The Dalai Lama

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The Dalai Lama
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Origins of the Institution

• Buddhism was first introduced and then spread
  into Tibet from 618-838, when the early kings of
  Tibet were in power
• Several schools of Buddhism came into prominence,
  the last one being the Gelug school
• The third grand lama of the Gelugpa order is
  regarded as the first Dalai Lama
• His name was Gedun Drupa and he lived from
  1391-1474
• The title Dalai Lama did not appear until 1578
• Regarded as the incarnation of Chenrezig

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• When asked about being the incarnation of
  Chenrezig, and about whether being considered
  divine is a burden or a delight, the Dalai Lama
  responded
• It is very helpful. Through this role I can be
  of great benefit to people. For this reason I
  like it Im at home with it. Its clear that it
  is very helpful to people and that I have the
  karmic relationship to be in this role. Also it
  is clear that there is a karmic relationship with
  the Tibetan people in particular. Now you see,
  you may consider that under the circumstances, I
  am very lucky. However, behind the word luck,
  there are actual causes or reasons. There is the
  karmic force of my ability to assume this role as
  well as the force of my wish to do so.

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Reincarnation of the Dalai Lamas

• After the death of a Dalai Lama, the Tibetan
  government embarks on a search for his
  reincarnation or yangsi
• Before dying the Dalai Lamas often give clues as
  to the location of their reincarnations
• They are identified in a number of ways
• Some have been found following unusual births and
  childhoods and others by displaying signs of
  extreme intelligence
• The candidate should show at least some of the
  proper markings
• He should also be able to pick out the previous
  Dalai Lamas personal possessions from an
  assortment of similar objects
• If he passes the tests, he is brought to Lhasa
  for training

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Role in Government

• Prior to the Chinese invasion, the government of
  Tibet was religious in character.
• Once the Dalai Lama turned eighteen, he
  theoretically assumed full and absolute power.
• Those who held the most power in the secular
  offices were in the Kashag.
• The Dalai Lama appoints the Lord Chamberlain, the
  highest ecclesiastical figure.
• The monastic council is also appointed by the
  Dalai Lama. They are His chief executives in
  religious matters and secular government.
• All authority in Tibet devolved from the hands of
  the Dalai Lama. He was at the top of the
  government structure.

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Spiritual Role

• The Dalai Lama is a Buddhist monk and is
  obligated to a life of prayer and meditation.
• His religious authority extends outside the
  borders of Tibet to adherents of Tibetan
  Buddhism.
• His duties
• Pray for the benefit of all beings
• Perform ordination of monks
• Participate in the discovery and recognition of
  newly reincarnated lamas
• Give final decisions in religious disputes

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In Exile

• Being a refugee has been very useful. You are
  much closer to reality. When I was in Tibet as
  the Dalai Lama, I was trying to be realistic,

but somehow because of circumstances, there was
some distance, I think. I was a bit isolated
from the reality. I became a refugee. Very good.
So there was a good opportunity to gain
experience and also determination or inner
strength.