Each previous incarnation of the Karmapa had received the teachings from a master lama (the word lama simply means "teacher") who had himself received them from a previous incarnation of the Karmapa.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama, himself a master of the scientific method in his search for analytical insight, shows enormous respect for science and scientists, and frequently emphasizes the importance of education and information in building awareness.
"Unmistaken Child" documents the four-year search of Tenzin Zopa, a gentle, baby-faced 28-year-old Nepalese monk, for the reincarnation of his Tibetan master, Geshe Lama Konchog, who died in 2001.
One of the monks told me that I had arrived at a very auspicious time: after years of searching, the reincarnation of a legendary Buddhist master, or lama, had been found, and he was currently being inaugurated into his new role at Mahabodhi.
As uncertainty is profoundly unappetizing to film investors, you can imagine how this documentary pitch went over: The Israeli filmmaker Nati Baratz proposed in 2002 to follow a young Tibetan Buddhist monk on the search for the reincarnation of a revered 84-year-old master, Geshe Lama Konchog.
The Dalai Lama is a known master of upaya, skillful means, and while he can go toe to toe with world-class philosophers and neuroscientists, and has informed opinions on economic restructuring, his agenda was quietly calculated.
A cursory history of Buddhism in the postwar West might go as follows: After the Second World War, more Americans encountered Zen masters, lamas, and monks, both here and abroad.
"Isn't that what you call someone who fights for women's rights?" Despite the complex historical, religious and political factors surrounding the selection of incarnate masters in the exiled Tibetan tradition, the Dalai Lama is open to change.
"I like all the speakers and the workshops, but the opportunity to hear the Dalai Lama was the big thing for me," said Dana Longstreet, 52, who is working on a master's degree in social work at Rutgers University.
But Lama Lobtsul persevered, and at 21 he attained the title of lama, or teacher, eventually becoming master of ceremonies at his monastery.
