How is the Dalai Lama chosen?

The current Dalai Lama has said if his spirit is reborn, it may not be in a country under Chinese rule. read more

The Dalai Lama is found rather than chosen. He is believed to have the power to choose the body into which he is reincarnated, meaning that the current Dalai Lama is a reincarnation of the last. The search for the reborn Dalai Lama is the responsibility of the High Lamas of the Gelgupa tradition and the Tibetan government. read more

Upon formal confirmation, the Dalai Lama is traditionally taken with his family to the Drepung Monastery in Lhasa to begin his studies. Except for the 4th Dalai Lama, who was born in Mongolia, the Dalai Lamas were all born in Tibet. read more

The Dalai Lama is chosen once the recently deceased Dalai Lama has died. The Ex-Dalai Lama's advisors, friends and people who knew him personally well, then travel the country in the search of a new Dalai Lama. read more