Kushok Bakula born again in Ladakh

By Jigment Angchuk

Nubra (Ladakh), Mar 27 : A two-year-old boy, Thubstan Nawang has been identified as the reincarnation of the Indian Buddhist saint, Kushok Bakula Rinpoche.

Nawang who has been identified as the reincarnation of Bakula hails from Kiager village in Nubra valley in Ladakh.

Dalai Lama and a team of scholars from Ladakh chose Nawang as the reincarnation of Bakula.

"Bakula's reincarnation was confirmed by his holiness the Dalai Lama. When the reincarnation has taken place in Nubra valley, monks of Spituk Monastery, particularly the older members and the masses are overwhelmed and expressed their desire to see the anointed one. But, the monastery has norms where they have to fulfill religious formalities after which they can see the blessed child," said Ven. Hupstan Paldan, a Buddhist scholar.

Nawang, was born to parents Dorje Tsering and Sonam Dolma. While the father is in the army, his mother attends to the family's agricultural holdings.

It is said that the child's mother had dreamt of her son being anointed as Bakula.

Since the boy is too young to be inducted into the monastic order, he will first be trained in the monastic way of life.

When he grows up, a coronation ceremony will be held where he will formally take the seat of Bakula at Spituk Monastery.

Bakula, the highest Buddhist Lama of Ladakh is considered to be the incarnate of one of the 16 Arahats of Lord Buddha's time and is not only known for his religious services, but is also the most revered leader of Ladakh of post-independence.

ANI