Expert: Bodhicitta - 9/21/2007

Question
Dear Bodhicitta,
my name is Mose and I am trying to practice as sincerely as possible
Mahayana Buddhism.
It is said in the scriptures that after death rebirth must occur within 49 days.
However the recognised incarnations of some masters seem to have occurred
in a period exceding 49 days. How could this be?

Thank you very much for your time.
Mose

Answer
Dear Mose
I am pleased to hear that you are sincerely following the
Mahayana Buddhist path. This truly is the great way to awakening.

You are I am sure referring to the Tibetan system of Tulkus
and their rebirth. The 49 days is also a Tibetan tradition
associated with the so called Tibetan Book of the dead.

The system of Tulku is somewhat complex from a Buddhist
doctrinal point of view. A complete explanation would be
beyond the short answers I can give here. The Tibetan
word Tulku is a translation of the Indian word  Nirmanakaya which is one of the three bodies of the Buddha which
emanates in Samsara to save sentient beings.  These  Buddhas come
very rarely in the world - even in this fortunate age, the historic Buddha is one example.Tibetans would say Guru Rinpoche is another.

The Tibetan Tulku system has a long tradition. There are
different traditions involving different lineages and different monasteries. You must
make your own mind up as to what it all represents but
historically it seems to have been a mix of politics,
social function, continuity and religion. If you discuss the matter
with learned Tibetan Lamas they say some Tulkus are more
authentic than others.

Concerning the 49 days. I think you could think of this as
a symbolic time representing the time in the bardo.The time rebirth could be anything at all - since time is empty
and does not exist absolutely.  The
system of rebirth itself is far more complex than the simplicity of a journey through the pages of this text. Maybe the so called Tibetan Book of the dead is a practice text for
the living and not a guide book for the dead.

Keep following your inspiration.
Bodhicitta