The 13th Minling Trichen Gyurme Kunsang Jigme was formally enthroned at Mindroling Monastery in Dranang County, the Xizang Autonomous Region, on October 16, 2026. The ceremony was attended by all the monks of the Mindroling Monastery, eminent Buddhist masters from several other monasteries, representatives of the monastic and lay Buddhist communities.

The Mindroling Monastery,located in Dranang County, Lohka, the Xizang Autonomous Region, is one of the six principal monasteries of the Nyingma school and the ancestral seat of the Sounthern Treasure (Sounthern Terma) tradition. It has also been the residence of successive Minling Trichen. Passing down from father to son, the lineage stretches back twelve generations, around 350 years. The new Minling Trichen, Gyurme Kunzang Jigme, is the only son of the late 12th Minling Trichen Kunzang Wangyal. His succession follows the lineage’s longstanding tradition and religious ritual, and has been unanimously recognized by the monastery’s monks and lay Buddhist communities.

The ceremony was solemn and in order. Monks and lay people in attendances dressed ceremonial attire and held white khatas. A representative of the Xizang Autonomous Region government read out the official document approving the succession. A representative of Xizang Branch of the Buddhist Association of China then presented Gyurme Kunzang Jigme with a certificate recognizing him as the 13th Minling Trichen.

The successful ceremony demonstrates that China’s policy on freedom of religion is fully implemented in the Xizang Autonomous Region and underscores the Chinese government’s authority over the reincarnation of Living Buddhas and hereditary succession within Tibetan Buddhism.

Editor: Lucy Jiang