Hmm, I’ve found some more on this here:
Though I love this Dalai Lama dearly, I don’t think I completely grasp this believe system. It seems odd, the whole concept of consciously refusing to reincarnate because of political interference.
But what do I know, really.
I always understood that choosing a new Dalai Lama was based on ancient tradition, deeply rooted in a religious dogma, but perhaps my only knowledge on this comes from the movie Kundun, so that might not be the ideal reference point.
Perhaps it’s for the best, but it’s so strange, he was like a pope, I wonder what will happen to this branch of Buddhism after he’s gone.