if the Dalai Lama picked his succesor, how could his succesor also be a reincarnation of Buddha?

Question

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7103841.stm

lialson he states that he may pick his successor, to prevent Chinese interference , but thanks for the insult.

Answer 1

From what I have read the current Dalai Lama is not such a big fan of the system, but only perpetuates it because he understands its importance as a unifying factor for Tibetans.

If he dose do that it would mean the title of Dalai Lama would be more of a ceremonial figurehead than a divine one.

Answer 2

reincarnation is not a matter of 'soul' of a dead person to born again as another person. discriminations taken away, dalai lama is no more a dalai lama than you are or anyone else. all is one. there is no 'self' of dalai lama. this merely is a mechanism of administration, heavily ritualized though. if it is the time for this mechanism was reformed, let it be so. presence of this administration and presence of dalai lama overall have no impact on those who liberate for liberation is not in title and not in the name, but inside.

many concepts like reincarnation, karma, etc. are often interpreted, 'rationalized'. to see these for what they are, remove 'images' from them to see how 'empty' they are.

have no worries about lamas of tibet. they have well better understanding on the matter than us and they do can take care of themselves for emptiness can not be harmed. take care of yourself to be at peace. this is how you can help those around you.

good luck to you.
mickael

Answer 3

Are you really that ignorant? (No offense) The Dalai Lama can't 'pick' his successor. He believes he will be reborn, and whomever he is reborn into will become the next Dalai Lama.

You're right. I should've actually clicked the link. My mistake. Still, I think that doing so would be like admitting you don't believe your own religion.