#DalaiLama #SearchProcess #SpiritualLeader #TibetanBuddhism
Have you ever wondered how they search for the next Dalai Lama? 🤔 The process of finding the next spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism is a unique and complex one that has been followed for centuries. In this article, we will break down the steps involved in the search for the next Dalai Lama, from the criteria used to select candidates to the intricate rituals that are part of the selection process.
##Criteria for Finding the Next Dalai Lama
When it comes to searching for the next Dalai Lama, there are specific criteria that are taken into consideration. Some of the key factors include:
1. Recognition of Reincarnation:
Tibetan Buddhists believe in the concept of reincarnation, which means that the next Dalai Lama is believed to be a reincarnation of the previous one. This recognition process involves identifying a child who exhibits certain qualities and traits that are said to be characteristic of the Dalai Lama.
2. Educational Background:
The candidate must have a deep understanding of Tibetan Buddhism and be well-versed in its teachings. This knowledge is considered essential for the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism.
3. Leadership Qualities:
The next Dalai Lama is expected to possess leadership qualities that will enable them to guide and inspire their followers. These qualities may include compassion, wisdom, and a strong sense of ethics.
##The Search Process
The search for the next Dalai Lama typically begins after the passing of the current Dalai Lama. A team of trusted monks and spiritual advisors known as the High Lamas is responsible for identifying potential candidates and carrying out the recognition process. This process often involves a series of rituals and tests to confirm the identity of the reincarnated soul.
1. Identifying Potential Candidates:
The High Lamas may receive visions or dreams that lead them to potential candidates who could be the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama. These candidates are then carefully screened and evaluated to determine their suitability for the role.
2. Conducting Tests and Rituals:
Once potential candidates have been identified, they undergo a series of tests and rituals to confirm their identity. These tests may include identifying objects that belonged to the previous Dalai Lama or reciting prayers and teachings that only the Dalai Lama would know.
##Conclusion
The search for the next Dalai Lama is a highly spiritual and intricate process that relies on a combination of ancient traditions and modern methods. By following specific criteria and conducting elaborate rituals, the High Lamas are able to identify the reincarnated soul that will become the next spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism. The search for the next Dalai Lama is not just about finding a person to fill a role but is also about recognizing the spiritual essence that embodies the teachings and wisdom of the Dalai Lama.
Nah, it’s not a logical process.
By tradition, it’s actually the same Dalai Lama, just reborn into a new body.
The High Lamas of the Gelugpa tradition and the Tibetan government have to look for him in his new body after he dies. It might take a while (this one took four years).
They look for signs, interpret their dreams and so on.
When they find a child of the right age, they will test them to see if they really are the Dalai Lama through tests, such as seeing if they recognise objects which belong to the Dalai Lama.
If there is more than one candidate, then they will draw lots to decide which one is the real Dalai Lama.
The Dalai Lama searches out the reincarnation of the Panchen Lama. The Panchen Lama then seeks out the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama. It’s a circle. However, there most likely will not be another Dalai Lama. After finding the next Panchen Lama in 1995, the Chinese Government Kidnapped him then appointed their own. So the Dalai Lama has said he will most likely be the end of the cycle unless they find the original Panchen Lama.
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panchen_Lama](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panchen_Lama)
There are a number of other Lamas in the Council of Lamas. They are tasked with finding the Dalai Lamas reincarnation. There is no next Dalai Lama, it is the same person just reincarnated over and over. A particular member of the council, Panchen Lama, is in charge of finding this reincarnation. There are various different techniques which have been used to find the Dalai Lama again but this is up to the Lamas and the search is done differently every time.
There is kind of a problem once the current reincarnation of Dalai Lama dies. Tibet is occupied by China who claims they have the responsibility of finding the Dalai Lama again. In 1995 Dalai Lama found the Panchen Lama but the Chinese government claimed he was wrong and pointed to another person as the Panchen Lama. The real Panchen Lama have not been seen again after this incident. Dalai Lama himself have claimed that the people might not want a Dalai Lama to lead them and that he will therefore take the form of an insect upon the next reincarnation.
Sadly, there is a good chance that China will be choosing the next Dalai Lama, and that’ll probably be the last one we ever see.
They set up a non-user friendly platform that makes the applicants upload their CV while also requiring them to type it in manually as well. If you can find the inner peace to complete the process, you are worthy.
There are two people: The Dalai Lama and the Panchen Lama. When one dies, the other searches out their reincarnation and appoints them to that position, so they’re basically appointing one another in a cycle.
I have a feeling this exact topic will be in the news a lot at some point within the next 2-3 years. The Dalai Lama is in his late 80’s and has dementia.
There’s actually an episode of King of the Hill on this subject. One of my favorites and a good message at the end
Rap battle with the fat kid camp?
I think, like most religions, some human decides that some other human is demigod and then the other person says “yeah, I am a demigod!”, and life goes on and nothing really changes
Random fact, Watford Football Club have had more managers since 2019 than there have been Dalai Lama’s since 1589
The problem is with the “they” in the question. There are 3 separate positions here: (1) the Chinese government authorities that rule Tibet under direction of Beijing, (2) the native Tibetan Buddhist authorities in Tibet (which are mostly controlled by the government), and (3) the Dalai Lama and his advisors and supporters in exile in India. So, there is the possibility of at least 2 Dalai Lamas in the future.
[Same thing happened with the Catholic Church. There were two parallel churches for much of the 20th Century–the Rome approved church and bishops, and the Chinese Government approved church and bishops. It still has not been worked out, but its better since Rome allowed Beijing to approve new Bishops.]
No surprise that China does not accept any authority in China (science, religion, politics, arts, or philosophy) of which they are not in complete control.
Others have given good answers – but if you want to see how it might look in practice, I would recommend taking a look at the documentary “Unmistaken Child”. It shows some of the path towards recognizing/finding the next incarnation of a llama, and the emotional impact of it too. Was very memorable after seeing it for a university class on buddhism.
Nah-nah, you’ve all got it wrong, it’s so much simpler. See the CCP finds a random dude on the street who agrees to be a sock puppet and they declare that he is now the spiritual leader of a group of people the CCP have been trying to actively dismantle. perfectly simple no conflict of interest issues to be seen here. /s