93 學年度學測英文 第 16 題

Whenever a Dalai Lama died, a search began for his reincarnation. The (16) male child had to have certain qualities. (17) was the ability to identify the belongings of his predecessor, or rather his previous self. Another requirement was (18) he should have large ears, upward-slanting eyes and eyebrows. Besides, one of his hands should bear a mark like a conch-shell. The successful candidate, usually (19) two or three, was then removed from his family to Lhasa to begin spiritual training for his future role. The Panchen Lamas were chosen in a similar way. The reincarnated leaders were always “discovered” in the households of lowly families (20) noble ones. This was to ensure that no single and powerful noble family could seize the title and pass it to the next generation.