A Chinese government appointed Tibetan Buddhist figure presents a ceremonial scarf to a senior Chinese leader highlighting Beijings political control over Tibetan religious institutions and traditions
By Tibet Rights Collective
China has once again intensified its efforts to control Tibetan Buddhism by using religious institutions as political tools In a move that has alarmed Tibetans and international observers Gyalsten Gyaincain Norbu widely known as the fake Panchen Lama appointed by Beijing has reiterated Chinas claim over the reincarnation process of Tibetan Buddhist leaders including the future Fifteenth Dalai Lama
Speaking at an official symposium in Shigatse Tibet on December Eleven Gyalsten Norbu stated that all reincarnation processes of living Buddhas must strictly comply with Chinese laws and receive approval from the Chinese Communist Party His remarks were an indirect but clear reference to the succession of His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama whose reincarnation China seeks to control
Chinas political interference in Tibetan Buddhism
Gyalsten Norbu asserted that the identification of reincarnated Tibetan Buddhist leaders must take place within China and be sanctioned by the central government He further claimed that there should be no involvement from individuals or organisations outside the country and emphasised that loyalty to the Communist Party is essential in the reincarnation process
These statements directly contradict centuries old Tibetan Buddhist traditions which are rooted in spiritual practices religious rituals and monastic consensus rather than state laws Chinas attempt to regulate reincarnation through domestic legislation exposes its broader policy of Sinicisation of Tibetan religion culture and identity
Dalai Lamas clear position on his reincarnation
His Holiness the Dalai Lama has categorically rejected Beijings claims On July Two during the Fifteenth Tibetan Religious Conference in Dharamshala he reaffirmed that the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue and that only the Gaden Phodrang Trust holds the exclusive authority to recognise his reincarnation
He clearly stated that the sole authority regarding his reincarnation lies with the Gaden Phodrang Trust established by him He also confirmed that his successor will be born in a free country beyond Chinese political control
This position was reiterated again during his Ninetieth birthday celebrations on July Six where he stressed that any reincarnation proclaimed by the Chinese government will not be recognised by Tibetan Buddhists
Tibetan government in exile rejects Chinas claims https://www.tibetrightscollective.in/news/china-appointed-panchen-lama-presides-over-ordination-ceremony-amidst-crackdown-on-religious-freedom-in-tibet
The Central Tibetan Administration the democratically elected Tibetan government in exile has strongly opposed Chinas interference CTA President Penpa Tsering has repeatedly affirmed that the recognition of the Dalai Lama reincarnation is a matter of Tibetan Buddhist tradition and not a political decision to be made by the Chinese state
He pointed out that the Chinese government is less concerned about the living Fourteenth Dalai Lama and more focused on controlling the future Fifteenth Dalai Lama
In September Two Thousand Twenty Two the CTA released an official document titled Position on the Issue of Reincarnation of His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama This statement directly counters Chinas so called Management Measures for the Reincarnation of Living Buddhas in Tibetan Buddhism also known as Order Number Five and reaffirms the Tibetan peoples right to decide the issue of reincarnation without external interference
The fake Panchen Lama and Chinas broader agenda
Gyalsten Norbus remarks must be seen in the context of Chinas long standing manipulation of Tibetan religious institutions In Nineteen Ninety Five the Chinese authorities forcibly disappeared the Eleventh Panchen Lama Gedhun Choekyi Nyima who was recognised by the Dalai Lama and installed Gyalsten Norbu as a state appointed replacement Gedhun Choekyi Nyima remains one of the youngest political prisoners in the world according to human rights organisations
Observers argue that Chinas attempt to impose a Beijing selected Dalai Lama is aimed at weakening Tibetan resistance dividing Tibetans inside Tibet and in exile undermining Tibetan spiritual authority and erasing Tibets historical identity and independence
A global concern for religious freedom
Chinas claims over the Dalai Lama reincarnation are not only a Tibetan issue but a serious challenge to global religious freedom Allowing an authoritarian government to control spiritual leadership sets a dangerous precedent worldwide
The issue of the Dalai Lama reincarnation is ultimately about faith freedom and self determination values that cannot be decided by state law or political power