Conference: Reincarnation in Tibetan Buddhism and the Institution of the Dalai Lama-Day 1

This is the first day of the two-day conference. Check full conference details here. 

Reincarnation recognition began in the 13th century as a distinctive practice in Tibetan Buddhism to ensure continuity in spiritual authority across successive lives of religious masters. Over time such recognized reincarnations took on significant temporal power as well, particularly the line of the Dalai Lamas who were instrumental in the formation of the Tibetan Ganden Phodrang government in the 17th century. This conference will look at the history across the region, the esoteric practices of rebirth and divination, and the modern-day geopolitical implications of the continuation of this practice in Tibetan, Himalayan, Mongolian, and Central Asian communities -- and indeed across the Buddhist world in Asia and beyond.

Registration is not required, but appreciated for planning purposes.

4:00 p.m. Opening and Introductions
Michael Puett, Harvard University
Janet Gyatso, Harvard University 
Traditional Tibetan performance by Tenzin Tsedup, former artist of the India-based Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts 

5:00 p.m. Reception
Concourse, CGIS South, 1730 Cambridge Street

Co-sponsored by the Harvard University Asia Center, the Fairbank Center for Chinese Studies, the Harvard-Yenching Institute, and the Lakshmi Mittal and Family South Asia Institute.