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Mongolia: Image of Zanabazar, one of the most influental tulku in Mongolia. Photo by Gryffindor (CC BY-SA 3.0 License)

Mongolian Buddhism: Statuette of Zanabazar, one of the most influential tulku in Mongolia, 19th century. In Tibetan Buddhism, a tulku is a particular high-ranking lama, of whom the Dalai Lama is one, who can choose the manner of his (or her) rebirth. Normally the lama would be reincarnated as a human, and of the same sex as his (or her) predecessor. However, discussing his own successor, the Dalai Lama has been quoted as saying that 'if a woman reveals herself as more useful the lama could very well be reincarnated in this form'. The Dalai Lama has also said (when speculating about the possibility that his people might have no use for a Dalai Lama after he dies) that he 'might take rebirth as an insect, or an animal...'. In contrast to a tulku, all other sentient beings including other lamas, have no choice as to the manner of their rebirth. Public Domain image by Gryffindor.