Why can't Dalai Lama be reincarnated as woman?

[Madaglan]

I remember being in a Religion 101 classic in college in which my once Catholic professor (who became Hindu before I arrived, but who is still a great guy) was talking with us about the Dalai Lama and his reincarnations. If I remember correctly, he mentioned that the ability of the new reincarnations to have a familiarity with the previous incarnation’s personal items, and while only yet children, is a fascinating sign of the truth behind this long-standing belief.

Since several years ago when I was in that class, I’ve thought some about the Dalai Lama. I have a few questions:

1. Why can the incarnation of the Dalai Lama only be male? Or rather, why is it that over the past several hundred years only males have been Dalai Lama?
2. Why does the incarnation of the Dalai Lama always occur in the area in, near or around Tibet, and not in, say, Malaysia, Vietnam, Russia, Mongolia, or the U.S., Canada, and the countries of Europe?
3. Who or what is the directing force believed to be behind the selection of the next Dalai Lama?

Thanks!

 

[Ahimsa]

I remember being in a Religion 101 classic in college in which my once Catholic professor (who became Hindu before I arrived, but who is still a great guy) was talking with us about the Dalai Lama and his reincarnations. If I remember correctly, he mentioned that the ability of the new reincarnations to have a familiarity with the previous incarnation’s personal items, and while only yet children, is a fascinating sign of the truth behind this long-standing belief.

Since several years ago when I was in that class, I’ve thought some about the Dalai Lama. I have a few questions:

1. Why can the incarnation of the Dalai Lama only be male? Or rather, why is it that over the past several hundred years only males have been Dalai Lama?

Good question. The position of women has not been all that great for the past 4000 years or so. As far as I know, there is nothing to prevent a future Dalai Lama from being a woman.

1. Why does the incarnation of the Dalai Lama always occur in the area in, near or around Tibet, and not in, say, Malaysia, Vietnam, Russia, Mongolia, or the U.S., Canada, and the countries of Europe?

The Dalai Lama’s purpose is to act as spiritual leader for the Geluk Lineage of Tibetan Buddhism, and political leader for the Tibetan people, most of whom have historically lived in Tibet, so it would make sense to be reborn in or near Tibet. As Tibetans disperse around the world, there is no longer as much of a necessity for the Dalai Lama to be reborn in or near Tibet, especially since the Chinese would have their eyes and ears open. (Images of King Herod and the baby Jesus spring to mind.)

The Dalai Lama is just one particular Lama. Other Lamas have been known to take rebirth outside of Tibet. One in particular, took rebirth in Spain, about 15 years ago or so.

1. Who or what is the directing force believed to be behind the selection of the next Dalai Lama?

The still-living Dalai Lama might write a letter or a poem, describing where he/she would take rebirth. Through various auspicious omens and signs (e.g., rainbow) several possible candidates are found. If one candidate demonstrates knowledge of the now-deceased Dalai Lama’s life, then that candidate might be the one.

 

[Spirithound]

Through various auspicious omens and signs (e.g., rainbow) several possible candidates are found. If one candidate demonstrates knowledge of the now-deceased Dalai Lama’s life, then that candidate might be the one.

So…they search until they find a child who can select the correct sequence of objects?

 

[Ahimsa]

So…they search until they find a child who can select the correct sequence of objects?

That’s part of the process, which also includes other Lamas confirming or not confirming the candidate. But, in any event, the important thing is not reincarnating Lamas (which became institutionalized in Tibet after 1100 CE, and does not occur in other schools of Buddhism), but the transmission of the Dharma into the future. Tibetan Buddhism once existed without the “reincarnating Lama” process (or, the Tulku process), and it might return to that state sometime in the future.

 

[Montalban]

Maybe, being male is a higher state?

 

[Ahimsa]

Maybe, being male is a higher state?

In terms of employment opportunities and pay-scale, definitely.

In terms of longevity and wisdom and Enlightenment, certainly not.

 

[Montalban]

The problem I have with the idea of the Dalai Lama is that in Buddhism you’re general aim is to progress towards enlightenment.

But here’s a guy who keeps coming back to be the next Dalai Lama! Doesn’t he ever reach enlightnment?

 

[Reepicheep]

The problem I have with the idea of the Dalai Lama is that in Buddhism you’re general aim is to progress towards enlightenment.

But here’s a guy who keeps coming back to be the next Dalai Lama! Doesn’t he ever reach enlightnment?

I suppose there’s nothing to stop him from being more enlightened each time he returns,
Besides, isn’t there precedent in Buddhism, for someone sacrificing their own progress in order to help others? The Boddhisatvas?

 

[thistle]

I remember being in a Religion 101 classic in college in which my once Catholic professor (who became Hindu before I arrived, but who is still a great guy) was talking with us about the Dalai Lama and his reincarnations. If I remember correctly, he mentioned that the ability of the new reincarnations to have a familiarity with the previous incarnation’s personal items, and while only yet children, is a fascinating sign of the truth behind this long-standing belief.

Since several years ago when I was in that class, I’ve thought some about the Dalai Lama. I have a few questions:

1. Why can the incarnation of the Dalai Lama only be male? Or rather, why is it that over the past several hundred years only males have been Dalai Lama?
2. Why does the incarnation of the Dalai Lama always occur in the area in, near or around Tibet, and not in, say, Malaysia, Vietnam, Russia, Mongolia, or the U.S., Canada, and the countries of Europe?
3. Who or what is the directing force believed to be behind the selection of the next Dalai Lama?

Thanks!

Because there is no such thing as reincarnation!

 

[Steve40]

1. Why can the incarnation of the Dalai Lama only be male? Or rather, why is it that over the past several hundred years only males have been Dalai Lama?

Being male is natural to leadership because males project outward. Being female or femininity accepts the projection into themselves. Natural leadership should offer a gift, a gift of self. To follow the leader means to accept the gift. Anatomically, males offer the gift and females, accept the gift.

This doesn’t mean that women can’t be leaders. My Queen, the mother of my King is a great leader. All men (male and female) are female to Christ the King.

 

[Montalban]

I suppose there’s nothing to stop him from being more enlightened each time he returns,
Besides, isn’t there precedent in Buddhism, for someone sacrificing their own progress in order to help others? The Boddhisatvas?

But he’s not ‘progressing’ in one sense, and it must be awfully hard to achieve enlightenment if the leader of them hasn’t done so. He’s in fact a visible source of failure… after 14 generations, he’s seemingly stuck in a rut - and as the OP points out, due to return only as a male - it also means he’ll have to come back as the next Dalai Lama - not, for instance, as a surgeon, or a ice cream salesman.

Boddhisatvas are still seeking enlightenment.

In Buddhist thought, a bodhisattva (Sanskrit) or bodhisatta (Pali) Thai: โพธิสัตว์ phothisat) is a being who is dedicated to attaining Enlightenment.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boddhisatvas

 

[Montalban]

Anatomically, males offer the gift and females, accept the gift.

Unless you’re gay

This doesn’t mean that women can’t be leaders. My Queen, the mother of my King is a great leader. All men (male and female) are female to Christ the King.

So we accept the gift anatomically?

 

[Reepicheep]

Montalban:
I thought a Boddhisatva was someone who had almost attained Buddhahood, and chose to delay entering Nirvana in order to help others advance?

 

[Fa_Chan]

The problem I have with the idea of the Dalai Lama is that in Buddhism you’re general aim is to progress towards enlightenment.

But here’s a guy who keeps coming back to be the next Dalai Lama! Doesn’t he ever reach enlightnment?

He has the ability to reach enlightenment and is guaranteed enlightenment in the future. He makes the decision, however, as a bodhisattva, to come back again and again to this world to help lead others to enlightenment. He is said to be the reincarnation of the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, who is the bodhisattva of compassion. Compassion=delayed enlightenment=reincarnation.

Peace…

Fa Chan

 

[Montalban]

He has the ability to reach enlightenment and is guaranteed enlightenment in the future. He makes the decision, however, as a bodhisattva, to come back again and again to this world to help lead others to enlightenment. He is said to be the reincarnation of the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, who is the bodhisattva of compassion. Compassion=delayed enlightenment=reincarnation.

Peace…

Fa Chan

Where’d you pick up on this? Does this mean he’s not getting more enlightened? Why’s only one the bodhisattva of compassion? Why’s he still got to be male, and the Dalai Lama? Why can’t he fulfill this compassionate role as a woman?

 

[Fa_Chan]

But he’s not ‘progressing’ in one sense, and it must be awfully hard to achieve enlightenment if the leader of them hasn’t done so. He’s in fact a visible source of failure… after 14 generations, he’s seemingly stuck in a rut - and as the OP points out, due to return only as a male - it also means he’ll have to come back as the next Dalai Lama - not, for instance, as a surgeon, or a ice cream salesman.

I’m confused (not a surprise). Why is he a visible source of failure for coming back again and again to help living beings become enlightened? You accept the idea that God has helped people during the thousands (millions) of years. Why is it hard to accept another being doing the same thing?

He has the ability to attain nirvana. He chooses (out of his compassionate heart) to delay it so that he can help others. A pretty commendable thing in my opinion. He doesn’t come back, wave some magic wand that causes the world to change overnight and then leaves again. He lives day by day teaching and having compassion on people so that they may follow his footsteps to enlightenment.

I don’t understand how he is stuck in a rut. Again, he doesn’t HAVE to come back. He chooses to do so out of the goodness and love in his heart for sentient beings. He can help far more people as the Dalai Lama instead of a surgeon or ice cream salesman. Perhaps that is the reason he comes back as the Dalai Lama. Ya think?

Boddhisatvas are still seeking enlightenment.

In Buddhist thought, a bodhisattva (Sanskrit) or bodhisatta (Pali) Thai: โพธิสัตว์ phothisat) is a being who is dedicated to attaining Enlightenment.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boddhisatvas

The largest school of Buddhism that eventually sprung up after the Buddha’s death became known as the Mahayana or “Greater Vehicle” school. Not only was the goal to achieve enlightenment for yourself, but the goal became to take as many with you as you can , hence the name “greater vehicle”. Drive a bus instead of a motorcycle.

But again, you must understand that bodhisattvas have only delayed their eventual enlightenment. They aren’t half-wits that can’t somehow get their act together to reach nirvana. It may be a difficult concept, but that’s the way it is.

Peace…

Fa Chan

 

[Montalban]

I’m confused (not a surprise). Why is he a visible source of failure for coming back again and again to help living beings become enlightened?

The difference is the added information about his purpose for coming back.

You accept the idea that God has helped people during the thousands (millions) of years. Why is it hard to accept another being doing the same thing?

But why’s the Dalai Lama only able to do this as a male and as Dalai Lama?

He has the ability to attain nirvana. He chooses (out of his compassionate heart) to delay it so that he can help others.

So helping others is better than nirvana?

A pretty commendable thing in my opinion. He doesn’t come back, wave some magic wand that causes the world to change overnight and then leaves again.

This oblique attack on Jesus seems to go against your accepting that we believe God continues to help us.

He lives day by day teaching and having compassion on people so that they may follow his footsteps to enlightenment.

Only as a man

I don’t understand how he is stuck in a rut. Again, he doesn’t HAVE to come back. He chooses to do so out of the goodness and love in his heart for sentient beings. He can help far more people as the Dalai Lama instead of a surgeon or ice cream salesman. Perhaps that is the reason he comes back as the Dalai Lama. Ya think?

Have you any indications to show that he actually would help more people by being Dalai Lama than, say a surgeon? What measure are you using?

Remember that Tibet was actually closed to the outside world until outsiders kicked down the door. Obviously he thought that the best way to help people was by isolating himself from them. That’s how he showed them compasion

The largest school of Buddhism that eventually sprung up after the Buddha’s death became known as the Mahayana or “Greater Vehicle” school. Not only was the goal to achieve enlightenment for yourself, but the goal became to take as many with you as you can , hence the name “greater vehicle”. Drive a bus instead of a motorcycle.

In this case a very ‘local bus’ until he had to flee.

But again, you must understand that bodhisattvas have only delayed their eventual enlightenment. They aren’t half-wits that can’t somehow get their act together to reach nirvana. It may be a difficult concept, but that’s the way it is.

Peace…

Fa Chan

But only as a man.

 

[Montalban]

Fa Chan believes a guy who spent most of his incarnations in a ‘hermit kingdom’ was better able to show his love for man by isolating that nation from the world.

He can better show his compassion this way - based on a sense of scale Fa Chan has yet to show - other than to say it is so.

And this entails a man coming back only as another man, in a certain position. Obviously a woman can’t be a Dalai Lama, even one who is enlightened and is putting off Nirvana to help others.

And he can only help others by being here. In what ever state Nirvana entails it can’t involve helping people.

 

[Fa_Chan]

The difference is the added information about his purpose for coming back.

And what added information is that? He does not remember his former life as far as I know. I would have to research this for clarity.

But why’s the Dalai Lama only able to do this as a male and as Dalai Lama?

I don’t know.

So helping others is better than nirvana?

Helping others is part of the path that leads to nirvana.

This oblique attack on Jesus seems to go against your accepting that we believe God continues to help us.

Sorry, what? I have no idea what you are talking about. I respect Jesus greatly. I was born and raised and baptized Christian.

Only as a man

Why is gender such a sore spot for you?

Have you any indications to show that he actually would help more people by being Dalai Lama than, say a surgeon? What measure are you using?

He’s written numerous books, initiated many people into Buddhism and empowered millions with his message of peace and non-violence and won a Nobel Peace Prize. Somehow, I think that’s better than being a surgeon who simply prolongs the death that is to come for all of us.

Remember that Tibet was actually closed to the outside world until outsiders kicked down the door. Obviously he thought that the best way to help people was by isolating himself from them. That’s how he showed them compasion

I’m afraid you are mistaken. His Holiness the Dalai Lama sent letters to many world leaders asking for help before the Chinese invasion. He watched Western movies and was friendly to the West. Your attitude towards this leader astounds me. I respect His Holiness Pope John Paul 2 very much and would never try to slander him or belittle him and I was never Catholic

In this case a very ‘local bus’ until he had to flee.

There have been and will be many bodhisattvas in the world which span the globe. It’s only this bodhisattva specifically that is helping this part of the world he lives in. Again, lose the attitude. It’s very unbecoming. I’ve not shown any disrespect at all to your faith or your saints, God or popes. I expect the same in return.

But only as a man.

Again, the gender issue. I’m beginning to think you hate males FWIW, I follow teachings from a Venerable Shi Wu Ling who is an American Pure Land nun. She sees no problem with being a woman and following the Buddha’s path, along with many, many other Zen teachers.

Peace…

Fa Chan

 

[Fa_Chan]

Fa Chan believes a guy who spent most of his incarnations in a ‘hermit kingdom’ was better able to show his love for man by isolating that nation from the world.

He can better show his compassion this way - based on a sense of scale Fa Chan has yet to show - other than to say it is so.

And this entails a man coming back only as another man, in a certain position. Obviously a woman can’t be a Dalai Lama, even one who is enlightened and is putting off Nirvana to help others.

And he can only help others by being here. In what ever state Nirvana entails it can’t involve helping people.

Montalban believes her way is right and everyone else is wrong obviously and seeks to slander not only a brilliant, compassionate man, but belittle a humble Buddhist trying to explain his faith (without antagonistic or ugly behavior).

Now, see how silly this is? You are not interested in dialogue or learning. I was only seeking to help clarify the Buddhist position. This is the reason why I stayed away so long before.

Open thy mind.

May you be happy and blessed…

Fa Chan