Dharamsala, November 25, 1995
The search and recognition of Panchen Lama’s reincarnation is a religious matter. Because of the unique historical and traditional relationship between the Dalai Lamas and the Panchen Lamas I conducted all the necessary religious procedures with great care and then determined Gedhun Choekyi Nyima as the reincarnation of the late Panchen Lama. Therefore, my recognition of the Panchen Lama’s reincarnation cannot be changed.
On several occasions in the past years I have approached the Chinese Government in this matter without success. Last month again I appealed directly to the Chinese Presidenti Jiang Zemin, to extend his government’s recognition to the young Panchen Lama. I had hoped that a personal appeal from my side might facilitate a gesture of good-will from the Chinese Government.
It is unfortunate that the Chinese Government has chosen to politicize this issue and appoint a rival Panchen Lama. In order to lend a veil of religious legitimacy they have coerced senior Tibetan Lamas and monks to participate in a conference held in Beijing under tight security and strict secrecy. It saddens me that once again the religious sentiments of my people have been deeply hurt and offended.
At this moment the safety of Gedhun Choekyi Nyima and his proper religious training is of particular concern to me. He has not been seen in the public for some months and is reported to be detained somewhere in Beijing. I, therefore, appeal to all governments, religious and human rights organisations for their intervention in ensuring the safety and freedom of the young Panchen Lama.
This post is part of an ongoing series exploring the complexities of The Panchen Lama Controversy.
The Search for the Panchen Lama
In May 1995, a seven-year-old Tibetan boy and his family were taken from their home by Chinese security forces—and have not been seen since. Believed by his followers to be the eleventh incarnation of the Panchen Lama, the second-highest figure in Tibetan Buddhism, the boy became a pawn in a high-stakes power struggle between the Chinese government and Tibet’s exiled spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama.
In this gripping account, Isabel Hilton unravels the political intrigue surrounding the race to identify and enthrone the eleventh Panchen Lama, offering deep insight into Tibetan culture, history, and the complex dynamics of Tibet’s relationship with China. More information…
