Choosing the next Dalai Lama
On Sunday, an earnest-looking young man with short hair and rimless glasses was shown poking about an exhibition on Tibetan reform at a museum in Beijing.
The young man, who's just 19, is rarely ever seen in public. Even if I give you his name - Gyaltsen (or Gyaincain) Norbu - you may not know who he is.
But China hopes that this young man will help to decide the long-term future of Tibet - in China's favour.
In 1995, Gyaltsen Norbu was chosen by China as the 11th reincarnation of the Panchen Lama. This is a position second only to the Dalai Lama in the hierarchy of Tibetan Buddhism.
As you'll know, China sees the current Dalai Lama as its enemy. But it also knows that he is 73 years old. So, the Communist Party has already worked out what it will do when the Dalai Lama dies - and it expects Gyaltsen Norbu to play a prominent role.
By tradition, the Panchen Lama helps to choose the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama. When the time comes, China will encourage Gyaltsen Norbu to pick, or at least to endorse, a young Tibetan boy to succeed the current Dalai Lama. China's hope is that, within a couple of decades at most, it will be able to add a new pro-Beijing Dalai Lama to its current pro-Beijing Panchen Lama.
Despite - or because of - his important role in the years ahead, we seldom get to see much of Gyaltsen Norbu. To my knowledge, his museum visit was not advertised in advance. In the last few years, the Chinese authorities have not made him available for interview.
Of course, it's important to add that many Tibetans do not recognise Gyaltsen Norbu as the true Panchen Lama. In 1995, the Dalai Lama himself chose a different boy - Gedhun Choekyi Nyima - as the reincarnation of the Panchen Lama. This boy was taken into Chinese custody and has not been seen in public since. Human rights groups say that Gedhun Choekyi Nyima is a political prisoner. China says that he and his family live a normal life and do not want to be disturbed by outsiders.
What's more, the Dalai Lama has suggested that his own reincarnation may be born outside Tibet. This would give Tibetans in exile the chance to pick the next Dalai Lama on their own. They don't want to have to rely on decisions made by a 19-year-old who's been brought up to obey the Chinese Communist Party.
I’m 
~RS~q~RS~~RS~z~RS~17~RS~)
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It seems unlikely that the people of Tibet will accept China's substitute for the re-incarnation of the Pachan Lamma. After all matters of deeply held faith cannot be manipulated by politicians, especially if the Tibetan Buddhists choice for the Number 2 spot had already been made.
However one thing that western minds will never fathom is oriental thinking. Even occidentals who have lived in the Far East for years are unable to get their finger on the pulse of the eastern thought processes.
I hope that western governments don't trample in, making indelicate comments or suggestions either now or later. "International" thought can often harden
the stance of oriental nations, to the detriment of all countries concerned.
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This is a blog about China. Blog entries about Tibet shows up at least once a month it seems. It is by far the most repeated issue on this blog.
BBC wanting to be the DL's mouthpiece is their choice but don't disguise that agenda and spill it over to a blog about China.
James, have you gauge the opinions of the ordinary Chinese folks like the peasants and migrants whether this is a prominent topic discussed in China amongst its people?
Please make this blog about China to be ABOUT CHINA not just China's DL issue.
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The talks are fake. Both sides doesn't really want a resolution in these talks. The DL asking for Hans and troops to leave 1/4 of China's land is unacceptable and DL knows it. China is talking for show. They don't want the DL back. At best the DL bow to China and go back as a religious figurehead after cutting all ties with Hollywood and Europe.
"many Tibetans do not recognise Gyaltsen Norbu as the true Panchen Lama"
Can you elaborate on that? Is it just the Exiles?
It doesn't matter he will be the Panchem Lama whether the Exiles like it or not.
Just to be clear, the Exiles don't have the authority to choose their next DL. All DL has to be recognized by the Chinese leadership since they installed the first DL in ancient time. Every DL have to be approved by the Chinese central leadership, it was the Emperor then, it is the President now.
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Wow, so this is the democractic process of choosing the future leader of tibet. One was choosen by a single monk and the other choosen by a council. Then both put the young boy under their loyalist and brainwash the boy from young. I would say the council got help from the other monks before choosing. More people involved than the decision of a single monk.
Religion and the state must be separated. The Chinese government should take their nose away from this choosing. The monks should stop governing the people and concentrate on their religion.
This current situation is cause by power crazy monks that want power. Thus, forcing the government to cramp down on the monks and their religious fanatics. In order to free the rest of the 90%++ of the tibetian population.
And people don't you find it funny that BBC never talk about the other tibetain monks that support China.
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CCP consider religion as their enemy and wants to get rid off the same. That's why during Cultural Revolution CCP aims to destroy all that are old and consider holy.
Hundred and thousand of holy things are destroyed in china and monks are subjected to class struggle. Chairman Mao considers religion as Poison.
Now that same CCP is recognizing reincarnation. The parties who don’t have religion and who consider religion as poison now try its hand in religion.
All I can say is that CCP is not afraid of Western Countries putting them down as in the opium war. But CCP is afraid of One Man who is a Noble Laureate and congressional gold medal winner. CCP is afraid of person who former President Bush calls a man of peace. And who travels around the world tirelessly with his message of non-violence, peace and compassion. He is the 14th Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatso, The Soul of Tibet.
CCP IS AFRAID OF DALAI LAMA.
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More "Chinese-style democracy" which means: the central government does whatever it wants, whether that's abusing your land, your home, your life or your religion. Good deal... if you're the one in power.
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I agree that there is too much on this blog about Tibet - it relects our western obsession with the DL. I would like to see more on Taiwan which is a more hopeful issue.
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I still can't understand how 1.3 billion people have been lead to believe the Dalai Lama is evil, especially now that the internet has arrived. Surely they can't block each and every positive thing about his great work and tireless efforts towards creating a peaceful world? Just watching the great man speak for a few seconds will fill you with warmth and compassion. Can the CCP have blocked every speech and public appearance?
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Surely the reincarnation theory is obsolete?
Choosing a kid outside of Tibet, and teaching the kid about Tibet without setting foot in - or living in Tibet.
Need I say more?
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Also, the yellow sect of Tibetan Buddhism is only one. It would be great to learn about other religions and sects in Tibet.
What do the average Chinese citizen think about the unrest in Tibet? Do they simply just follow the CCP line? Do Han/Huis etc. know that some Tibetans are annoyed at them taking up employment opportunities in the TAR? Asking those in Sichuan is probably the better option. Many of those far away in Shanghai etc. don't really think much of the issue.
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Dalai Lama want to pick a successor born outside Tibet? Wouldnt his sucessor be regarded by law as a foreigner, ie a none Tibetan? Also being born outside Tibet does not honour itself to be a reincarnated Tibetan god. If his successor is born outside Tibet it further undermine the credibility and legitamacy of Tibetan seperatists.
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For those that argue passionately for the separation of Church and State, it is somewhat ironic that they should, at the same time, be supporting man that is, now, as political as he is religious.
I suppose when it comes to China bashing, rationality flies out of the window.
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This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.
Um, isn't this the very insanity of promoting a theocratic nation-state where absolute power is transferred to a boy? These are Tibetan rules by which China is forced to play, lest it be accused of cultural genocide or religious human rights violations. It is farcical to believe that any boy may be unduly influenced by Beijing, and yet NOT be subject to the same undue influence from ardent Tibetan separatists. This is a fundamental political issue ... a boy is caught in the middle solely because the Tibetans, not Beijing, mandate such a procedural side-show.
China's progressivity should be encouraged in Tibet, as anywhere else in China. Even in nations with monarchy, i.e. Britain, the Queen's political role has been reduced in modern times because of the recognization that absolute power and absolute rule have little place in a modern progressive society. I doubt the Tibetans have a such a reduction in power and influence planned for this, the next, or any other future Dalai Lama. The manner in which this feudal/theocratic system is perpetuated, at least in part, is aided by the selection of a ruler at a purposefully young, impressionable, and easily-influenced age. It is delusional not to admit that, throughout history and antiquity anywhere, junvenile rulers have only been the talk-head puppets of their behind-the-veil undue influencers. Thus, power over the masses should not be superficially given to them, especially in a theocratic-absolute power regime as is the case in the DL's Tibet. This is the very issue China takes with Tibetan separatism as a whole!
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China is meddling in religious affairs. Why? Because communists are uncomfortable looking at prosperity of Tibetans in exile and also numerous buddhists in Nepal, Bhutan and India. They have no proof that liberating Tibet 60 years ago they abolished serfdom. Where is the serfdom and oppression in Ladakh, Sikkim, Bhutan or Arunachal Pradesh? The last is most important because it is clearly part of Tibet which was grabbed by English in early 20th century.
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Allow me to analogize this way, for you baseball fans out there. China's the hitter being accused of using a corked bat (attempting to influence PL). Yet, it is not noted that Tibet's the pitcher throwing a spit-ball (a boy DL subject to same influence by Tibetan separatists). Here's the rub. If the pitcher wins, the rules will continue to permit such shenanigans in the game (Tibet's theocratic/absolute rule continues with the same power-transfer protocols). If the hitter wins, no more corked bats, no more spit-balls (China will separate church and state and limit theocratic political power of future DL's).
Puts things into perspective?
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This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.
"China will encourage Gyaltsen Norbu to pick, or at least to endorse, a young Tibetan boy to succeed the current Dalai Lama".
This BBC reporter possesses the divine power to predict future events....
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The CCP reaks of insecurity. They have no credit whatsoever when it comes to issues such as this. If there are no actrocities or human rights abuses in the Tibetan region, why censor media? Why restrict media access? Why install a new panchen lama? As a Chinese American with Shanghai roots, I find it absurd that there are many chinese in the world constantly playing the victim. China is now a world player and must demonstrate that is capable of respecting human rights (no matter how broad the definition is).
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To ktwar2009, yes lets ask the ordinary Tibetans? Oh but all foreigners and media have been kicked out of Tibet, and telephone lines and internet connections have been cut,undercover police are everywhere and if they said anything remotely anti CCP the police will come knocking on their doors.
I suppose the chinese flag wavers will now say there was nothing wrong with the kidnap and imprisonment of a 5 year old boy? And the replacement of the son of two Communist party members is fine and "democratic".
Wil_Ng, I do agree on one point, the Chinese state should stay out of Tibetan religion, but they can not help interferring.
I realise that reincarnation and the selection process is difficult for people to comprehend, but what an incredible find His Holiness Dalai Lama was, adored and resepected by millions all around the world.
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You should not be interfering in the internal affairs of the People's Republic of China. What happens in the Tibetan Autonomous Region is the internal affairs of the Tibetan Autonomous Region and the People's Republic of China.
It appears that you are biased in favour of a Dalai Lama who has disgraced Tibetan Buddhism. In fact, the Dalai Lama receives more attention than the dissidents in Cuba because of Hollywood.
The present Panchen Lama Gyaltsen Norbu is a wise and intelligent person. He is also down to earth and in contact with the people. The Panchen Lama also played a part in helping earthquake victims recover from the pain of the 2008 Earthquake in China.
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Reincarnation is really tricky issue and matters only with the highly learned and practitioner of Buddhist philosophy. I really surprise and wondered when Chinese govt choose Penchen Lama's next boy called Gyaltsen Norbu, who is not accepted as a real one by the entire Tibetans in Tibet and outside. I went to Tibet in 2007 and went to Penchen Lama's monastery called Tashi Lhunpo. There, I could see only the late Penchen's photo, very big one. But not the one of fake one. CCP doesnot believe in religion, and how they choose Lama is more surprising. It is totally related with Rebirth or Next Life issue. This is not like lottery game.
I dont have any worry on this fake child being accepted in the future by Tibetan at all. No chance at all.
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Yellowminshirt, you are totally right.
Dalai Lama's next child will be more hot issue. It will be chosen by those high Lamas in Dharamsala by analysing through the present Dalai Lama's comments and future related talks.
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Tibet issue is not about Dalai lama or Panchen lama. Tibet's issue is survival of Tibetan race, land,culture and language on this earth. Chinese Communist Party is not only exploitating Tibetan race, but exploitating Tibet's environment. Chinese Communist Party is wiping out Tibetan race from the face of Earth, CCP wants Tibet's land but not Tibetans.
Early Century Tibet was ruled by Tibetan Kings, fifth Dalai lama(Ocean of Wisdom)was put on the power by Mongolian Ruler, the name "Dalai lama" was given by Kublai Khan(Mongol Ruler) CCP is changing Tibet's History to its own benefit.
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This young man is going to decide the 15th Dalai Lama, not the future of Tibet, which is ok with tradition. A lot of Tibetans will be happy that traditions are followed, some will not. The lottery system endorsed by Qianlong emperor showed that there was always conflict to pick the next Dalai Lama. It’s never pure reincarnation. Regarding the minimum media exposure of the Panchen Lama, I think it is a good thing. These high rank lamas are masters and teachers of Buddhism. They need a lot of time dedicated to Buddhism study. The current Dalai Lama is not doing a very good job about this aspect of his role. As Tibet becomes modern, more people will be westernized, like elsewhere in China or the world, they may have a second thought about religion and the lamas.
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I just ignore such kind of articles like this, if you want to know the truth on Tibet, just google some current picture on it, but not the one which CNN used.
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