The system of reincarnation of living Buddhas in Tibetan Buddhism emerged in the 13th century during the Yuan dynasty. Over the following centuries, religious rituals and historical customs gradually solidified regarding the search for, recognition of, and appointment of reincarnated spiritual leaders.

According to this system, the reincarnation of significant living Buddhas must receive final approval and official appointment from the central government. Preserved Tibetan historical archives also provide detailed descriptions of the search for reincarnation and the inauguration ceremony of the fourteenth Dalai Lama.

As with his predecessors, these documents, according to the Chinese interpretation, confirm that the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama must be recognized and approved by the central government. Therefore, according to this system, the Dalai Lama himself does not have the authority to unilaterally determine or "appoint" a reincarnated child.

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