Reincarnation System of Tibetan Buddhism
The reincarnation system distinguishes Tibetan Buddhism from other forms of Buddhism. It is based on the theory that Buddha’s soul never vanishes but incarnates in succession to lead his followers to accomplish his mission.
Garma Pakshi, an eminent monk with Garma Gagyu Sect, is the founder of the reincarnation system. He was praised highly by the Emperor of Yuan Dynasty and was granted with a gold-rimmed black hat which has then been preserved until today. In 1283, Garma Pakshi passed away in Tsurpu Monastery at the age of 80. Before his death, he told his disciples that a boy (his reincarnation) would inherit the black hat. According to his will, his disciples carried out a search and located the reincarnated soul boy. This event marked the introduction of the Living Buddha reincarnation system. Since then, it was gradually adopted by other sects of Tibetan Buddhism. By the end of Qing Dynasty, there were up to 160 Living Buddhas registered for reincarnation with the Board for Mongolian and Tibetan Affairs. The most influential reincarnation systems are that for Dalai Lama and Panchen Lama.
After a high lama passed away, a search party will conduct the search for his reincarnation. They will scour Tibet for special signs including new mothers who had unusual dreams, children who have special knowledge without being taught and special physical traits. Some lamas will be sent to the oracle lake - Lhamo Latso for prophetic visions. Usually there will be several candidates. To make the system more fair, Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty requested to use a gold urn lottery as a divination to eliminate false candidates. With the names and birth dates of the final candidates written on ivory slips, wrapped up and sealed in the urn, the reincarnated soul boy would be confirmed by drawing a lot in front of the statue of Sakyamuni in the Jokhang Temple.
The reincarnation system has been proved helpful in properly handling the succession of religious masters which was once manipulated by powerful Tibetan families. It contributes a lot to the flourishing development of Tibetan Buddhism in the snow land.