The 14th Dalai Lama is arguably the most prominent Buddhist in the world. He has influenced the West considerably, including religious traditions other than his own. How did this come to be, and who will succeed him as the 15th spiritual leader of Tibet?

Professor Mario Aguilar is Professor of Religion and Politics in the School of Divinity, University of St Andrews, Scotland. His many books include The Way of the Hermit: Interfaith encounters in silence and prayer.

Dr John Powers is a Lecturer in Buddhism Studies at the University of Melbourne. Read his article on the politics of the Dalai Lama’s reincarnation on The Conversation.