The Gaden Phodrang was originally founded in 1518 by the 2nd Dalai Lama as the administrative office for his estate. In 1642, the 5th Dalai Lama assumed both spiritual and temporal leadership of Tibet and the Tibetan government thereafter came to be known as the Gaden Phodrang Government. Since then, the Dalai Lamas have guided the destiny of the Tibetan people for generations.
Throughout history, the Gaden Phodrang have played the central and enduring role in the identification, education, and well-being of all successive Dalai Lamas, in strict accordance with time-honoured Tibetan Buddhist traditions. They have consulted high Lamas of the Tibetan Buddhist traditions and the reliable oath-bound Dharma Protectors who are linked inseparably to the lineage of the Dalai Lamas.
Following His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s voluntary devolution of political authority to a democratically elected Tibetan leadership in 2011, the Gaden Phodrang - the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama - was registered as a private trust under the Indian Registration Act of 1908. This registration was carried out with the Sub-Registrar in Dharamsala to formally establish it as a legal entity in India.
The Trust is dedicated to preserving and upholding the institution of the Dalai Lama and his spiritual work, while advancing his humanitarian vision. It also supports His Holiness’s four core commitments: promoting human values, fostering interfaith harmony, preserving Tibetan culture and identity, protecting the environment, and encouraging a deeper appreciation of ancient Indian wisdom.
On 21 May 2025, His Holiness reaffirmed that the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue and reiterated that the primary responsibility for the recognition of the 15th Dalai Lama shall rest with the members of the Gaden Phodrang Trust. The Trust will be responsible for overseeing the identification, education, and well-being of future Dalai Lamas in accordance with Tibetan Buddhist traditions.
Beyond its spiritual responsibilities, the Trust also supports Tibetan communities and actively engages in educational, humanitarian, and environmental initiatives that embody His Holiness’s vision of universal responsibility.
Governed by a Board of Trustees and chaired by its esteemed founder, the Trust remains steadfast in its dedication to advancing His Holiness’s lifelong mission—promoting the oneness of humanity.
