Venerable Dalai Lama, aged close to 90, shares insights on his cycle of rebirth
Preparing for the next stage, the Dalai Lama, clocking nearly 90, gears up for his reincarnation. A symbol of resilience and hope, this humble figure with rectangular glasses is addressed as a "Living Buddha" by followers, "His Holiness" by close ones, and the world knows him as the Dalai Lama. Exiled in India for over six decades, this spiritual leader has kept alive the vibrant spirit of Tibet, subdued by Chinese annexation. The impending departure of this legendary figure is a platform for China to silencing all dissenting voices forever.
The Tibetan Buddhist teachings suggest that the reincarnation quest shouldn't start until the Dalai Lama breathes his last. Notable indicators like the direction in which smoke ascends from his cremation, his gaze during his final moments, or the reflections in oracle lakes, are some of the signs that are believed to illuminate the path to his next reincarnated form, thought to have originated far away.
By the rules of Tibetan Buddhism, a team of senior monks and influential lamas hailing from important Gelug monasteries, such as Drepung, Sera, and Ganden, would be responsible for the arduous task of seeking out the reincarnated soul. This reincarnation, often referred to as the "yangsi," would be a manifestation of the former Dalai Lama, guided by spiritual omens and ancient Tibetan Buddhist rituals.
In rare instances, the late Dalai Lama may leave behind a legacy letter or superscripts to aid in the search for his reincarnation. Candidate children, born close to the time of the Dalai Lama's passing, would be assessed based on their capacity to recognize familiar belongings of the former Dalai Lama or exhibit a profound spiritual wisdom beyond their years. These tests serve as proof of their divine connection to the Dalai Lama's reincarnation.
The identities of the potential reincarnations are verified by seasoned lamas and living Buddhas from prominent monasteries. In circumstances where multiple candidates surface, lotteries involving a golden urn or public drawings might be conducted to resolve the incongruity. However, this method is seldom used for Dalai Lamas.
Traditionally, the Panchen Lama holds a pivotal role in recognizing the Dalai Lama's reincarnation, and vice versa, creating a reciprocal verification process within the core of Tibetan Buddhism. Critically, the Dalai Lama himself retains the power to decide whether to reincarnate or manifest as a manifestation, along with the location of his reincarnation. Recent statements by the current 14th Dalai Lama indicate he will not reincarnate in China but might choose a world free from political control.
Once the child reincarnation is found, they undergo extensive training in Buddhist philosophy, rituals, and leadership skills to ensure they are prepared for the responsibilities that await in their new role as both spiritual and temporal leader of Tibet.
In essence, the search for the Dalai Lama’s reincarnation is a sacred process grounded in spiritual signs, traditions, and the integrity of Tibetan Buddhism, with the Dalai Lama’s unique perspectives guiding the process of his succession.
In accordance with Tibetan Buddhist teachings, the Dalai Lama's reincarnation will only be sought after his passing, with signs such as the direction of smoke from his cremation or reflections in oracle lakes being used to identify his next form. As per the tradition, a team of senior monks and influential lamas from important Gelug monasteries, like Drepung, Sera, and Ganden, will be responsible for finding the reincarnated soul, also known as the "yangsi."
