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Mongolian Buddhism: Statuette of Zanabazar, one of the most influential tulku in Mongolia, 19th century. In Tibetan Buddhism, a tulku is a particular high-ranking lama, of whom the Dalai Lama is one, who can choose the manner of his (or her) rebirth. Normally the lama would be reincarnated as a human, and of the same sex as his (or her) predecessor. However, discussing his own successor, the Dalai Lama has been quoted as saying that 'if a woman reveals herself as more useful the lama could very well be reincarnated in this form'. The Dalai Lama has also said (when speculating about the possibility that his people might have no use for a Dalai Lama after he dies) that he 'might take rebirth as an insect, or an animal...'. In contrast to a tulku, all other sentient beings including other lamas, have no choice as to the manner of their rebirth. Public Domain image by Gryffindor.
Mongolian Buddhism: Gilded stupa and a prajnaparamita ('Heart of Perfect Wisdom') text from the 18th century CE. Photo by Gryffindor (CC BY-SA 3.0 License).
Ngawang Lobsang Gyatso, the Great Fifth Dalai Lama (1617–1682), was a political and religious leader in seventeenth-century Tibet. Ngawang Lozang Gyatso was the ordination name he had received from Panchen Lobsang Chökyi Gyaltsen who was responsible for his ordination.<br/><br/> He was the first Dalai Lama to wield effective political power over central Tibet, and is frequently referred to as the 'Great Fifth Dalai Lama'.