WorldJuly 24, 2026
tulku
/ˈtuːlkuː/
Definition
A recognized high-ranking Buddhist teacher or lama who is believed to have consciously chosen to be reborn to continue their spiritual work.
Etymology
The word originates from the Tibetan 'sprul-sku', meaning 'emanation body'. It is a calque of the Sanskrit term 'nirmanakaya', which refers to the physical manifestation of a Buddha.
In the news
In this article, the term is used to describe the traditional Tibetan Buddhist reincarnation system. It is highlighted because the Chinese state is attempting to bureaucratize the identification of these individuals to exert political control over religious succession.
The Geopolitics of the Dalai Lama Institution and Tibetan Reincarnation: China’s Quest for Control
Read the full article ↗Central Tibetan Administration