Why the Dalai Lama Says India, Not China, Holds Buddhism’s Future

July 14, 2025: During his recent visit to Ladakh, the Dalai Lama spotlighted India’s unparalleled role as the global center of authentic Buddhist learning—a role that, he said, far exceeds China’s tightly controlled and politically influenced version of the faith.

Warmly received by Ladakhi locals, Tibetans, and Buddhist devotees, the Dalai Lama praised India for providing a free, nurturing environment for the preservation of Tibetan Buddhist traditions—many of which were nearly destroyed during China’s crackdown after 1959.

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“The precious traditions that we can learn and implement in daily life have declined in Tibet,” he said. “Those who fled to India have had the responsibility of preserving these traditions.” He expressed deep gratitude to the Indian government for its “immense support” to Tibetan refugees, which enabled the revival of monastic universities and a culture of rigorous philosophical debate.

He drew a stark contrast between India and China, stating: “In China, the political situation is not stable. It would be difficult to teach about Buddhism in a country where there is no freedom.” He criticized China’s superficial promotion of Buddhism as politically motivated and devoid of the deeper spiritual teachings essential to the tradition.

In contrast, Indian monastic centers continue to foster the robust study of complex Buddhist texts from the Nalanda tradition—like Madhyamaka (Middle Way) philosophy and Pramana (logic)—through dialectical debates and scholarly exchanges that keep the Dharma alive in its truest form.

The Dalai Lama also highlighted the shared linguistic, cultural, and religious heritage between the Himalayan region and Tibet, reinforcing the importance of India as a spiritual anchor and sanctuary for Buddhism.

With its centuries-old Buddhist heritage, democratic freedoms, and unwavering support for Tibetan exiles, India remains, in the Dalai Lama’s view, the spiritual heartland and future of global Buddhism.