The Dalai Lama Will Let Us Know if He‘ll Be Reincarnated When He’s ‘About 90’
- Posted on September 26, 2011 at 10:30pm by
Billy Hallowell
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DHARMSALA, India (The Blaze/AP) — The Dalai Lama said Saturday if he is to be reincarnated he will leave clear written instructions about the process, but that the matter is unlikely to come up for a number of years.
The Tibetan spiritual leader said in a statement that when he is “about 90” he will consult Buddhist scholars to evaluate whether the institution of the Dalai Lama should continue at all. He is 76.
The statement came after a meeting between the Dalai Lama and the leaders of the four Tibetan Buddhist sects, the first since he transferred his political role earlier this year to an elected prime minister.
China reviles the Dalai Lama as a separatist, although the Nobel Peace Prize laureate insists he is only seeking increased autonomy for Tibet. Beijing has left little doubt that it intends to be deeply involved in choosing the next Dalai Lama. That concern has led the current Dalai Lama to contemplate ideas that break with the ancient system in which each dead Dalai Lama is reincarnated in the body of a male child.
In May, the Dalai Lama formally stepped down as head of the Tibetan government-in-exile, giving up the political power that he and his predecessors have wielded over Tibetans for hundreds of years. Though he remains the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, his decision to abdicate is one of the biggest upheavals in the community since a Chinese crackdown led him to flee Tibet in 1959 into exile in India.
China insists that religious law requires that the Dalai Lama’s reincarnation be born in a Tibetan area under Chinese control. However, the Dalai Lama has said his successor will be born in exile and has even floated the idea of choosing his own successor while still alive – perhaps even a woman. China, though, isn’t likely to back down. Time Magazine’s Hannah Beech has more:
But just to ensure China’s control over Tibet—which the Tibetans feel was essentially independent when the Chinese marched in starting in 1950 and the Chinese believe was an integral part of their territory for centuries—Beijing has reiterated that it has the right to pick the 15th Dalai Lama. China claims historical precedent on the matter, contending that emperors who ruled over China long ago performed that very task.

In his statement Saturday, he said if the institution of the Dalai Lama were to continue, then he would leave behind “clear written instructions about it.”
“Bear in mind that, apart from the reincarnation recognized through such legitimate methods, no recognition or acceptance should be given to a candidate chosen for political ends by anyone, including those in the People’s Republic of China,” he said.
In the statement, he also described how the rebirth process takes place:
There are two ways in which someone can take rebirth after death: rebirth under the sway of karma and destructive emotions and rebirth through the power of compassion and prayer. Regarding the first, due to ignorance negative and positive karma are created and their imprints remain on the consciousness. These are reactivated through craving and grasping, propelling us into the next life.
We then take rebirth involuntarily in higher or lower realms. This is the way ordinary beings circle incessantly through existence like the turning of a wheel. Even under such circumstances ordinary beings can engage diligently with a positive aspiration in virtuous practices in their day-to-day lives. They familiarise themselves with virtue that at the time of death can be reactivated providing the means for them to take rebirth in a higher realm of existence.
On the other hand, superior Bodhisattvas, who have attained the path of seeing, are not reborn through the force of their karma and destructive emotions, but due to the power of their compassion for sentient beings and based on their prayers to benefit others. They are able to choose their place and time of birth as well as their future parents. Such a rebirth, which is solely for the benefit of others, is rebirth through the force of compassion and prayer.
The Dalai Lama has lived in the Indian hill town of Dharmsala since fleeing Tibet. China says Tibet has always been part of its territory, but many Tibetans say the region was virtually independent for centuries.



















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Comments (94)
Kamikazesan
Posted on September 27, 2011 at 9:31amWow I just love all the positive, intellectual, well thoughout, responses I have seen on here.
Here is an individual who is a kind and decent individual, that has done a lot of good towards his fellow man and all you people do (most of you anyway) is ridicule him on his philosophy, shame on you all. Let me tell you this he would help you regardless of your beliefs long before you would help him regardless of his beliefs..so in the end who is the better person? In my opinion he is.
Report Post »Bluefish49
Posted on September 27, 2011 at 11:02amAnd on his death bed he will receive total consciousness…so he’s got that going for him…gungala…gungala..
Report Post »jaylew
Posted on September 27, 2011 at 3:55pmWell you must admit….the notion of dying and then coming back as a grasshopper or a rat is kind of “weird”. Now if the dude was going to assure me that Michael Moore was going to “come back” as a bucket of pigs intestines…or that Maxine Waters was going to come back as a Food Stamp…or that the president was going to come back as a lawn rake and his wife a garden hoe….maybe then we could talk…but reincarnation is a really tough sell when it comes to living ones life and then waking up dead as a bunny rabbit or worse….the hard drive on Bill Clinton laptop.
Report Post »Kamikazesan
Posted on September 28, 2011 at 12:49pmI didn’t say you had to believe it Jaylew I am just saying how about cutting the guy some slack and stop demeaning his beliefs. It is quite evident that the man has done a lot of good in the world due to his beliefs. That my friend is something a HELL OF A LOT OF CHRISTIANS ON HERE COULD LEARN TO DO!.
Report Post »webpreacher
Posted on September 30, 2011 at 12:02amWell KAMIDAZESAN, doing good toward his fellow man is a most wonderful accomplishment for this “Dalai Lama” fellow, or for anybody else for that matter. Certainly he is to be commended for whatever it was he has done, and oh yea, what was now that he as done for his fellow man? Do you have a list, or something, can you tell us what things you are referring to that the Dalai Lama did?
Well no need, I’m sure it was something, along with about million of others who also have done much for mankind over the years / centuries / millenniums..so what ! The Fact is, no one has done more that LORD Jesus, God’s Christ who left His Throne of Glory in Heavenly places to come down to the earth HE created, born of a Women He had created, Preach the message of God’s Kingdom to a world HE Created, to hang and die on a tree HE created, be buried in honed out stone HE had created, for ALL of mankind which HE had created, that all “MIGHT” be saved from Hell’s Flames. The thing is, no one else could have done what Jesus has done, no one but Jesus could pay the sin debt of ALL of mankind satisfying that which God required for the remission of that sin debt. Yet knowing this to be true, I don’t see you exalting Christ Jesus, esteeming his great and mighty works, for YOU, and all of mankind, as you did here for a lost sinner like the Dalai Lama, who is in need of the Savior, just as you are. So my question is Why?
http://www.Jesus-is-Savior.com
http://www.GodSaid/ManSaid.com
go ahead, log on
Report Post »TomFerrari
Posted on September 27, 2011 at 8:41amMake it up as you go.
Now THERE’s a “religion” for ya!
Matthew 7:15 – “BEWARE false prophets”
The Bible WARNS us to BEWARE false prophets. It does not say to “abide” them, to “tolerate” them, to “ignore” them, to “laugh at them” – it says to “BEWARE” them.
I think we need to do what the scripture warns us to do.
With the spread of the internet and mass communications,
Report Post »people have become anonymous, and feel lost in a crowd of millions.
Whereas in the past, they were one of thousands in their town.
This increase in anonymity, combined with a lack of spiritual framework for thei lives,
leaves them with no direction, and seeking meaning. It leaves them vulnerable to such false prophets.
Add in the ubiquitous, negative, hate-mongering, smear campaign that has been waged by the socialst left for decades AGAINT CHRISTIANITY, and you have a recipe for millions of our children falling prey to FALSE PROPHETS.
I am not questioning the motives of these self-proclaimed “prophets,” but, The BIBLE WARNS US AGAINST THEM !
Okay, I have to question the motives of a so-called “religion” that murdered thousands on 9/11.
.
.
LostInTheSpin
Posted on September 27, 2011 at 9:18amso, let me get this straight…you read out of a book, written by man, translated several times by man, ENTIRE books taken out. again, by man….to beware of false prophets? all endorsed by religions that man has used to twist and profit off of. then you crap all over someone elses religious beliefs? gotcha.
Report Post »schmite123oh
Posted on September 27, 2011 at 1:24pm@lost what are you trying to say? I dont think you know, other than you dont trust man. which should make you a Bible advocate because it is the Lord’s word not mans. Repent, read about Jesus, that is the least you could do for yourself.
Report Post »THX-1138
Posted on September 27, 2011 at 4:46pm@ TomFerrari & @schmite123oh
Buddhism is older than Christianity and does not rely on a magic book claimed to be the actual words of the creator of the universe. (Seriously?)
In fact, when Buddha was asked about the creation of the universe he remained silent.
We don’t need make-believe. We focus on that which can be known and reasoned out. We have no dogma. And we devote ourselves to relieving suffering in the world. Something far more useful than telling others that we “know” where the universe came from and piously thumping a book written by men.
I’ve studied Christianity and rejected it as an answer for me. Given the nonsense posted here I suspect you have spent almost no effort investigating Buddhism prior to rejecting it and lecturing others about the superiority of your views.
Wisdom comes through thorough examination, not blind allegiance.
Report Post »rdietz7
Posted on September 28, 2011 at 3:14amI’ve given the Dali Lama a fair shake. I even read a couple of his books in the 90′s before Brad Pitt made him famous. As a Christian I find the man to be a threat to peoples eternal salvation. I also believe that the Tibeten gods so elaborately illustrated are demonic. The idea of reincarnation is demonic. The Dali Lama is OK as far as his stance against China. His popularity as far as spirituality is concerned is anti-christ and labels him as a false prophet.
Report Post »Consentiondum
Posted on September 28, 2011 at 6:41pmI do love watching people that believe in absurd and unverifiable things mock and warn against other absurd and unverifiable things. There is some irony in it. I‘m sure you’d be a very devote Buddhist if you were brought up that way.
Report Post »webpreacher
Posted on September 30, 2011 at 12:15am@LOSTINTHESPIN, You don’t have a clue of what your talking about,,Satan (a real being) has put scales over your eyes (spiritual speaking) so that you are not able to see “clearly” the redeemer of Souls, Christ Jesus, The Savior.
So so you’ll know. yes you are right, men wrote / penned the Words in the Bible, however God is the Author, having revealed Himself in the way He chose. The problem isn’t with God, nor His Word, The Bible, the problem is with man, who has rejected God’s Word.
So then, I will ask you a question, there are two kinds of people in the world, both kinds are sinners, ‘
Lost sinners, and Saved sinners, question is, which kind are you “LOSTINTHESPIN” ?
http://www.Jesus-is-Savior.com
http://www.GodSaid/ManSaid.com
worth a look see !
Report Post »ConnConservative
Posted on September 27, 2011 at 8:28amYou need to do some homework about reincarnation & Christianity. Reincarnation was in the bible until Constantine took it out. It allowed the powers to be to have more control over peoples’ lives cuz if they knew they could come back why not eat drink & be merry. Constantine changed all of Christianity for his own power & ego. By the way, what do you think the whole thing about the resurrection is? Duh!
Report Post »TomFerrari
Posted on September 27, 2011 at 8:42amCreative.
False, but, creative.
Report Post ».
I guess your proof of reincarnation is, “rivers that come up out of the earth… and ffish”
JGraham III
Posted on September 27, 2011 at 10:56amInteresting that every aberant belief that the Bible speaks to somehow was found to be in the ‘original’ but was cut by some nefarious ‘christian’ leader hell bent on controlling the masses… If reincarnation really was in the pre Constantine bible, how is it that connconservative knows about it and we poor unenlightened ones do not. FYI I have indeed done some digging into the texts and the early history of the Church and of the ‘compilation’ of the canon of the scriptures and I am not aware of any portion of the Word that speaks favorably of reincarnation. The Resurrection does not qualify as only One has gone through that ‘process’. There were and have been many who have been raised from the dead, but to date, only Jesus Christ has remained alive forevermore.
Report Post »Reincarnation is nothing more than ‘ancestor worship’ and has been around since the first person died. Many of the names mentioned in the first part of Genesis became the names of the “gods” worshipped by much of the ancient world. Tubal-cain (the artificer of metal) morphed into Vul-cain or Vulcan as he was called by the Romans. Volcanos were said to be the place where his forge was located…
If reincarnation is mentioned, please produce reliable manuscripts to support your claim. Thanks and haveaniceday!
clw4200
Posted on September 27, 2011 at 4:25pmConncon:
Report Post »Where in the world did you hear that? Wow, that is an interesting story. BTW, I don’t know how you could be more mistaken.
Islesfordian
Posted on September 27, 2011 at 6:42pmThe idea that Constantine changed the Bible and removed books or doctrines is a Mormon idea. That’s how they justify their belief that real Christianity ceased and had to be restored by a conman like Smith.
It’s fruit loopy and without a shred of historical evidence, but they’re used to accepting that kid of stuff.
Report Post »webpreacher
Posted on September 30, 2011 at 8:40amCONNCONSERVATIVE,(says it all really),
Jesus, my Friend, is alive in the very physical Frame from which he trend the dust of the earth being born in the flesh as you and I . Risen from the dead, seen of more than 500 witnesses after His “resurrection” (not reincarnated) from the grave in the same body he was born in. Hello !!
http://www.Jesus-is-Savior.com
http://www.GodSaid/ManSaid.com
Do yourself a favor,, log on and read
Report Post »Hallmar82
Posted on September 27, 2011 at 8:13amMy favorite quote from the Dalai Lama: “But if someone has a gun and is trying to kill you … it would be reasonable to shoot back with your own gun.”
Report Post »ying
Posted on September 27, 2011 at 7:38amDid you know……that when the High Lamas set out to find the 14th Dalai Lama, they came to a house with a 5 year old girl in it and she knew the secret language of the Lamas. She was THE Dalai Lama, and they refused to accept it so they moved on, encountering a few boys along the way. They finally chose Tenzin Gyatso(not his real name) because he was compliant. He did NOT know the secret language, they KNEW he was not the Dalai, but took him to be schooled anyway. The 14th Dalai Lama is not the real one!
Report Post »webpreacher
Posted on September 30, 2011 at 1:47pmHuh yea, and your last characture, I’m guessing was a small part you played in a Hollywood Sci-Fi, Fantasy ?
Report Post »Lone Ranger
Posted on September 27, 2011 at 7:18amI had no idea reincarnation was optional. If I’d known, I wouldn’t have been a duck in my last life.
Report Post »jim
Posted on September 27, 2011 at 7:01amWhat’s his plan B? Being stufffed and mounted?
Report Post »curmudgeon60
Posted on September 27, 2011 at 6:53amSelf examination time! How much time do I spend each day praying for people who don’t know Jesus as their Savior?
Report Post »rangerp
Posted on September 27, 2011 at 7:03amfunny how when I look at and study other religons, my faith in the God of the Bible increases.
Report Post »ZengaPA65
Posted on September 27, 2011 at 7:56amReincarnation is part of Judaism too and also in the New Testament. John 9:2 the disciples ask Jesus “was this man born blind because of his sin…” Since the Church never taught it (because they despise all things Jewish) Christians don’t realize it.
Report Post »schmite123oh
Posted on September 27, 2011 at 1:26pmsame here Ranger.
Report Post »vegtech
Posted on September 27, 2011 at 6:29amLets consult Brad and Angie first. Holliwood would have much better feel for the decision
Report Post »NuffSaid
Posted on September 27, 2011 at 5:36amHere’s what bothers me about reincarnation.
Maxine Waters.
Is this a soul who’s being rewarded for past lives? I think not. It’s comforting to know that Maxie is just passing through this life, like in an elevator, headed toward a basement. (abasement?)
What was that she said to the Tea Party? GO to hell?
I think she must have misspoke. She should have said, “COME to Hell.”
Report Post »martinrnelson
Posted on September 27, 2011 at 4:57amI think it’s cute that the Dalai Lama believes in reincarnation – However, should we tell him what really happens or we just let him be surprised? Ok, ok…I won’t ruin it. :)
Report Post »The-Monk
Posted on September 27, 2011 at 1:07amSorry, but the Dalai Lama already said back in the late 1980′s that he will not be reincarnated. When asked about his reincarnation his response was, “The World no longer needs a Dalai Lama and there will not be another.” I know this as a fact. I heard it directly from the person that took care of the Dalai Lama’s teacher in His last days. The Dalai Lama’s brother tried to intervene and was soundly told to “go away and to leave them alone”. I have direct knowledge of this. And if the 14th Dalai Lama wants to confront me on these facts I’ll be happy to meet Him and discuss it. I’ll say 2 words and He will walk away in shame or hug me and call me His Brother. Either way, this myth will be put to rest. There will never be a 15TH Dalai Lama. The 14th Dalai Lama has already said so.
Report Post »Cosmos102
Posted on September 27, 2011 at 1:50amWell, in any case, he‘ll report back to us when he’s dead. Then he‘ll know for sure that he wasn’t reincarnated. Or, not.
Report Post »The-Monk
Posted on September 27, 2011 at 2:24am@Cosmos102
Report Post »Sorry, he’s already dead. He just doesn’t know it yet. He has already projected it.
Stu D. Baker-Hawk
Posted on September 27, 2011 at 12:48amThe Dalai Lama will tell us when he’s 90 if he is to be reincarnated? Heck, why wait? The answer is NO. If you don’t believe me, then believe the pages of The Bible. And, uh, nope… no reincarnation is mention there. The Holy Book does, however, mention something about a resurrection.
Report Post »Jayms
Posted on September 27, 2011 at 12:28amI’ve read all of his books, and this man is incredibly wise and educated. Despite what someone else has said, there’s nothing really mystical about Tibetan Buddhism. Not really. The Tibetan Buddhist philosophy is entangled with the Tibetans’ culture, lore, and traditions is all. Their philosophy is some of the most ‘grounded’ thinking of any school of thought.
And the Dalai Lama himself is no threat whatsoever to anyone. The Chinese government has spat political/ military propaganda at its citizens so heavily, I bet parents tell their children that the Dalai Lama can fly into your bedroom at night and suck your blood. He’s simply an old monk that spends his days meditating, drinking tea, and gardening. Remember, the Chinese don’t tolerate talk of politics amongst its citizens
This whole “I‘ll tell you when I’m 90″ thing is kinda funny. Personally I think that he’s going to secretly send out some of his people to look for the new Dalai Lama, under the nose of the Chinese. It has to be this way. He’s not going to announce to the Chinese how the next Dalai Lama will be chosen – that’s just silly.
Report Post »Goldenyears22
Posted on September 27, 2011 at 1:24amI think he is confused about some things no matter how wise you say he is. How is he planning this, will he come back in another man’s body and say that this man is the reincarnated Dalah Lama or will he come back as some animal? I think it strange that people fall for all this.
Report Post »THX-1138
Posted on September 27, 2011 at 2:20pmI‘m currently working through some of Nagarjuna’s works (and the commentaries) and you are exactly right; Buddhism is almost entirely based on logic. Most people are simply not prepared to imagine a world where there is no magic parent in the sky to protect and guide you. Any religion can be useful to good people and can just as easily be used as a weapon by others. For me, Buddhism is the only system that makes sense and certainly the only one that gives us a real reason to be compassionate toward all beings.
The Dalai Lama has little to worry about from the Communist Chinese and that’s what really drives them crazy; they can’t control everything. It will be interesting to see how this works out…
Report Post »webpreacher
Posted on September 30, 2011 at 12:28amJAYMS, The Dalai Lama, is very much a danger to countless who believe in his damnable rhetoric, leading many down a road of destruction which ends in the very “Flames of Hell”, “No threat to anyone” you say, so little you know about what is spiritual !
Have you meet Jesus, God’s Christ?
http://www.Jesus-is-Savior.com
http://www.GodSaid/ManSaid.com
Open God’s Book the KJV Bible, and then visit these web sites !
Report Post »Old Truckers
Posted on September 27, 2011 at 12:27amHe is going to let us know when he is 90.
What if he dies before that?
Then what are we going to do with all the worry and anticipation as to where he went.
Hmmm, maybe he doesn’t know what he is talking about.
Report Post »louise
Posted on September 27, 2011 at 6:58amLove it! lol
Report Post »ChiefGeorge
Posted on September 27, 2011 at 12:00amhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bcOvWGuQTow
I’ll let Mickey tell the story. Note that he had no say about the matter but knew at the very last second he needed God and said…….I want to live. He still is professing this story to this very day. I for one believe his story and at that time in his life had no reasons to make it up.
Report Post »ChiefGeorge
Posted on September 26, 2011 at 11:56pmWho is incharge of the whole reincarnation process anyways? Somebody has to judge and decide who shall be what and keep an account of their doings here on earth right? Wouldn’t that somebody be sort of Omnipresent? Does the cycle of reincarnation ever end? Whoa this is making my head hurt.
I am sure the Dali is a nice man but dear sir there is no such thing and its made up so you can believe for now you are avoiding the judgement for what you have done here in this life alone. Once is appointed to man to live and die, then be judged. You don’t get do overs sir! I know you have many more friends than I do and many more that follow your silliness and deception that you may not even be aware that is a deception. Know Jesus and you will know eternal life that is the only truth there is. Narrow minded? I don’t care! There is no universal truth, but only one truth and that is God is the creator of the universe and of man.
Report Post »louise
Posted on September 27, 2011 at 7:00amChief, I think Santa Claus is in charge. And he’s checking that list twice.
Report Post »Atomik
Posted on March 26, 2012 at 5:48pmReincarnation is not at all about bypassing judgement, it is actually all about being judged. In Buddhism they don’t deny the existence of a God, but they don‘t talk about the existence of a God because when Gods get involved many of times people can’t handle it and you end up with very malicious and blinded people. Not bashing christianity here or any other religion, I know lots of good christians who are very kind, compassionate people with a very expanded and wise mind. However, more often than not I see malicious ones who spit venom in the eyes of people who don’t agree with their views. Think back very hard, you have all different kinds of bibles and religions based on a one god Ideal. Although the Bible may be written up by a God/Higher being it is not all the impossible to have it get jumbled up and manipulated while it is down here. In Heaven, sure, it may be completely safe from alterations. On Earth, however, it is a completely different story. Malicious world leaders, liars, gamblers, cheaters, con artists all exist here and they generally have no bounds on finding ways to control people and are not afraid to touch the “Holiest of holy’s”.
Would Jesus, who is a very kind, great teacher (Maybe not savior, but that is up to personal belief.) sit and say that the Buddha is all wrong no matter what? No, he would accept him as a brother and another great teacher with another way of living a good life for the benefit of the world. Just something to think on. P
Report Post »zoro51
Posted on September 26, 2011 at 11:47pmBFD i mean BFD ok… B F D
Report Post »motherof18
Posted on September 26, 2011 at 11:44pmThat guy has as much brain power as Tiny Tim. Go tip toe through the tulips you dumb fruit.
Report Post »TX_45_ACP
Posted on September 26, 2011 at 11:40pmWell, I just set an Outlook reminder for his 90th birthday…
Report Post »BobtheMoron
Posted on September 26, 2011 at 11:34pmAnother load of horse crap from an eastern mystic.
Report Post »UlyssesP
Posted on September 26, 2011 at 11:11pmNo matter who he re-incarnates as, I bet he-she-it will STILL be Marxist.
Yes, he is a marxist. “…as far as socio-political beliefs are concerned, I consider myself a Marxist … But not a Leninist,”
I’m a Lennon-McCartney-ist myself.
Report Post »Donttredonme
Posted on September 27, 2011 at 6:13pmtard…
Report Post »NSDQ
Posted on September 26, 2011 at 11:04pmDoesn’t Omni-Galactic Super Oneness impart one with this knowledge at birth??
Report Post »nannyatnannydotgov
Posted on September 26, 2011 at 10:59pmHe must feel his importance slipping and is trying to beef up his story. God will decide how to handle this when the time arrives.
Report Post »Blazer123
Posted on September 26, 2011 at 10:47pmseems like a reasonable and logical process. Certainly it’s only someone very enlightened who can choose when and if he is reincarnated.
Report Post »Mimi24
Posted on September 26, 2011 at 11:59pmIf you aren’t being sarcastic then what flavor did you get?
Report Post »vennoye
Posted on September 27, 2011 at 12:26amMimi24
Report Post »Thanks for making me laugh!!!