Tibetan Buddhists consider who will lead them after present Dalai Lama
The Dalai Lama has said in recent years that he may not reincarnate.
Tibetan Buddhist monks from around the world are gearing up to discuss whether the 83-year-old Dalai Lama should reincarnate when he dies—and, if he does, then how to prevent China’s government from claiming that it will choose Tibet’s next spiritual leader.
Tibetan Buddhists believe that karma directs a person’s reincarnation, but those who have achieved enlightenment can direct their own path, choosing the body of their rebirth. Interpretation of ancient Buddhist texts allows monks to recognize the reincarnated body of a leader.
The Dalai Lama has in recent years mentioned that perhaps he would not reincarnate.
