The Dalai Lama guy.. he's 90.. so they pick them, right?

You're right, the current Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, is 90 years old. His succession is a central issue in Tibetan Buddhism, and the process is a unique and complex one.

In Tibetan Buddhism, the Dalai Lama is believed to be the reincarnation of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion. The search for the next Dalai Lama begins after the current one's death and is guided by spiritual signs and rituals. Here's a general overview of the traditional process:

Omens and Visions: High-ranking lamas and spiritual leaders look for various signs, such as the direction of the smoke from the deceased Dalai Lama's cremation, dreams, or visions seen in a sacred lake called Lhamo La-tso.

The Search Party: A search party is formed to look for a child who was born around the time of the death and in the location indicated by the omens.

Testing the Candidates: Once potential candidates are found, they are presented with a selection of objects. The child is expected to correctly identify items that belonged to the previous Dalai Lama, which is seen as proof that they are the true reincarnation. The current Dalai Lama was famously able to identify a drum and a walking stick that belonged to the 13th Dalai Lama.

Education and Enthronement: The recognized child then begins a rigorous and intensive education in Buddhist philosophy and scriptures to prepare them for their role as the spiritual leader.

However, the succession process has become highly politicized due to China's claim of authority over the selection. China insists that it has the right to approve the reincarnation, citing historical precedent, and has even appointed its own Panchen Lama (the second-highest figure in Tibetan Buddhism), a move rejected by most Tibetans.

The current Dalai Lama has made it clear that the next Dalai Lama should be born in a "free country" and that the final decision rests solely with his own office, the Gaden Phodrang Trust, and other high lamas. This has led to speculation that there may eventually be two rival Dalai Lamas: one recognized by the Tibetan Buddhist community and one appointed by the Chinese government.