In Tibetan Buddhism, the term tulku refers to a person, typically a lama, who is recognized as the reincarnation of a previous teacher, spiritual master, or lama. This recognition is often based on specific signs or characteristics that indicate the individual has returned to continue their spiritual work or teachings. The tulku system is a central part of Tibetan Buddhism and is seen as a way to preserve important teachings, lineages, and practices.
A lama is a spiritual teacher or master in Tibetan Buddhism, and a tulku is a lama who has been recognized as a reincarnation of a previous one. The process of identifying a tulku usually involves a combination of divination, consultation with spiritual leaders, and sometimes the recognition of certain qualities in the child, such as knowledge of previous teachings or the ability to identify objects or people that were significant to the previous incarnation.
One of the most famous examples of a tulku is the Dalai Lama, who is considered the reincarnation of a long line of spiritual leaders. Similarly, the Karmapa is the head of the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism, and his reincarnation is recognized as a tulku.
The tulku system is meant to ensure the continuity of spiritual leadership and teachings across generations.