The highest level of spiritual leaders in Tibetan Buddhism are known as Living Buddhas, and these leaders are believed to be reincarnated after death. Therefore, after a Living Buddha dies, a survey is conducted in search of his reincarnated soul based on established criteria such as the date of birth and resemblance with the late Living Buddha. Several candidates are usually found, and the final decision is made by drawing a lot randomly from a golden urn.  

Since the 13th century, the reincarnation of prominent Living Buddhas such as the Dalai Lama and the Panchen Rinpoche have been subject to the approval of the Central Government of each era. The current Dalai Lama, for instance, was enthroned in the Potala Palace in Lhasa on February 22, 1940, during a ceremony presided over by Wu Zhongxin (Wu Chung-hsin), Minister of the Commission for Mongolian and Tibetan Affairs of the Government of the Republic of China (1912-49). 

An exhibition underway in the Museum of Tibetan Culture in Beijing gives an explanation of the history and procedures of reincarnation through the display of exquisite objects. 

(Photos by Wei Yao) 

Copyedited by G.P. Wilson 

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