Buddhist Nyingma sect finds ‘reincarnation’ of famous Rinpoche

Published
24th Nov, 2022

Context

In a significant development in Tibetan Buddhist circles, the Nyingma sect has identified a boy from Spiti in Himachal Pradesh as the reincarnation of the late Taklung Setrung Rinpoche, a scholar known for his knowledge of Tibetan Tantric School.

Background:

The Five Precepts of Buddhism (Basic Principles):

Refrain from taking life. Not killing any living being.
Refrain from taking what is not given. Not stealing from anyone.
Refrain from the misuse of the senses. Not having too much sensual pleasure.
Refrain from wrong speech.
Refrain from intoxicants that cloud the mind.

Schools of Buddhism came into existence with the passage of time. The two primary schools of Buddhism were
- Theravada School of Buddhism
- Mahayana School of Buddhism
Later, from these two branches, several forms of Buddhism came into existence.
Though the form of expression in these schools differs the basic principles remain the same.

Schools in Buddhism:

Theravada School of Buddhism: It was popularized in Sri Lanka, Myanmar, China, and other Asian countries.
- According to the doctrine of Theravada Buddhism, an individual needs to abide by the basic principles of Buddhism strictly.
Mahayana School of Buddhism: The main idea behind Mahayana Buddhism is that anyone can reach the stature of the Buddha by following Buddha Marga. Mahasanghika sect is believed to be the source of Mahayana Buddhism.
- This school of Buddhism had a huge impact on China, Korea, and Japan.
Vajrayana School of Buddhism: This is the tantric school of Buddhism. It is believed that by practicing Vajrayana, a Buddhist follower can achieve enlightenment easily.
- It is more popularly used in Tibetan Buddhism. When considered in a larger aspect, it is a part of the Mahayana school of Buddhism.
- It is also commonly referred to as ‘Lamaism’ because at the center of the school lies the Lama.

The Nyingma Sect of Buddhism:

As Buddhism made progress and spread to different parts of the world, new thoughts and improvisations came to be attached to the existing beliefs and practices.
This process led to the development and evolution of different schools or sects.
The Nyingma sect is the oldest of all Buddhist sects.
It is practiced under the Vajrayana School of Buddhism.
The followers of the sect are spread across Tibet, Bhutan, Ladakh, Sikkim, and other Himalayan Buddhist pockets.

Who was Taklung Setrung Rinpoche?

Taklung Setrung Rinpoche was a profound scholar renowned for his expertise in Tibetan Tantric School.
The Rinpoche used to live in the Takthok monastery of Ladakh, one of the oldest monasteries related to the Nyingma sect.
The Rinpoche was widely consulted by the followers of the faith.

The Concept of ‘Reincarnation’ in Buddhism:

The process of reincarnation has to be determined following the physical demise of a revered monk.
The incarnation is, therefore, an important development as this is the continuation of an important teacher.
Following the Buddhist belief in the principle of rebirth, the Dalai Lama is believed by Buddhists to be able to choose the body into which he is reincarnated.
The search involves consulting oracles, interpreting visions, and reading spiritual signs.