Your Voice: The Dalai Lama Theory
Submitted by Dave Ganin
In "Cabin Fever," Richard Alpert gave Locke a test in which he placed various objects in front of John and asked him to identify which ones were "his." Though this might have seemed strange and unique to the Lost universe, this test is actually taken directly from Tibetan Buddhism. Upon the death of the Dalai Lama, a search begins for his successor. Children who are identified as possible reincarnations of the Dalai Lama are presented with objects which belonged to the previous Dalai Lama and asked which ones are "theirs." According to Wikipedia:
"Familiarity with the possessions or attributes of the previous Dalai Lama is considered the main sign of the tulku. The search for the reincarnated mindstream typically requires a number of years. The reincarnated being is then installed and trained by the other Lamas."
This has great implications in the Lost storyline. Some of this was touched upon last week with the proverbial "passing of the torch" from Ben to Locke. For whatever reason, Locke has been destined from birth to be the next Chosen One of the island.
Of particular interest is the idea of reincarnation, and how it applies to the Lost story. It seems that Locke’s soul carried some knowledge of the island innately (his picture of the smoke monster is proof of this). Perhaps he his a reincarnation of Jacob or, through a time loop, Jacob himself (as others have theorized). Nonetheless, the similarities between Ben and Locke which were highlighted last week foreshadow a profound parallel, or perhaps even some kind of shared soul, between Jacob, Ben, Locke, and other island "Chosen Ones."
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Nice theory. At first I thought you were leading us into John Locke being a reincarnated Jacob.
Comment by Dale — May 12, 2008 @ 9:32 am
Not just a theory. Darlton have confirmed the Dalai Lama reference in the most recent audio podcast. Morover, its interesting how this theory might help explain where Locke actually gets his “nature skills” like hunting, tracking,etc and his “obi-wan wisdom”, that are predominantly shown in season one. Yes, his father took him hunting, but besides that, the john lock shown in the flash-backs doesn’t quite match -up completely with his on-island persona. The fact that he is simply a box company employee in one of his flashbacks illustrates this. it seems the moment he arrived on the island the skills he showed weren’t something he learned “in this life” but something he inherited in a previous life. It is as though the island has reawakened the spirit of his previous incarnation. Just a theory.
Comment by Deu — May 12, 2008 @ 10:10 am
“At first I thought you were leading us into John Locke being a reincarnated Jacob.”
Well…yes, that’s one of his conclusions at the end.
Comment by Tim T. — May 12, 2008 @ 12:08 pm
Well put Dale, I couldn’t agree more. Locke, in one way or another, has been on the island before and when he was not being true to is past “life” OR his destiny, he was LOST, living a miserable life working as a box man in Tustin and getting his back broken. Once he claimed is rightful calling, he was healed body and mind and took on the attributes of his true self…
lost rules…!
Comment by Alex — May 12, 2008 @ 1:01 pm
I think that we are all thinking too narrow mindedly…perhaps Locke is not the chosen “one” but perhaps there are in fact two. When he was choosing from the items, it appeared as though Alpert was expecting Locke to pick the Book of Laws, and was more than just disappointed when Locke instead chose the knife. Perhaps there are two that Alpert was looking for, one that was ruled by justice, the book of laws, and one that was ruled by vengeance, the knife. Just like the game of backgammon that features so predominantly, there are two opposing sides at work. Is Ben the “other” side of Locke? Did Jacob become split into two, just as the rabbits in the Orchid station?
Comment by Jonathan Chapman — May 12, 2008 @ 6:50 pm
I think John ia Jacob in the future.I think that the writers are playing with the biblical brothers Isaac and Ishmael.Also to through a loop in this theory Jacob is the offspring of Isaac.
Comment by nancy mendola — May 13, 2008 @ 4:24 am
I think what’s important to note here is that Richard “tested” John twice, both times he failed. The first test being the Dalai Lama test. The second one was when he was in high school when his guidance counselor told him about the “science camp” which Locke refused. The only way he got to the island was when Abbadon (sp?) told him about the Australian retreat which we all know is how/why he boarded flight 815. Abbadon seems like a pretty evil dude so why does he want him on there? My guess is that Locke ISN’T the one they’ve been looking for but he’s pre-destined to screw everything up. We shall see though.
And by the way, when are we going to get some back story on when Locke was arrested for growing mass quantities of weed?
Comment by DJ Jazzy Death — May 13, 2008 @ 8:44 am
is it too hard to beleive that Locke did pass the test in choosing the knife? Thats what I thought. Regardless on what locke chose Richard wouldnt have eluded to that being correct…
Comment by Jerry — May 13, 2008 @ 12:11 pm
Any possibility that Locke is somehow Ben reincarnated? There was a line where Ben says to Locke, ” You definitely aren’t me” Which made me think that even for a fleeting second.
Comment by Dan — May 13, 2008 @ 7:08 pm
Going with the Alpert vs Abbadon thing…Once again we see the white vs black symbolism being played out…also going along with DJ Jazzy Death, alpert gave locke the chance to choose science (laws, science), abbadon gave locke the chance to choose faith (emotion, the walkabout)…a man of science, a man of faith…
Comment by Jonathan Chapman — May 13, 2008 @ 7:36 pm
Richard Alpert and Ben obviously work closely together. Could any of the items shown to Locke have been Ben’s? Considering how much they have in common, Alpert may have been looking for someone very similar to Ben. Locke “failed” two of Alpert’s tests, and then nothing more from Alpert?. Maybe this was because Locke was NOT supposed to become leader of the Others. But when Matthew Abbadon shows up and suggests the walkabout, Locke, of course, eventually goes to the Island. What if Abbadon doesn’t work with the Others (Ben, Alpert), but for Widmore?
Just a thought, probably not right.
Comment by Uncle Beaver — May 14, 2008 @ 2:59 pm
Please explain to me why this is something that appears to be new to losties??
As soon as the word “Dharma” appeared in series 1 i thought we all wiki’d it and found that buddhism was an obvious point of plot.
Now there is a classic budhist test 3 seasons on and every1 is like… WOW it’s all to do with buddhism and religon.
Come on folks.. for god sakes get of the merry-go-round.
Comment by Burial — May 14, 2008 @ 4:01 pm
Uncle Beaver, good call. Read my post 4 above yours!
Comment by DJ Jazzy Death — May 14, 2008 @ 9:40 pm
In response to Uncle Beaver, I recall Abbadon recruiting Naomi who in turn was on Widmore’s boat, so I think Abbadon works for Widmore
Comment by Evil Twin — May 15, 2008 @ 12:04 pm
Did anyone stop to think that Ben and John are half brothers. In Johns flashback episode they show his mom Emily giving birth to him. If you remember in Bens flashback episode from season 3 when he was born, his moms name was also Emily. John grew up in Portland, and when Bens dad comes running out of the woods with emily and Ben, there is a sign on the side of the road that says Portland. Maybe them being related is the reason why John is supposed to be the new leader.
Comment by amber — May 17, 2008 @ 10:41 pm