Question asked by Jonathan
Dear Pastors,
I have been reading the biographies and the historic backgrounds of the Dalai Lama and Panchen Lama. It is an interesting read. However, as I was reading the about the current incarnations of Dalai and Pachen Lama, it really baffles me somehow. We all Buddhists believed the existence and the potency of the Dharma Protectors. Some specifically protecting the very well-being of both Dalai and Panchen Lama, in order for the flourish and spreading the holy teachings of the Buddha.
However, it saddens me a lot and also raised questions on the fate of current Panchen Lama as well as about the 15th Dalai Lama, that may be controlled by the foreign government. (hope it is not a sensitive issue here, I'm consulting all dear Pastors really based on curiosity and needed an explanation to convince me). In what sort of Karma, why the upmost important lineage of the holy masters were affected, and I believed the Dharma Protectors could have protect them? to prevent all these?
Can Pastors explain more in depth to me?
Hope there will be a fruitful discussion !
Cheers!
Dear Jonathan,
For a High Lama that’s indisputably considered emanations of Chenrezig and Amitabha Buddha as in the case of the Dalai Lamas and Panchen Lamas respectively, they do not need Dharma Protectors to protect them. They actually practice a protector so they would be able to pass it down to others and to eliminate the obstacles of their innumerable students.
They have full clairvoyance and control of their death and rebirth. At the same time, they have innumerable emanations working to spread the Dharma all over. These high incarnations would plan out their rebirths under the best conditions possible to be of benefit to others. If they are true incarnations of the Dalai Lama and Panchen Lama, they would find various means to benefit others even if they do take rebirth in countries with authoritarian regimes. From our end, we are unable to judge who is a true incarnation or not but in time, a true incarnate tulku would reveal himself through his actions and great works. The recognition is just a procedure and a status that allows the Tulku to be of greater benefit.