Thank you, Thai Monk for all that sharing. It resonates with what I believe in.
Personally, I believe that Enlightened Beings and Buddhas will continue to emanate whenever they wish, however they wish and in whatever form they wish. And what they wish to do is the same that they have been doing since beginningless time - that is, to benefit all sentient beings and bring them to Enlightenment.
As there are countless minds and in all distortions and forms, I'd seriously doubt that there is just one method or way. Hence, thank goodness that they will continue to emanate in such a variety. Or else, a whole lot of us would surely never get the chance to be ever enlightened.
In this respect, I find it most logical that Enlightened Beings would choose to return as Tulkus and Oracles and everything else in between, at anytime they deem most beneficial. It is what they know that we do not know. Hence, they will know what to do and when to do it, and in whatever form that is best.
There are definitely valid reasons for Enlightened Beings to return as such and in those forms. They undoubtedly have a grand plan in mind to serve the current mind sets of all beings, and in bringing about a certain series of beneficial events. It is we who do not have the merits nor foresight to understand what these plans are until they come into fruition. Hence, the best we can do is not to judge but stay open.
So, I do not find it strange that a Tulku can return after 350 years later, or even 500 years later. THEY ARE ENLIGHTENED. They can do anything!
What moves me deeply is their constant care and compassion for us, the samsara prisoners. They never gave up on us. And never will. Hence, I will never give up believing either.