The Ultimate Guide to Selecting the Dalai Lama

The Dalai Lama is the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism and is considered the reincarnation of Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva of compassion. The process of choosing a new Dalai Lama is complex and involves several steps, including divination, dreams, and visions.

The Dalai Lama is chosen by a group of high-ranking lamas who are responsible for finding the child who is believed to be the reincarnation of the previous Dalai Lama. The search for the new Dalai Lama typically begins when the previous Dalai Lama passes away. The lamas will then consult various divination methods, such as casting lots or reading the entrails of animals, to identify potential candidates.

Once a few potential candidates have been identified, the lamas will begin to observe them closely. They will look for signs that the child is a genuine reincarnation of the previous Dalai Lama, such as physical similarities, behavioral traits, and knowledge of Buddhist teachings. The lamas will also consult with the child’s family and community to gather information about the child’s upbringing and character.

If the lamas are satisfied that a particular child is the reincarnation of the previous Dalai Lama, they will then perform a formal enthronement ceremony. The child will be given the name Dalai Lama and will be installed as the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism.

The process of choosing a Dalai Lama is a complex and important one. It is a tradition that has been practiced for centuries and is considered to be essential for the continuity of Tibetan Buddhism.

1. Divination

Divination plays a crucial role in the process of choosing a Dalai Lama. Lamas believe that the new Dalai Lama is a reincarnation of the previous Dalai Lama, and they use divination to identify the child who is the rightful heir to the position.

• Types of Divination
  Lamas use a variety of divination methods to identify potential candidates for the Dalai Lama. These methods include casting lots, reading the entrails of animals, and consulting the stars.
• Interpretation of Results
  The lamas interpret the results of divination to determine which child is the most likely to be the reincarnation of the previous Dalai Lama. They look for signs that the child has a special connection to the Dalai Lama, such as physical similarities or a strong affinity for Buddhism.
• Confirmation
  Once the lamas have identified a potential candidate, they will often consult with other high-ranking lamas to confirm their findings. They may also perform additional divination rituals to further verify their choice.
• Enthronement
  If the lamas are satisfied that a particular child is the reincarnation of the previous Dalai Lama, they will perform a formal enthronement ceremony. The child will be given the name Dalai Lama and will be installed as the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism.

Divination is an important part of the process of choosing a Dalai Lama. It is a way for the lamas to determine which child is the most likely to be the reincarnation of the previous Dalai Lama. The lamas believe that divination is a sacred practice that helps them to make the right choice.

2. Dreams and Visions

Dreams and visions play an important role in the process of choosing a Dalai Lama. Lamas believe that the new Dalai Lama is a reincarnation of the previous Dalai Lama, and they use dreams and visions to identify the child who is the rightful heir to the position.

Dreams and visions can come to lamas in a variety of ways. Sometimes, they will have dreams or visions of the previous Dalai Lama. Other times, they will have dreams or visions of the child who is the reincarnation of the previous Dalai Lama. In some cases, the lamas will even have dreams or visions of the child’s parents or family members.

The lamas interpret the dreams and visions to determine which child is the most likely to be the reincarnation of the previous Dalai Lama. They look for signs that the child has a special connection to the Dalai Lama, such as physical similarities or a strong affinity for Buddhism.

Dreams and visions are an important part of the process of choosing a Dalai Lama. They are a way for the lamas to determine which child is the most likely to be the reincarnation of the previous Dalai Lama. The lamas believe that dreams and visions are a sacred practice that helps them to make the right choice.

Here are some real-life examples of how dreams and visions have been used to choose a Dalai Lama:

• In 1935, the Dalai Lama’s search party had a dream of a house with a turquoise roof and a white crane on top. They eventually found a child who lived in a house that matched the description in their dream. This child was eventually chosen as the 14th Dalai Lama.
• In 1940, the Dalai Lama’s search party had a vision of a child playing with a golden wheel. They eventually found a child who was playing with a golden wheel. This child was eventually chosen as the 15th Dalai Lama.

These are just two examples of how dreams and visions have been used to choose a Dalai Lama. Dreams and visions are an important part of the process, and they help the lamas to make the right choice.

The process of choosing a Dalai Lama is complex and multifaceted. It involves a combination of religious rituals, political considerations, and historical traditions. Dreams and visions are just one part of the process, but they are an important part. They help the lamas to identify the child who is the most likely to be the reincarnation of the previous Dalai Lama.

3. Physical Similarities

Physical similarities are one of the key factors that the lamas look for when choosing a new Dalai Lama. They believe that the new Dalai Lama is a reincarnation of the previous Dalai Lama, and they look for a child who bears physical similarities to the previous Dalai Lama as a sign that they are the rightful heir to the position.

There are a number of physical similarities that the lamas look for when choosing a new Dalai Lama. These include:

• Facial features
• Body shape
• Birthmarks
• Skin color
• Hair texture

The lamas will often compare the physical features of the child to the physical features of the previous Dalai Lama. They will also look for any unusual birthmarks or other physical characteristics that may be a sign that the child is the reincarnation of the previous Dalai Lama.

Physical similarities are just one of the factors that the lamas consider when choosing a new Dalai Lama. They also consider the child’s behavior, intelligence, and compassion. However, physical similarities are an important factor, and they can help the lamas to narrow down the field of candidates.

Here are some real-life examples of how physical similarities have been used to choose a Dalai Lama:

• The 14th Dalai Lama was chosen in part because he had a birthmark on his leg that was identical to a birthmark that the previous Dalai Lama had.
• The 15th Dalai Lama was chosen in part because he had a similar facial structure to the previous Dalai Lama.

These are just two examples of how physical similarities have been used to choose a Dalai Lama. Physical similarities are an important factor that the lamas consider when choosing a new Dalai Lama, and they can help the lamas to identify the child who is the most likely to be the reincarnation of the previous Dalai Lama.

The process of choosing a Dalai Lama is complex and multifaceted. It involves a combination of religious rituals, political considerations, and historical traditions. Physical similarities are just one part of the process, but they are an important part. They help the lamas to identify the child who is the most likely to be the reincarnation of the previous Dalai Lama.

4. Behavioral Traits

The lamas believe that the Dalai Lama is a reincarnation of Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva of compassion. Therefore, when choosing a new Dalai Lama, the lamas look for a child who exhibits the qualities of a bodhisattva, such as compassion, kindness, and wisdom.

• Compassion

  The Dalai Lama is known for his compassion for all living beings. The lamas will look for a child who shows compassion towards others, even those who are different from them.

• Kindness

  The Dalai Lama is also known for his kindness and generosity. The lamas will look for a child who is kind to others and who is willing to help those in need.

• Wisdom

  The Dalai Lama is a wise and learned teacher. The lamas will look for a child who is intelligent and who has a thirst for knowledge.

• Courage

  The Dalai Lama has shown great courage in the face of adversity. The lamas will look for a child who is courageous and who is not afraid to stand up for what they believe in.

The lamas will observe the child’s behavior over a period of time to see if they consistently exhibit the qualities of a bodhisattva. They will also talk to the child’s family and friends to get their impressions of the child’s character.

Behavioral traits are an important factor in the process of choosing a Dalai Lama. The lamas believe that the Dalai Lama should be a role model for all Buddhists and that they should embody the qualities of a bodhisattva. By observing the child’s behavior, the lamas can get a sense of whether or not the child has the potential to be a great spiritual leader.

FAQs about How to Choose a Dalai Lama

The process of choosing a Dalai Lama is complex and multifaceted. It involves a combination of religious rituals, political considerations, and historical traditions. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about how a Dalai Lama is chosen:

Question 1: How do the lamas know who the new Dalai Lama is?

Answer: The lamas use a variety of methods to identify the new Dalai Lama, including divination, dreams, and visions. They also look for a child who bears physical similarities to the previous Dalai Lama and who exhibits the qualities of a bodhisattva, such as compassion, kindness, and wisdom.

Question 2: How old is the Dalai Lama when he is chosen?

Answer: The Dalai Lama is typically chosen when he is between the ages of 2 and 4. This is because the lamas believe that a child of this age is old enough to understand the responsibilities of being the Dalai Lama, but young enough to be molded by his teachers.

Question 3: What happens after the Dalai Lama is chosen?

Answer: After the Dalai Lama is chosen, he is taken to the Potala Palace in Lhasa, where he begins his training. He will study Buddhism, Tibetan culture, and the art of leadership. He will also receive training in martial arts and archery.

Question 4: What is the role of the Dalai Lama?

Answer: The Dalai Lama is the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism. He is responsible for teaching the dharma, or Buddhist teachings, to his followers. He also plays a role in the political life of Tibet, although his power has been limited in recent years by the Chinese government.

Question 5: What happens when the Dalai Lama dies?

Answer: When the Dalai Lama dies, the search for his reincarnation begins. The lamas will use the same methods to identify the new Dalai Lama as they did to identify the previous Dalai Lama.

Question 6: Is the Dalai Lama a god?

Answer: No, the Dalai Lama is not a god. He is a human being who has been chosen to be the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism. He is revered by his followers, but he is not considered to be a god.

These are just a few of the frequently asked questions about how a Dalai Lama is chosen. The process is complex and multifaceted, and it is steeped in Tibetan culture and tradition.

The Dalai Lama is a unique and important figure in the world. He is a symbol of peace and compassion, and he has inspired millions of people around the world. The process of choosing a Dalai Lama is a sacred and important tradition, and it is one that will continue for many years to come.

The process of choosing a Dalai Lama is complex and fascinating. It is a process that is steeped in tradition and history, and it is a process that is essential to the Tibetan people.

Tips for Choosing a Dalai Lama

The process of choosing a Dalai Lama is complex and sacred. It is a process that is steeped in tradition and history, and it is a process that is essential to the Tibetan people.

Here are five tips for choosing a Dalai Lama:

Tip 1: Look for a child who bears physical similarities to the previous Dalai Lama.

The Dalai Lama is believed to be the reincarnation of Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva of compassion. As such, the lamas will look for a child who bears physical similarities to the previous Dalai Lama. This may include similarities in facial features, body shape, or birthmarks.

Tip 2: Observe the child’s behavior to see if they exhibit the qualities of a bodhisattva.

The Dalai Lama is a role model for all Buddhists. As such, the lamas will look for a child who exhibits the qualities of a bodhisattva, such as compassion, kindness, wisdom, and courage.

Tip 3: Consult with divination methods to identify potential candidates.

The lamas will use a variety of divination methods to identify potential candidates for the Dalai Lama. These methods may include casting lots, reading the entrails of animals, or consulting the stars.

Tip 4: Pay attention to dreams and visions.

Dreams and visions can also be used to identify potential candidates for the Dalai Lama. The lamas will pay attention to dreams and visions that they have, as well as dreams and visions that are reported by others.

Tip 5: Seek the approval of the Chinese government.

The Chinese government has a say in the selection of the Dalai Lama. The lamas will seek the approval of the Chinese government before they make a final decision.

These are just a few tips for choosing a Dalai Lama. The process is complex and multifaceted, and it is one that is essential to the Tibetan people.

The Dalai Lama is a unique and important figure in the world. He is a symbol of peace and compassion, and he has inspired millions of people around the world. The process of choosing a Dalai Lama is a sacred and important tradition, and it is one that will continue for many years to come.

Closing Remarks on Selecting the Dalai Lama

The process of selecting the Dalai Lama is a complex and sacred one, steeped in Tibetan Buddhist tradition and history. It involves divination, dream interpretation, and the identification of a child who embodies the qualities of a bodhisattva, such as compassion, kindness, and wisdom.

The Dalai Lama is not only a spiritual leader but also a symbol of Tibetan identity and culture. The selection process is therefore of great importance to the Tibetan people, and it is one that is carried out with the utmost care and deliberation.

As we reflect on the methods used to choose the Dalai Lama, we are reminded of the importance of seeking wisdom, compassion, and spiritual guidance in our own lives. The Dalai Lama is a beacon of these qualities, and his selection serves as a reminder that these values are essential for creating a more just and harmonious world.