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THOUGHTFUL: His Holiness the Dalai Lama is concerned about the effect of the Chinese government appointing the new Panchen Lama.

Panchen Lama Sparks Controversy

By: Emily Sessons

Posted: 3/5/10

This week, China's self-appointed Panchen Lama was designated to a top legislative advisory body in the nation. The Chinese people hoped that this act would raise the Panchen Lama's status and legitimacy. The role of the Panchen Lama in traditional Tibetan culture is to help recognize the Dalai Lama's reincarnation.

The controversy over the current Panchen Lama, Gyaincain Norbu, stems from the history of appointment. In 1995, His 14th Holiness the Dalai Lama chose Gendun Choekyi Nyima as the next Panchen Lama. Shortly after this decision was announced, the prospective Tibetan boy and his family disappeared and have not been seen since.

In the same year, Chinese officials appointed Gyaincain Norbu to be the Panchen Lama, who will play a decisive role in who the next Dalai Lama will be.

With this, it is clear that the Chinese hope to appoint a Dalai Lama who will be pro-China and, most likely, against an independent Tibet.

China does not recognize the legitimacy of the current Dalai Lama and believes he is a dangerous separatist. After the destruction of over 5,000 monasteries and the genocide of the Tibetan community in the 1950s, the Dalai Lama and thousands of others live in exile in northern India.

Although the tradition of the Panchen Lama choosing the next Dalai Lama has been occurring for centuries, His 14th Holiness suggests that due to China's interference, his replacement may need to be democratically elected by the Tibetan community.

The Dalai Lama recently came to the United States to speak with President Obama. The meetings between the Dalai Lama and our president have been in practice for nearly twenty years, but notes on the meeting were muted this time and the press was not invited. This has also been in practice for many presidential terms as well.

Currently, there is no organization on campus for practicing Buddhists. Although there is Fiat Lux and Hillel group, other denominations do not have the opportunity to open dialogue nor come together and express their beliefs. Perhaps there lies a prospect for learning and understanding. These groups should host open discussions for all faiths.