It's my understanding that the belief in Tibetan Buddhism is that when a Lama is reborn he (not meaning to be sexist, but I know of no female Lamas - please let me know if I'm wrong) becomes that same Lama again. From a western viewpoint, it might be said his soul is put into a new body and he returns as the same Lama in the new body. However, recent comments by the Dalai Lama have me wondering about this. It seems he wants to be reborn in order to continue helping others, but without becoming the Dalai Lama again. (It has been speculated that there may be political motivation to this, as the Chinese want to designate the next Dalai Lama.) However, wouldn't the 14th Dalai Lama become the 15th Dalai Lama if he is reborn? Would a Lama be able to end a series of Lamas even though he is reborn? (I have heard of Lama lines ending, but it's my understanding that the belief is that the Lama chose not to reborn.) Or is my understanding here completed off base?

I heard that Theravada presupposes HH Dalai Lama is not even reached initial bodhisattva enlightenment and that His existence is mocked. Is it not so?

I recently read an introductory book on Tibetan Buddhism and intrigued by Tantra & Kalachakra practice. I have been practicing meditation for the last 2-3 years but not under the guidance of a guru. After struggling for 2-3 years I have finally realized the need of a guru so that I can start practicing seriously. Next year, I have 3-month vacation and I'm thinking about going to a monastery in India/Tibet (I live in India) where I can be initiated into tantric practice. **Which are some of the places in India and Tibet where Tantra/Kalachakra initiation is possible ?**

The 14th Dalai Lama have known to actively support scientific explanation on Buddhism. For example his investment in the [Mind and Life Institute](https://www.mindandlife.org/) . But I remember that I've read somewhere that he jokingly requests scientists to invent a meditation machine, because meditating 4 hours every morning is very hard, but I can't find it again. Is there a source of that?

In this answer to 'Are all Buddhists vegetarian? ' the poster says > [the Dalai Lama] has a medical condition that disallows > him to be a strict vegetarian. I've heard this before and never questioned it. But thinking about it - what kind of medical condition would preclude the Dalai Lama from being a vegetarian. Suddenly I feel very skeptical that there is any such condition. Is that unfair?

One of my favourite Buddhist quotes is from the 14th Dalai Lama > Don’t try to use what you learn from buddhism to be a buddhist; use it > to be a better whatever-you-already-are. Amazing. But does anyone know the wider context of this quote. When did he say it and what was the talk i.e. can someone get a fuller transcript of the teaching? Many Thanks

Two premises presumed for my question: 1. The 14th Dalai Lama is an especially sincere spirit 2. Reincarnation, beyond the scientific eg recycling of atoms / culture / dna, is an incorrect idea. Is the 14h Dalai Lama's charisma created by being raised as a spiritual leader? Are all Tibetans especially sweet souls? Is it both or neither, but rather great luck? I am trying to tease out nature & nurture, and squeeze out the supernatural!

I was reading that both the Dalai Lama and Karmapa are both rebirths (emanations) of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteśvara . Also there are other lamas who are also emanations of Avalokiteśvara. So is Avalokiteśvara reborn into more than one body and if so is every being that is Avalokiteśvara the same in some way? Or is that just different Tibetan traditions? Generally is rebirth restricted to one body or can it be split across more than one? I appreciate that this will be different across branches of Buddhism so can I restrict my question to Tibetan Buddhism.

What are the Tibetan Buddhist beliefs of the Dalai Lama being an incarnation of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara? Do all Buddhists agree with this idea?

From what I understand, the Panchen Lama is supposed to choose the next Dalai Lama. If he has been captured, is there any hope for another Dalai Lama to be chosen?

Does the Dalai Lama have bodyguards? And if so what does Buddhist philosophy have to say about that? Are they necessary, or are they just to keep with appearances? ps. The Dalai Lama is one of my heroes so this should in no way be taken as a joke.

I while ago I read a story about the Dalai Lama and the metta bhavana practice. Someone was talking to him about the difficulty in practicing the first stage (wishing well for oneself) and was observing that low self-esteem was hindering the practice at that stage. The Dalai Lama was apparently baffled and it transpired that in Tibetan culture there is no such concept as low self-esteem. More generally it occurs to me that the first stage of the metta bhavana practice is meant to be an easier on-ramp to the practice and the practice becomes more challenging as it goes on culminating in wishing well to the difficult person. But I have spoken to many people who have difficulties with the first stage practice because of low self-esteem. The easy on-ramp is more like a rocky cliff for the modern (or maybe Western) mind. So the main questions is - Is low self-esteem a Western (sorry for the term I don't know a better one) or modern phenomenon and does it not trouble people from other places or in other times? Also related to this I have a couple of supplementary questions - Am I right - is the first stage meant to be an easy start or have I completely misinterpreted that? - Also if anyone has a reference for the Dalai Lama story - could you pop it in? I would be really interested to know the details or even if I have just imagined the story (I don't think I have).

The 14th Dalai Lama is about 80 now. How will the next one be chosen or elected? Does the Dalai Lama himself decide, and has this already been decided? Are they, like the Catholics, 'voting' on candidates? Is it like the different sects take "turns", so for example now it's the Nyingmas turn to have the Dalai Lama? If someone is picked, can he refute? And is there any chance for the Tibetans to get a female Dalai Lama?

Assuming the result of enlightenment is attainment of Nirvana, and assuming Dalai Lama is enlightened, why does he keep on getting reborn? Could it mean that Nirvana means something else, for example a state of egolessness while still a person on planet Earth?

I often hear that meditation is best at the first part of the day, and it is usually recommended to meditate before eating. Yet it seems odd to me that for the Dali Lama, washing would come first and meditation would come second. The only explanation I can come up with is that the washing would allow for enough time to pass so that the early morning 'dreamy' state of mind would wear off? (I am not sure if the Dali Lama still follows his traditional schedule, I am talking about the Dali Lama of centuries past)

How is he connected to the Buddhist community? Is he a to be Buddhist leader or simply a successor? And does his imprisonment by china has anything to do with Buddhism or is it just a political matter? Did his imprisonment affected the Buddhist community? If yes, then how?

In his talk titled, Science at the Crossroads , the Dalai Lama said, > On the philosophical level, both Buddhism and modern science share a deep suspicion of any notion of absolutes, whether conceptualized as a transcendent being, as an eternal, unchanging principle such as soul, or as a fundamental substratum of reality. Both Buddhism and science prefer to account for the evolution and emergence of the cosmos and life in terms of the complex interrelations of the natural laws of cause and effect. From the methodological perspective, both traditions emphasize the role of empiricism. For example, in the Buddhist investigative tradition, between the three recognized sources of knowledge - experience, reason and testimony - it is the evidence of the experience that takes precedence, with reason coming second and testimony last. This means that, in the Buddhist investigation of reality, at least in principle, empirical evidence should triumph over scriptural authority, no matter how deeply venerated a scripture may be. 1. With specific reference to the last line: in the "Buddhist investigation of reality", when does empirical evidence "triumph over" or even challenge, scriptural authority? 2. Is the Dalai Lama's point of view confirmed or contradicted by other points of view in the scriptures, or in the talks and writings of recent Gurus?

The current (14th) Dalai Lama has recently indicated that he may be the last person to hold that title . Does this stance cause any theological issues for the Gelug branch of Tibetan Buddhism or more widely Tibetan Buddhism in general? Can a tulku stop reincarnating? Does this potential lack of reincarnation conflict with the Bodhisattva vow? I understand that there is a political element to this but I'm trying to understand the consequences if any for the tradition, theology and philosophy of the religion.

His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama recently celebrated his 80th birthday! I've read that he is very conscious of the fact that after his death, there will be much turmoil, and it's something he thinks about often. "When I pass away, when I die, of course a setback. Very serious setback," he said in an interview. I have read/heard, though I cannot at present time point to the source (I can research further later and add citation, if necessary), that he is aware that many, perhaps thousands or tens of thousands, will commit suicide after he dies. I believe the Dalai Lama has voiced opposition to suiciding for protests, that it violates Buddhist ethics— "In the past, he has condemned self-immolations, which many Buddhists believe are contrary to their faith, but has until now kept a low profile over the recent wave of protests." And he is quoted as saying: > "Some people commit suicide; they seem to think that there is > suffering simply because there is the human life, and that by cutting > off the life there will be nothing... But, according to the Buddhist > viewpoint, that's not the case; your consciousness will continue. Even > if you take your own life, this life, you will have to take another > body that again will be the basis of suffering. If you really want to > get rid of all your suffering, all the difficulties you experience in > your life, you have to get rid of the fundamental cause (greed, hatred > and delusion) that gives rise to the aggregates that are the basis of > all suffering. Killing yourself isn't going to solve your problems." —so my question is: If in fact many plan to suicide when he dies, why will they act in a way that is antithetical to their teachings, specifically the beliefs of their religious leader? It seems to this Westerner a totally illogical reaction. My perception, not criticism or judgment, is that it's especially irrational considering Dalai Lama's objection to suicide, Buddha notwithstanding: "If one knows how to treasure oneself, one should protect oneself well."—The Buddha (Dhammapada) Can light be shed on this question? If I have been misled about the intentions of many followers to terminate their existence as a result of his passing, then my question should be deleted. Also, this is not the same question as "What are the consequences of the 14th Dalai Lama being the last one?" because it's not about the order of things but rather about the contradiction of ethics and action which I am unable to reconcile, hence the question, which I realize hinges completely on the report of planned suicides following his death, and I'm currently scouring for sources (I think it was an NPR radio program, perhaps).

Friends, Does anyone know of the original reference for the saying attributed to His Holiness the Dalai Lama that starts *'The Essence of all religions is love, compasion and tolerance. Kindness is my true religion.'* I would be grateful if the reference includes the translator. As a personal note, as a Christian, I find ths very close to the truth. I expect you know that Jesus said: 'The first commandment is this: Love the Lord your God with all your heart ... the second is 'Love your neighbour as yourself.' All the law and the prophets hang on these two laws.' Thanks in anticipation, Richard