China’s top political adviser has made a rare trip to view an exhibition about the reincarnation of Tibetan Buddhas, a sign that Beijing is getting ready to face the Dalai Lama succession issue ahead of the exiled spiritual leader’s 90th birthday next year, according to an analyst. Wang Huning, China’s fourth senior official and chairman … Read more
The old man flashes a mischievous, gap-toothed smile, his face furrowed by time like the mountain landscape around him, radiating contentment as he waves a prayer wheel in his hand. He has been walking since the early morning, up and down hills, past rushing torrents, sandy plains and rocky, snow-covered crests, to which Ladakh, India’s … Read more
Senior Buddhist figures in China have emphasised the importance of government approval in the recognition of reincarnated Tibetan religious leaders, at a meeting this week less than a year before the Dalai Lama is expected to announce his succession plan. More than 50 Tibetan Buddhist monks and religious experts attended a seminar in Lanzhou, Gansu … Read more
“Although the Dalai Lama is currently outside China, his reincarnation is still part of the Gelug tradition and under the jurisdiction of the Chinese government, as most temples are located within China,” Laxianjia said, referring to the Gelug – or “Yellow Hat” – sect of the exiled Dalai Lama. “Therefore, it is only natural that … Read more
