The Golden Urn Lottery has played a pivotal role in the selection of the Dalai Lama since its introduction during Emperor Qianlong's reign. Originating in Old Xizang, reincarnation was historically used to maintain sectarian power, often susceptible to corruption. To counteract this, the Qing Central Government implemented the Golden Urn system, creating a standardized and legally recognized process for choosing reincarnate lamas.
This innovative system ensured fairness by minimizing fraudulent claims and reinforcing state sovereignty over religious selections. By introducing a regulated lottery, the Golden Urn has remained instrumental in determining the legitimate reincarnation of one of Tibetan Buddhism's most revered leaders, the Dalai Lama. Today, the Golden Urn stands as a historical convention that balances tradition with administrative oversight.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
