This statement of Dalai Lama not only determines the future religious direction but also raises debate on the fundamental principles of religion, gender, politics and reincarnation.

If this prophecy comes true, it will be a turning point in history, and will give the whole world a new vision. What the 14th Dalai Lama has said in recent years is not just a religious idea, but a revolutionary rethinking of the traditional Tulku system of Buddhism. He himself has said that the next Dalai Lama could be an adult, and if the time is right, even a woman.

Is this simply a matter of spiritual growth, or a spiritual response to China's political intervention? Let's understand this startling possibility in scripture, tradition, and modern context.

Challenging tradition! Why did the Dalai Lama say the next Dalai Lama could be a woman

If a female Dalai Lama is more useful, then logically she should come. This statement was first made in 2009, and then reiterated and clarified in 2015 and 2019.

This statement of Dalai Lama is completely opposite to the tradition in which the reincarnation of a child has been sought for centuries. This time he is saying that in the interest of religion, the spirit of service should rise above form and gender and should be paramount.

Does the scriptures allow this?

Of course, there is no restriction on becoming a bodhisattva on the basis of gender in Mahayana Buddhism and the Vajrayan tradition. There is scriptural evidence for this:

It is stated in Sariputra Sutra (Mahayana) that all sentient beings possess Buddha-nature, regardless of gender. An example of this can also be found. Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo is a female yogini, who is recognized as a female Tulku in the West. Whereas Yeshe Tsogyal is the main disciple of Guru Padmasambhava, who is also called the second Buddha.

Reincarnation as an adult? Is it possible?

According to the 14th Dalai Lama, If the institution is not helpful anymore, I may choose not to reincarnate at all. This means that he does not consider the traditional rule of reincarnation as an infant to be of religious use anymore.

If, for the sake of public welfare, someone can take rebirth as an adult and serve immediately, then that form can also be acceptable. The Dalai Lama has repeatedly said that China can try to politically install a new Dalai Lama in Tibet.

That is why he warned the world that people should not recognize any Dalai Lama chosen for political ends by China. That is, people should not recognize any Dalai Lama chosen for political ends by China.

They link the spiritual right to reincarnation with sovereignty and self-determination. Which seems like a big deal.

What all can change?

What will happen if the Dalai Lama becomes a woman?

If the next Dalai Lama is born as a woman, it will be a revolutionary event not only in the history of religion but also in the field of world leadership, politics, gender equality and religious renaissance. Which can have serious implications-

• Revolution in global religious leadership
• Historical moment of women empowerment in Buddhism
• The challenge of political control over religious authority
• Rethinking the age-old process of reincarnation identification

FAQ

Q1. Has there ever been a female Dalai Lama before?

No, all Dalai Lamas so far have been men, but there have been several female bodhisattvas and tulkus in the Mahayana tradition.

Q2. Is it possible to reincarnate as an adult?

Traditionally, the search has been for a child, but the Dalai Lama has indicated that an adult form can also be considered if necessary.

Q3. Is this a strategy against Chinese interference?

Yes, it is being considered a spiritual warning against religious sovereignty and Chinese political interference.