From Gedun Drupa to Tenzin Gyatso: The 14th Dalai Lama and his 13 predecessors

As the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, approaches his 90th birthday on July 6, 2025, he holds the distinction of being the longest-living Dalai Lama in Tibetan history. According to tradition, the process of identifying his reincarnation will be overseen by the Gaden Phodrang Trust. Historically, each of the preceding 13 Dalai Lamas was born either in the same year their predecessor passed away or the year after. These spiritual leaders were typically recognized at an early age—usually between two and three years old—as the reincarnated embodiments of their predecessors.

Below is a detailed overview of the lives and discoveries of the first 13 Dalai Lamas, as recounted through Tibetan Buddhist customs. While some enjoyed long lives filled with spiritual achievement, others passed away in their youth.

Gedun Drupa: The First Dalai Lama (1391–1474)

Gedun Drupa, originally named Pema Dorjee, entered the world in 1391 in Gyurmey Rupa, a small area near Sakya in Tibet’s Tsang region. His parents, Gonpo Dorjee and Jomo Namkha Kyi, were part of a nomadic tribe. He began his early education in Tibetan script under the tutelage of Gya-Ton Tsenda Pa-La. At 14, he was ordained as a novice monk by Khenchen Drupa Sherab, the abbot of Narthang Monastery, who gave him the religious name Gedun Drupa. He received full monastic ordination in 1411.

In 1416, deeply inspired by the revered Tsongkhapa—the founder of the Gelugpa school—Gedun Drupa became his devoted disciple. Tsongkhapa acknowledged his dedication by symbolically gifting him a new monk’s robe, foreshadowing Gedun Drupa’s future role in spreading Buddhism across Tibet. Gedun Drupa went on to establish the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery in Shigatse in 1447, which would become a major center of learning for the Gelugpa sect.

A scholar of remarkable intellect and discipline, Gedun Drupa authored over eight extensive texts that delved into the teachings and philosophy of the Buddha. He died peacefully in 1474 at the age of 84, while meditating at Tashi Lhunpo.

Gedun Gyatso: The Second Dalai Lama (1475–1542)

Born in 1475 in Tanag Sekme near Shigatse, Gedun Gyatso was the child of Kunga Gyaltso and Machik Kunga Pemo, a farming family. His father, a practitioner from the Nyingmapa tradition, reportedly had dreams and visions pointing to his son’s spiritual destiny. As a toddler, the boy claimed his name was Pema Dorjee and expressed a desire to reside in Tashi Lhunpo Monastery—the same name and wish as the First Dalai Lama.

Recognized as Gedun Drupa’s reincarnation at age 11, he was enthroned at Tashi Lhunpo and given his monastic name by Panchen Lungrig Gyatso. He undertook advanced studies at both Tashi Lhunpo and Drepung Monasteries. In 1517, he assumed the abbacy of Drepung and in 1525, that of Sera Monastery. He also revived the Monlam Chenmo, or Great Prayer Festival. Gedun Gyatso passed away in 1542 at the age of 67.

Sonam Gyatso: The Third Dalai Lama (1543–1588)

Sonam Gyatso was born in 1543 in Tolung, near Lhasa, into a prosperous family. After the tragic loss of earlier children, his parents tried to protect him by feeding him goat’s milk, and gave him the name Ranu Sicho Pelzang—"prosperous one saved by goat’s milk."

Recognized at three years old as the reincarnation of the Second Dalai Lama, he was taken to Drepung Monastery, where he renounced worldly life and received his new name. He later accepted full ordination and became the abbot of both Drepung and Sera Monasteries. In 1574, he founded Phende Lekshe Ling, now known as Namgyal Monastery—the personal monastery of the Dalai Lamas.

He was the first to receive the title "Dalai Lama" (meaning Ocean of Wisdom) from the Mongol King Altan Khan, whom he, in turn, named “Brahma, King of Religion.” Sonam Gyatso expanded Tibetan Buddhism into Mongolia and established Kumbum and Lithang Monasteries. He passed away while teaching in Mongolia in 1588.

Yonten Gyatso: The Fourth Dalai Lama (1589–1617)

Yonten Gyatso was born in Mongolia in 1589, the grandson of Altan Khan. His birth was accompanied by prophetic signs and approval from the Gaden Monastery’s abbot. However, his family initially refused to send him to Tibet. He studied under Tibetan monks in Mongolia before finally arriving in Tibet at age 12 in 1601.

At 26, he received full ordination from the Fourth Panchen Lama and became abbot of Drepung and later Sera Monastery. His life was short, and he died in 1617 at the age of 27.

Lobsang Gyatso: The Fifth Dalai Lama (1617–1682)

Lobsang Gyatso was born in Lhoka in 1617. As a child, he recognized belongings of the previous Dalai Lama and was secretly acknowledged by Sonam Choephel due to political instability. Eventually, he was ordained and named Ngawang Lobsang Gyatso.

In 1642, backed by Gushir Khan of the Qoshot Mongols, he was installed as both Tibet’s religious and temporal leader. He initiated the construction of the iconic Potala Palace in 1645. He visited the Chinese Emperor Sunzhi in Peking in 1649, where they exchanged formal honors. The Fifth Dalai Lama’s tenure brought political unity and spiritual reform. He died in 1682 before the Potala Palace was completed and advised that his death be kept secret until construction was finished.

Tsangyang Gyatso: The Sixth Dalai Lama (1683–1706)

Born in 1683 in Tawang (now Arunachal Pradesh), Tsangyang Gyatso was secretly identified due to the Fifth Dalai Lama’s undisclosed death. The Desi Sangye Gyatso managed this deception for 15 years while construction of the Potala Palace continued.

Tsangyang Gyatso took novice vows in 1697 but renounced monastic life soon after. Known for his poetic brilliance and unorthodox lifestyle, he lived freely, composing lyrical verses and frequenting taverns. In 1706, he was summoned to China but died en route under mysterious circumstances.

Kelsang Gyatso: The Seventh Dalai Lama (1708–1757)

Kelsang Gyatso was born in Lithang in 1708. The child displayed spiritual traits from a young age and was ordained at Kumbum Monastery. He was enthroned in Lhasa in 1720 and fully ordained in 1726.

An accomplished scholar in both sutra and tantra, he reorganized the Tibetan administration by forming the Kashag (council of ministers) in 1751, eliminating the role of Desi. He built the Norling Kalsang Phodrang and founded the Tse-School. He passed away in 1757.

Jamphel Gyatso: The Eighth Dalai Lama (1758–1804)

Born in 1758 in Lhari Gang, Jamphel Gyatso was recognized for various auspicious signs. He was enthroned in Lhasa at the Potala Palace and received novice ordination at age seven, followed by full ordination in 1777.

He contributed to Tibetan architecture by constructing the Norbulingka summer palace. He passed away in 1804 at the age of 47.

Lungtok Gyatso: The Ninth Dalai Lama (1805–1815)

Lungtok Gyatso was born in 1805 in Kham and was enthroned in Lhasa in 1810. Despite his early promise, he tragically died in 1815 at only nine years of age.

Tsultrim Gyatso: The Tenth Dalai Lama (1816–1837)

Born in Lithang in 1816, Tsultrim Gyatso was recognized and enthroned in 1822. He was educated at Drepung Monastery and fully ordained in 1835. He restored the Potala Palace but suffered from chronic illness and died in 1837.

Khedrup Gyatso: The Eleventh Dalai Lama (1838–1856)

Khedrup Gyatso was born in 1838 in Minyak. Recognized and ordained by the Panchen Lama, he assumed leadership as a teenager. Unfortunately, he died unexpectedly in 1856 in the Potala Palace.

Trinley Gyatso: The Twelfth Dalai Lama (1856–1875)

Born near Lhasa in 1856, Trinley Gyatso was recognized and brought to the Potala Palace in 1858. He assumed full duties by 1873 but died just two years later, at the age of 20.

Thupten Gyatso: The Thirteenth Dalai Lama (1876–1933)

Thupten Gyatso was born in 1876 in Dagpo. He was recognized in 1877 and fully ordained in 1895. A forward-thinking leader, he strengthened Tibet’s sovereignty amidst threats from British and Chinese forces. He introduced paper currency, postal services, schools, and medical institutes. During his exile in India, he was exposed to modern ideas and later restructured Tibet’s military and civil institutions. He died in 1933 before fulfilling his dream of fully modernizing Tibet.

From humble nomads to royal bloodlines, each Dalai Lama carried the torch of compassion, knowledge, and leadership. Their lives remain testaments to a legacy that intertwines spiritual wisdom with temporal governance—a tradition poised to continue with the next reincarnation.