From Gedun Drupa to Tenzin Gyatso: A look at all the 14 Dalai Lamas so far

Time of India

2 days ago

As the 14th Dalai Lama marked his 90th birthday, the world reflects on the lineage of his predecessors. From Gedun Drupa, a scholar, to Thupten Gyatso, a moderniser, each Dalai Lama shaped Tibet's spiritual and political landscape. Their lives, marked by scholarship, leadership, and sometimes tragedy, form a sacred tradition.
As the 14th
Dalai Lama
, Tenzin Gyatso, turned 90 on July 6, 2025, he became the longest-living Dalai Lama in Tibetan history. His extraordinary life has drawn attention and popularity not only for his teachings on compassion and peace but also for the ancient tradition he represents.
Rooted in the Gelug school of
Tibetan Buddhism
, the Dalai Lama is believed to be the reincarnation of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion. Each Dalai Lama is identified as the spiritual successor of his predecessor, through a process of visions, prophecies, and ritual examinations of young children across Tibet and beyond.
From nomadic beginnings, royal ties, monastic scholarship, to global advocacy, the 14 Dalai Lamas have helped shape Tibet's spiritual and political history over six centuries.
Some served long, influential lives, while others passed away tragically young.
Together, their stories have a sacred tradition that continues to guide Tibetan Buddhism today. And on this occasion of the 90th birthday of the current Dalai Lama, the world now waits to see how the 15th Dalai Lama will be chosen. It's the perfect time to look back at the lives of the 13 spiritual predecessors who paved the way for Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama.
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Gedun Drupa
Born in 1391 into a nomadic family in Tsang, Gedun Drupa was a bright monk who studied under Tsongkhapa, founder of the Gelugpa school. He established Tashi Lhunpo Monastery in 1447, which became a major centre for learning. He passed away peacefully in 1474 at 84, leaving behind a legacy of deep scholarship and devotion.
Gedun Gyatso
Born in 1475 near Shigatse, Gedun Gyatso showed signs of being the First Dalai Lama's reincarnation by age two, as he remembered his past life.
Being recognised at 11, he revived the Great Prayer Festival and led both Drepung and Sera Monasteries. His dedication helped expand Gelugpa teachings. He died in 1542 at age 67, after a life of steady religious leadership.
Sonam Gyatso
Born in 1543 in Tolung, Sonam Gyatso was recognised at age three. He became abbot of major monasteries and founded the Dalai Lama's monastery, Namgyal. In 1578, Mongol ruler Altan Khan gave him the title 'Dalai Lama,' meaning 'Ocean of Wisdom.'
He died in Mongolia in 1588, spreading Buddhism far beyond Tibet.
Yonten Gyatso
Born in 1589 in Mongolia, Yonten Gyatso was the grandson of Altan Khan. Though his journey to Tibet was delayed, he eventually studied in Lhasa and became abbot of major monasteries. His reign was short-lived, as he died in 1617 at just 27> He was the youngest Dalai Lama to serve during adulthood.
Lobsang Gyatso
Born in 1617, Lobsang Gyatso, the Fifth Dalai Lama, unified Tibet spiritually and politically with Mongol support.
He began building the iconic Potala Palace and met the Qing Emperor in 1649. He was a skilled reformer and diplomat; his 1682 death was kept secret for 15 years to ensure national stability and finish the Potala's construction.
Tsangyang Gyatso
Born in 1683 in present-day Arunachal Pradesh, Tsangyang Gyatso preferred poetry and taverns over monastic life. He renounced his vows early but won the public's heart with his romantic verses.
Although he was disliked by the ruling elite, he was taken to China in 1706, but died mysteriously on the way. His short life remains legendary.
Kelsang Gyatso
Kelsang Gyatso, born in 1708 in Lithang, was a wise and peaceful leader who brought calm to Tibet after years of unrest. Fully appointed in 1726, he preferred a spiritual life but still played a key role in governance by forming the Kashag in 1751. He died in 1757, remembered for his steady leadership and quiet strength.
Jamphel Gyatso
Born in 1758 in Lhari Gang, Jamphel Gyatso was enthroned at the Potala Palace and ordained young. He contributed to Tibetan architecture by building Norbulingka, the summer residence of the Dalai Lamas. A calm and studious leader, he died in 1804 at 47 and is remembered for strengthening spiritual practice in everyday life.
Lungtok Gyatso
Lungtok Gyatso was born in 1805 in Kham and was quickly identified as the reincarnation of the 8th Dalai Lama.
Enthroned in 1810, he showed spiritual promise but tragically died in 1815 at just nine years old. Though his time was brief, many believed he had a special presence and deep wisdom beyond his years. His early death was a heartbreaking moment for Tibet, leaving a spiritual void and delaying the continuity of leadership.
Tsultrim Gyatso
Tsultrim Gyatso was born in 1816 and became the Tenth Dalai Lama at age six. He was fully ordained in 1835.
Despite his young age, he took his role seriously and worked to restore the Potala Palace, preserving an important part of Tibet's cultural and spiritual heritage.
He passed away in 1837 at only 21 years old. Though his years were few, his commitment to preserving tradition and upholding the responsibilities of his role left a quiet but meaningful legacy in Tibetan history.
Khedrup Gyatso
Khedrup Gyatso was born in 1838 and recognised shortly after.
Ordained young, he assumed leadership in uncertain times. While his role was largely symbolic, he carried the spiritual lineage forward. He passed away in 1856 at the age of 18, one of several Dalai Lamas to die tragically young.
Trinley Gyatso
Born in 1856, Trinley Gyatso was brought to Lhasa in 1858, and began official duties in 1873. Though he worked to strengthen the Tibetan government, he died suddenly in 1875 at just 20. His short life included a century of political instability and challenges to the Dalai Lama's temporal role.
Thupten Gyatso
Thupten Gyatso, born in 1876, was a powerful force for change. He attained the title in 1895. He resisted foreign interference and modernised Tibet's military, schools, and health system. Exiled in India, he embraced modern ideas while also preserving Tibet's spiritual heart. He died in 1933 and is considered a visionary who paved the way for his successor.