Introduction: The Unique Tradition of Reincarnated Lamas
When Tibetan Buddhism is mentioned, the concept that often comes to mind first is the legend of reincarnated lamas, also known as living Buddhas. The system of reincarnated lamas in Tibetan Buddhism is unique in the world. This system is found in Tibet, other Tibetan areas, and Mongolian regions that follow Tibetan Buddhism, but it’s virtually unheard of in other parts of the world.
A History Rooted in Tradition
Although the first reincarnated lama only appeared about 700 years ago, and the titles of Dalai Lama and Panchen Lama emerged roughly 417 and 350 years ago, respectively, this unique and mysterious tradition of reincarnation has a powerful influence on the political and spiritual lives of Tibetans. It feels as though Dalai Lamas and Panchen Lamas have always existed in Tibetan history. As a Tibetan folk song goes, “There is the sun and moon in the sky, and there are the Dalai Lama and Panchen Lama on Earth,” which is perhaps a true reflection of the Tibetan people’s deepest feelings.
The First Reincarnated Lama
The first reincarnated lama in Tibet, Rangjung Dorje, was born in 1284 in the Gongtang region of the Tsang area, the birthplace of Milarepa, a great master of the Kagyu school. He was recognized as the reincarnation of Karma Pakshi. At the age of five, he was invited to the main Kagyu monastery, Tsurphu Monastery. The “Blue Annals” records a legend that before Rangjung Dorje, the reincarnated child of Karma Pakshi, arrived at Tsurphu Monastery, Karma Pakshi’s disciple, Orgyenpa, set up a high seat in the monastery’s hall, claiming it was prepared for his master. When Rangjung Dorje arrived at Tsurphu Monastery with his parents, he freely and confidently sat on the high seat opposite Orgyenpa. Orgyenpa was astonished and asked, “Child, why are you sitting on my master’s seat?”
Rangjung Dorje replied, “Your master is me.” Upon hearing this, Orgyenpa immediately recalled Karma Pakshi’s last will and testament and knew that this child was indeed his master’s reincarnation. He then said, “Now you must sit below,” and gave him the initiation of the sacred Bodhicitta and some simple teachings. At the age of seven, Rangjung Dorje was ordained by Orgyenpa, thus becoming the first reincarnated lama of the Kagyu Black Hat sect.
Legends of the Young Lamas
Many legends surround young lamas. It is said that when he was listening to Dharma at Tsurphu Monastery, Dharma protectors brought him fresh spring water from the mountains. Once, he planted a dry piece of firewood into the ground, and unexpectedly, the deadwood took root and sprouted leaves soon after. The system of reincarnated lamas is rooted in Tibetan Buddhism itself, and the spread of Buddhism in Tibet is also quite legendary.
The Passing of a Lama: An End and a Beginning
According to the Tibetan biographies of many lamas, they are not ignorant or confused at the end of their lives, unlike ordinary people. Instead, they foresee the time of their passing and know where they will be reborn, either at the moment of death or even earlier. This is something that ordinary people cannot do.
The Complex Process of Finding a Reincarnated Lama
The process and methods of searching for a Dalai Lama, Panchen Lama, or other types of lamas are very complex and intricate. Traditionally, one must first investigate the strange events that occurred before the previous lama passed away and whether there were any hints about the direction of the next reincarnation. These clues provide valuable insights to help the search team determine the direction of the lama’s rebirth. This is one of the necessary means of secretly searching for reincarnated lamas.
Clues from Past Lives
Tibetan historical records state that when the Sixth Dalai Lama, Tsangyang Gyatso, was deposed and sent to Beijing, he told his attendant, Qupon Awang Banba, on his way, “Do not lose my unfinished manuscripts, they will be given to me in the future.” He further warned his attendant, “If I depart, I will quickly be born as a virtuous person. Do not lose the sacred objects. They must be returned in the future.” Generally, when search teams learn of these events and the lama’s last words, they see them as auspicious signs indicating that the Dalai Lama‘s reincarnation will soon occur in Tibet.
According to the Tibetan historical record “Biography of the Sixth Panchen Lama, Lobsang Palden Yeshe,” on the sixth day after the Sixth Panchen Lama’s passing, a sound was heard at the time of his passing. The Sixth Panchen Lama’s close attendant, Daqiangzuo, thought something had fallen to the ground. After another attendant, the chief steward, carefully investigated, they realized the sound came from two small statues of Bodhisattvas falling from the Sixth Panchen Lama’s nostrils as his body tilted westward. This auspicious event indicated that the Sixth Panchen Lama’s good fortune and wishes had been fulfilled, and his body tilting westward suggested that his reincarnation would be born to the west. Indeed, the next year, the monks responsible for the search found the Sixth Panchen Lama’s reincarnation in the Jixiong Manor of Bailang County, Shigatse. He was the Seventh Panchen Lama, Tenpai Nyima, and his hometown was located in western Tibet.
The Importance of Prophecy and Divine Guidance
In Tibet, the search process for the reincarnations of high lamas like the Dalai Lama and Panchen Lama is far more complex than the search for the Sixth Jamyang Lama. It cannot depend solely on the divination of a highly renowned lama to determine the direction and name of the reincarnation. It must also be confirmed by the divination of Nechung, the main protector deity of Tibet.
Political and Religious Significance
In Tibet, and indeed throughout the regions where Tibetan Buddhism has spread, the Dalai Lama and Panchen Lama are undoubtedly the highest religious leaders, the most revered lamas among the Tibetan and Mongolian monks and laypeople. They are also powerful figures who wield both political and religious authority. Therefore, the recognition of such lamas requires not only complex religious procedures, but also strict political and legal procedures. Only after both procedures are completed can a true Dalai Lama or Panchen Lama reincarnation be acknowledged.
The Enthronement Ceremony
Whether they are high lamas or smaller ones, once they are officially recognized as reincarnated lamas, they are welcomed with the most solemn ceremony – the enthronement. Like their predecessors, they must start from scratch. A respected high monk or lama cuts off their black hair, gives them an auspicious Dharma name, ordains them as monks, and then, surrounded by monks and laypeople, they are escorted to the altar and ascend the throne. The scale of the enthronement ceremony varies among different lamas. In the entire Tibetan region, none are more grand and complex than the enthronement ceremonies of the Dalai Lama and Panchen Lama.
English 
简体中文