11th Panchen Lama controversy

Common card · No. 437769

The 11th Panchen Lama controversy centers on the 30-year-long enforced disappearance of Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, and on the recognition of the 11th Panchen Lama. The Panchen Lama is considered the second most important spiritual leader in Tibetan Buddhism after the Dalai Lama. Following the death of the 10th Panchen Lama, the 14th Dalai Lama recognized Gedhun Choekyi Nyima in 1995. Three days later, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) abducted the Panchen Lama and his family. Months later, the PRC chose Gyaincain Norbu as its proxy Panchen Lama. During the traditional search process led by Chadrel Rinpoche, he indicated to the Dalai Lama that all signs pointed to Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, particularly since Dalai Lamas and Panchen Lamas recognize each other's incarnations. The PRC had established its own search committee, which included Chadrel Rinpoche and other monks, and wanted to use a lottery system referred to as the Golden Urn. Neither Gedhun Choekyi Nyima nor his family have been seen since...

Read on Wikipedia · Image 中国新闻社, CC BY 4.0