The figure known as Tenzin Gyatso became Tibet’s leader through the traditional Tibetan Buddhist system of recognizing reincarnate lamas, combined with the historical role of the Dalai Lama as both spiritual and temporal head of the Tibetan state. After the passing of the 13th Dalai Lama, high lamas, regents, and officials turned to established religious procedures: they observed omens and visions, consulted the Nechung Oracle, and dispatched search parties to regions indicated by these signs. A child born in northeastern Tibet, originally named Lhamo Thondup, came to their attention. In accordance with long-standing custom, he was presented with various objects, some of which had belonged to the 13th Dalai Lama, and his correct recognition of these items was taken as a decisive indication of spiritual continuity. Through this process he was identified as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama and thus as the 14th in the line.

Following this recognition, he was formally enthroned in Lhasa as the 14th Dalai Lama, becoming Tibet’s highest spiritual authority within the prevailing religious and political order. From that point, a regent governed in his name while he underwent rigorous monastic and political education, reflecting the understanding that spiritual realization and worldly responsibility were to be cultivated side by side. Traditionally, full temporal authority would be assumed at a later age, yet the entry of Chinese forces into Tibetan territory led the Tibetan government and people to request that he take on political leadership earlier than usual. At about fifteen years of age, he was therefore invested with complete temporal authority as head of state, bearing both the responsibilities of spiritual guide and political leader. In this way, through recognition as a reincarnate lama and the assumption of the dual role at the heart of Tibet’s theocratic system, he came to embody the union of contemplative insight and worldly governance that characterized the institution of the Dalai Lama.