Why did the Dalai Lama get his name?

Answer 1

Back when Tibet came under the rules of the Mongolian Khans, Tibetan Buddhism was the state religion and the Mongolian emperor appointed his favorite (personal) lama as the political leader of Tibet. Until recently, the position held both spiritual and political power.

After the death of a high lama, a search is often conducted to find the reincarnation. As the current Dalai Lama has described, this process is challenging and often political in nature. He has initiated changes to reduce the politicization of the process. The current Dalai Lama is was born as Lhamo Thöndup, but his name was changed upon being recognized as the Dalai Lama. The current Dalai Lama, now commonly known as Tenzin Gyatso, initiated a democratically elected parliament for the Tibetan government in exile and recently separated the political from the spiritual leadership. Today a democratically elected "prime minister" heads the Tibetan Government in Exile. In the future, it is expected that the Dalai Lamas will continue as spiritual leaders of the Tibetan Buddhists.

The Dalai Lama is acknowledged to be a reincarnation of the previous Dalai Lama and also an emanation of the Buddha of Compassion, Avalokiteśvara (known as Chenrezig in Tibetan.)

Answer:

Each Dalai Lama is the reincarnation of the previous Dalai Lama.

After the death of the Dalai Lama a search is conducted by High Lamas of the Gelugpa Tradition. They use visions, signs, dreams and tradition to guide their search. Once candidates are found they are tested. The successful candidate and his family are taken and trained in Buddhist traditions and knowledge.

Answer:The Dalai Lama is not chosen to become what he is, (Like Popeye) he is what he is and has been that for fourteen reincarnations. The position is not an elected or appointed office. In Buddhism an enlightened person can refuse to enter Nirvana, choosing instead to return to the cycle of death and rebirth to help others become enlightened. The current Dalai Lama is a reincarnation of the previous Dalai Lama and ultimately the reincarnation or a manifestation of the Bodhisattva of Compassion, Avalokiteśvara.

After the death of the existing Dalai Lama the problem is to find where the reincarnation has occurred. This is usually expected to be in Tibet.

The search is the responsibility of the High Lamas of the Gelugpa Tradition and the government of Tibet. It can take around two or three years (or more) to identify the new incarnation of the Dalai Lama.

The High Lamas conduct several rituals to increase the odds of finding the reincarnation quickly. They look for omens and seek hintsin their dreams. They also devise tests for candidates they feel may be the reincarnation. Familiarity with the possessions of the previous Dalai Lama is considered the main sign of the reincarnation.

Having been found, the child is brought to Lhasa (or a similar location) for training in Buddhist thought and knowledge The current Dalai Lama is was born Tenzin Gyasto

Answer 2

The name or title "Dalai Lama" is thought to come from a combination of Mongolian and Tibetan terms. From Mongolian comees "dalai" meaning ocean and from the Tibetan "lama" meaning superior one. There is a common supposition that the title means "Ocean of Wisdom". The Tibetans have other terms for the Dalai Lama and the title may be just an anglicized version of one of these.

Answer 3

There is no explanation in the metaphysical or esoteric sense as to why there is a Dalai Lama. In the worldly sense all organizations need a leader. The Gelug or "Yellow Hat" branch of Tibetan Buddhism is no different. HH Dalai Lama is spiritual head of this sect.