Is this the last Re-encarnation of the Dalai lama?

He has said it might be. And there’s nothing humorous about it.

Setting aside that there is no such thing as reincarnation, even if there were, I doubt he has the power to decide if he is reincarnated or not. That rests solely in the purview of the gods.

I doubt it, although I’ve heard him mention it.

imho, for it to be the last reincarnation, he would have had to have reached the absolute pinnacle that a human could.

The last reincarnation is the one where we awaken, where we join opposites, where we transcend separation and duality and become whole so as to truly become responsible. The ‘Awakened Soul’ is the final step – the progression of the Old Soul who has undergone immense spiritual work.

Who are the Chinese to outlaw reincarnation??
If someone wants to believe it, it will be. If someone doesn’t want to believe in that, they won’t.
No problem.

@RedDeerGuy1 I don’t get it. Was it meant to be funny?

@kritiper, they might very well outlaw making a public announcement of it and allowing all the ceremonial aspects of the process to take place.

I too have read that he has said he might choose not to reincarnate under the conditions that now exist with China and Tibet. I don’t believe in reincarnation, but I do believe that the Dalai Lama is an inspiring teacher who merits great respect.

@ragingloli, in his religion it is possible. Your view of the purview of the gods does not constrain him in his.

I agree with @Hawaii_Jake, it isn’t funny. I note that @RedDeerGuy1 didn’t include his usual “humor welcome” note, so maybe he wasn’t inviting jokes.

You can bet there will be more than one claimant. China will of course appoint its own stooge, which the faithful will ignore. My bet is that the current lama and his fellows have already secretly identified the next Dalai lama, and will spring the announcement on the world to the considerable annoyance of the Chinese

@HP, as I understand it, no one can claim the title. Elder lamas have to recognize the heir to the title, and sometimes it takes a long while—years. The thinking is that the new incarnation will reveal him- or herself.

I believe the Dalai Lama’s stated reason for not reincarnating was that the Chinese authorities have said they will pick the next incarnation, and undoubtedly they would pick a Chinese. DL said that person wouldn’t be him, that he would not reincarnate as their choice, under their control, and that to avoid that conflict he just wouldn’t reincarnate.

I read all this years ago, so if I’ve got any if it muddled, I hope someone will set me straight.

This is exactly my point. It matters not one bit what the current Dali Lama has to say on the matter, at least not to any citizen of China which is why he dare not return home to say it. The government regards the vey notion of a citizen subject to dictates free from the will and mandates of the party as preposterous. You can believe in Jesus if you choose, but if you dare assert in public that as a Catholic, for you it is the Pope who is infallible, you will receive the requisite attention befitting your crime of undermining the state. It’s treason, open and shut.

I don’t think China has outlawed the practice but it has enshrined in law that the Chinese government must approve all reincarnations of the Dalai Lama.

However, if the Chinese government really believes in re incarnation, why doesn’t it look for the re incarnation of Mao Tse Tung?

The government doesn’t give a shit one way or the other about reincarnation or any other mystical ideology. It worries about people in positions of leadership independent of party influence and discipline. No god or religious authority, NO ONE PERIOD is permitted to be at variance with party ideology. The Chinese understand perfectly that the pulpit is a dangerous and volatile weapon worthy of close and rigorous state regulation. And the government ruthlessly enforces such regulation with no pretense at apology or moderation.

Reincarnation, like all magic, is just stories.

He seems to think that he should be the last to make sure they don’t get an idiot taking over the position!!!

@HP, ok, I see we’re saying the same thing.

What his intent not to reincarnate does is effectively delegitimize anyone chosen by Chinese authorities.

Yes. And as with Falon Gung no massed movement, cult, church or whatever is going to be permitted an opportunity for leadership exhibiting even the hint of any idea at odds with party requirements.