Gyalsten Norbu, known as the so-called fake Panchen Lama, recently emphasized the Chinese government’s requirement for controlling the reincarnation process of “living Buddhas.” Speaking at a conference in Shigatse, he declared that such processes must conform to Chinese laws and receive authorization from Beijing. These comments implicitly addressed the succession of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
China’s Claim on Dalai Lama Reincarnation
Norbu insisted that the identification of reincarnated figures must occur within China and be sanctioned by the central authorities. He stated that no outside organizations or individuals should interfere. His statements align with the Chinese government’s ongoing efforts to exert control over the Dalai Lama’s succession.
Beijing maintains that it holds the exclusive right to determine the next Dalai Lama, which contradicts long-standing Tibetan religious customs. His Holiness the current Dalai Lama has made it clear that his successor will be born in a “free country,” away from Chinese influence.
Dalai Lama’s Position
On July 2, the Dalai Lama reaffirmed this stance during the 15th Tibetan Religious Conference held in Dharamshala. He emphasized that only the Gaden Phodrang Trust, which he established, has the authority to recognize his reincarnation. In a recorded message, the Dalai Lama declared, “I am affirming that the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue.”
At his 90th birthday celebrations on July 6, he reiterated his position, stating that any reincarnation announced by the Chinese government would not be accepted by Tibetan Buddhists.
Global Tibetan Leadership Response
Penpa Tsering, President of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), echoed the Dalai Lama’s rejection of Chinese intervention in the succession process. He emphasized that the recognition of the Dalai Lama’s reincarnation relies solely on Tibetan Buddhist traditions. Tsering remarked, “The Chinese government is not bothered by the living 14th Dalai Lama, but they are more concerned about the yet-to-come 15th Dalai Lama.”
The CTA, through its 16th Cabinet, took a firm stand by issuing a document titled “Position on the Issue of Reincarnation of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama” on September 29, 2022. This statement counters China’s so-called Management Measures for the Reincarnation of Living Buddhas, detailed in Order No. 5.
Criticism of Beijing’s Efforts
Critics argue that Beijing’s claims regarding the Dalai Lama’s successor form part of a broader strategy to Sinicise Tibetan culture, religion, and identity. By installing a government-appointed Dalai Lama, the Chinese Communist Party aims to diminish Tibetan resistance and disrupt the spiritual unity of Tibetans, both in Tibet and in exile. This approach seeks to obscure Tibet’s historical independence and control its cultural narrative.
