, cakes and any recipe she can find around.

Even the shittiest moment in life can be reframed to get some joy out of it."

https://t.co/dqzM4PHkOu

[Benjamin Allen @benlen]

Read @FionaRazvi’s comment on @thebookseller. There’s so much heart and love there.

Didn’t read any counter argument about the whole Gifford funding yet. Indirectly this was as close as it got. We’d definitely need more of it.

https://t.co/xTs4Y6VpXE

[Benjamin Allen @benlen]

A refreshing article by @simon_price01 that takes no shit and gives none.

“But if you’re going to […] weaponise your famous name to elbow your way to the front of the pack, at least have the decency to be good.”

Haven’t read the word “decency” in a long time. Nice one, pal.

[Guardian Opinion @guardianopinion]

Pop is awash with nepo babies – Lennon and McCartney are just the latest. But why aren’t they better at it? | Simon Price https://t.co/E9ABHrnKdI

[Benjamin Allen @benlen]

@CraigyFerg I know this is daft, but this year 1,019 minutes listening to Joy and counting. Loving it.

#SpotifyWrapped https://t.co/ykqlOydQxI

[Benjamin Allen @benlen]

My fave Chuck's interview to date.

[Chuck Palahniuk @chuckpalahniuk]

For better or worse, the episode of Soft White Underbelly with me has launched. Watch at your own peril. https://t.co/t1Mc3IQ93c

[Benjamin Allen @benlen]

Just finished reading this. Fell in love with Sylvia. And somehow the last chapters broke my heart.

If you’re fond of @Shakespeare_Co get yourself a copy. I mean, right now.

[Benjamin Allen @benlen]

Serious midnight reading:

“How Do You Spell the Abbreviation of Casual?”

Caj.

https://t.co/MrU7skU6lI