Eight year old boy at the heart of fight over Mongolian spiritual leader

Subject: IR

Section :Msc

Context:

More about the news:

An affluent Mongolian boy born into a mining dynasty unexpectedly becomes a pivotal figure in a struggle between the Dalai Lama and the Chinese Communist Party.
Identified as the 10th reincarnation of the Bogd, a significant figure in Tibetan Buddhism, his selection challenges Chinese influence and puts Mongolia’s relations with China to the test.
The boy’s privileged background raises concerns of elitism in the selection process, while geopolitical implications loom large, including potential repercussions for U.S.-Mongolia relations.
The Dalai Lama’s choice signifies a shift in power within Tibetan Buddhism, with China aiming to control the faith globally.

Significance of the Recognition in Tibetan Buddhism:

The recognition of the Mongolian boy as the reincarnation of Khalkha Jetsun Dhampa Rinpoche is a significant event in Tibetan Buddhism.
The Dalai Lama himself is recognized as the 10th Khalkha Jetsun Dhampa Rinpoche, and his recognition of the boy as the reincarnation of one of his predecessors carries significant weight within the religion.

Some Details about Dalai Lama:

Dalai Lama is a title given by the Tibetan people for the foremost spiritual leader of the Gelug or “Yellow Hat” school of Tibetan Buddhism, the newest of the classical schools of Tibetan Buddhism.
The 14th and current Dalai Lama is Tenzin Gyatso.
He was born on 6 July 1935, to a farming family, in a small hamlet located in Taktser, Amdo, northeastern Tibet.
At the age of two, the child, then named Lhamo Dhondup, was recognized as the reincarnation of the previous 13th Dalai Lama, Thubten Gyatso.
The Dalai Lamas are believed to be manifestations of Avalokiteshvara or Chenrezig, the Bodhisattva of Compassion and the patron saint of Tibet.
Bodhisattvas are realized beings inspired by a wish to attain Buddhahood for the benefit of all sentient beings, who have vowed to be reborn in the world to help humanity.
In his Holiness the Dalai Lama 1989 he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his non-violent struggle for the liberation of Tibet.

How Dalai Lama is selected:

Following the Buddhist belief in the principle of reincarnation, the current Dalai Lama is believed by Buddhists to be able to choose the body into which he is reincarnated.
That person, when found, will then become the next Dalai Lama.
According to Buddhist scholars it is the responsibility of the High Lamas of the Gelugpa tradition and the Tibetan government to seek out and find the next Dalai Lama following the death of the incumbent.
If more than one candidate is identified, the true successor is found by officials and monks drawing lots in a public ceremony.
Once identified, the successful candidate and his family are taken to Lhasa (or Dharamsala) where the child studies the Buddhist scriptures in order to prepare for spiritual leadership.
This process can take several years: it took four years to find the 14th (current) Dalai Lama.
The search is generally limited to Tibet, although the current Dalai Lama has said that there is a chance that he will not be reborn, and that if he is, it will not be in a country under Chinese rule.