Tulkus

Tulku, plural tulkus, is a term in Tibetan Buddhism referring to a recognized reincarnation of a previous spiritual teacher. The concept describes a lama or respected master whose mind-stream is believed to continue in a new body, allowing the continuation of a line of teaching and leadership across lifetimes. Tulkus are typically identified after the death of a lama, though in some cases a living tulku may begin to teach in anticipation of a future rebirth.

Recognition and selection: The process is usually carried out by senior lamas and the heads of schools or monasteries. Methods include examining the child’s behavior and abilities, the candidate’s affinity with the deceased teacher, and the child’s ability to identify objects or places belonging to the former master. Oracles, dreams, and confirmations by established religious authorities also play roles. Once identified, the new tulku undergoes enthronement, training, and integration into the lineage, with responsibilities to teach, lead rituals, and manage institutions.

Roles and training: Tulkus serve as teachers, abbots, or patrons within their monastic communities. They uphold doctrinal and ritual traditions, oversee monasteries and scholastic centers, and guide lay followers through study and practice. Training often encompasses philosophy, ethics, meditation, ritual arts, and the administration of religious institutions.

Doctrine and debates: The tulku system rests on the belief in the continuity of a mind-stream across death. While central to several Tibetan Buddhist schools, the concept has faced scrutiny and philosophical debate, both within and outside Buddhism, and has been influenced by political considerations at times.

Geography and examples: Tulku lineages are found primarily in Tibetan Buddhist contexts—Gelug, Kagyu, Nyingma, and Sakya—and in Himalayan regions and Buddhist communities abroad. Notable examples include the Dalai Lamas and the Karmapas, among others. In modern times, recognition sometimes intersects with political issues, such as state involvement in certain identifications.