Who Decides on the Next Dalai Lama?
The succession of religious leaders varies greatly across major world religions. In the Catholic Church, for example, a new Pope is elected through a conclave of cardinals, emphasizing the legitimacy and continuity of the institution. In Buddhism, Islam, and other traditions, successors may be selected by senior monks, chosen from family lineages, or designated by previous leaders. Among these, Tibetan Buddhism’s reincarnation system is unique: after a high lama passes away, believers seek his reincarnation in a young child, who is identified through spiritual signs, tests, and ritual recognition. This process has shaped the religious and political landscape of Tibet…
