Dalai Lama and CCP Clash Over Reincarnation Stipulations
In traditional Tibetan society, the Dalai Lama is the spiritual and political leader of Tibet. The current Dalai Lama fled to India in 1959, for fear of his personal safety after a Tibetan uprising against Han Chinese. In India, he set up a government-in-exile, which has been in operation for 50 years. Since the Dalai Lama’s escape, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has advanced restrictions upon Tibetans’ basic rights, in all aspects of life.
The CCP keeps Tibetan Buddhism under strict regulation. Tibetan culture and religion are closely related, and the CCP fears a separatist movement, leading to harsh policies against protesting and general signs of discontent. Tibetan Buddhists unhappy with the CCP’s interference in religion have been beaten, imprisoned, and even executed for speaking out. A notable event in Chinese control over Tibetan Buddhism is the disappearance of the Tibetan-chosen Panchen Lama, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima. The Panchen Lama is the second-highest political figure in Tibet, and the reincarnate has always been chosen by Tibetan Buddhists. However, the CCP has created new policies regarding the selection of religious figures in Tibet, which legally makes their approval required for a selection of reincarnates. The CCP did not accept the selection of Nyima; he and his family disappeared in 1995. The CCP has since released reports that Nyima and his family are “fine,” but has consistently given contradictory statements on his status, and repeatedly refused to allow others to contact him. After the disappearance, the CCP selected Gyancain Norbu without consulting the Tibetan community. Most Tibetans perceive this action to have politically-driven motives, and do not recognize Norbu as the true Panchen Lama.
Another well-publicized Tibetan-CCP conflict would be the 2008 riots in Lhasa. The event began on March 10th, during the annual observance of Tibetan Uprising Day, a holiday celebrating the Tibetan resistance to the CCP in 1959. Monks began peacefully protesting the China’s continued involvement in Tibet, and by March 14th the protests had turned violent. There was mass looting, rioting, and even reports of killings. Violence was mainly directed towards the Han Chinese population that is currently occupying Tibet. Media coverage during this time period is widely regarded as inaccurate, because Western and Hong Kong journalists were unable to enter the region during the protests and rioting. The CCP maintains the riots were violent, while Tibetans claim police brutality was ongoing and severe. The motivations behind the cause of the riots were never specified but there are several theories. including: social problems (discrimination towards Tibetans and discontent over Han Chinese occupation), frustration of the restricted political situation in Tibet, or use of the upcoming Beijing Olympics’ media coverage as a way to bring the cause of Tibetan freedom into the world spotlight. The CCP was quick to point fingers at the Dalai Lama as the source of trouble. In their opinion, he organized the protests in hopes of forming a separatist group. The Dalai Lama denies playing any part in the riots.
The current situation in Tibet remains grim. In 2011 alone, there have already been 11 self-immolations by monks protesting Chinese control over the region. The CCP also sentenced two monks to jail time for “aiding” another monk in his self-immolation, because they took him into their home after an attempt at self-immolation to treat him for his injuries.
Meanwhile, the Tibetan government is still operating out of India. The Dalai Lama has been historically recognized as the sole political and spiritual leader of Tibet. Since 1960, the Dalai Lama has worked to establish a new political system with less concentrated power. Under his watch, a parliament and charter were created, and members of the fledgling government were elected. In March 2011, the current Dalai Lama stepped down from his role in politics completely, advocating popular vote for all political positions. Many Tibetan Buddhists urged the Dalai Lama to reconsider, but he was undeterred. Lobsang Sangay won the April 2011 election, with 55% of the 27,051 votes cast.
The Dalai Lama turned 76 this year, and many people have questioned who the successor will be upon his passing. The CCP has recently warned the Dalai Lama that he is not legally entitled to the selection of the successor, seeing as religious affairs are strictly controlled by the Chinese government, after the Dalai Lama released a statement on considering choosing a successor when he turns 90. The Dalai Lama expressed doubts on whether or not a successor is even necessary, and responds to China’s claim that a successor must be currently living in China by stating that since the Tibetan government (which runs both Tibetan politics and religious activities) is in exile, it is very possible a reincarnate could be in exile as well. If the Dalai Lama does not select a successor, it would break the cycle that has been in operation since 1391. However, the Dalai Lama says the selection is entirely up to the Tibetan people and the person who is to be reincarnated. The Dalai Lama has dismissed the CCP’s sudden interest in reincarnation as absurd, stating that the CCP is an outwardly atheist political organization, so any interest shown in religious affairs must have a political agenda. Either way, it seems the issue will not be resolved for at least several years.
Overall, the morphing political status of the Tibetan government-in-exile and the growing domination of the Chinese government in Tibetan life further complicates the issues at hand. Only time will tell in seeing if the Dalai Lama’s hope that China and Tibet can achieve peace through the “middle way” approach is possible.
Find out more about the status of the Dalai Lama and CCP’s relations here:
· Dalai Lama’s statement on reincarnation: http://www.dalailama.com/messages/tibet/reincarnation-statement
· Reuter’s article on 10th monk self-immolation in 2011: http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/10/26/us-china-tibet-idUSTRE79P2BH20...
· Free Tibet’s latest update on unrest in the region: http://www.freetibet.org/newsmedia/seven-monks-self-immolate-many-ready-die
· Article on Dalai Lama’s criticism of CCP policies in Tibet: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/oct/29/dalai-lama-tibet-china-prote...
· History of the Dalai Lama: http://www.dalailama.com/biography/the-dalai-lamas