An eight-year-old US-born Mongolian boy has been declared the reincarnation of the third most important leader in Tibetan Buddhism, Khalkha Jetsun Dhampa Rinpoche.

The elderly spiritual leader was pictured with the boy during a ceremony recognising him as the 10th Khalkha Jetsun Dhampa Rinpoche. The ceremony took place earlier this month in Dharamsala, where the Dalai Lama resides.

"We have the reincarnation of Khalkha Jetsun Dhampa Rinpoche of Mongolia with us today," the Dalai Lama said during the ceremony which was attended by 5,000 monks and nuns, 600 Mongolians and other members.

Pointing to the boy, the Dalai Lama told the gathering, "We have the reincarnation of Khalkha Jetsun Dhampa Rinpoche of Mongolia with us today. His predecessors had a close association with the Krishnacharya lineage of Chakrasamvara. One of them established a monastery in Mongolia dedicated to its practice. So, his being here today is quite auspicious."

As the session came to a close on that day, the Dalai Lama met briefly with a significant contingent of Mongolians who are patrons of this teaching. "Tantra spread widely in Tibet. With regard to Chakrasamvara, the Ghantapada and Luipa traditions were popular, but this Krishnacharya lineage was quite rare. I received it from Tagdrag Rinpoche and have long felt a close affinity for the practice," the Dalai Lama said, according to IANS.

"Chakrasamvara is classified as a mother tantra. It belongs to the highest yoga tantras. While Guhyasamaja emphasises the illusory body, Chakrasamvara focuses on the clear light. However, if you make the illusory body your primary practice, the clear light also arises," he added.

Notably, the 9th Khalkha Jetsun Rinpoche was a Tibetan and he died in Mongolia in 2012, with his family now living in Dharamshala.

Image courtesy: Office of Dalai Lama