What happened to the Panchen Lama?

On May 14, 1995, the exiled Dalai Lama recognized Gedhun Choekyi Nyima as  the Panchen Lama, the 11th reincarnation of his predecessor.

This angered Chinese authorities, who rejected the choice.

Three days later the boy, his family and his teacher were abducted. They have remained missing ever since.

For over 29 years, Tibetans, global leaders, and rights groups have called on the Chinese government to reveal their whereabouts, to no avail.

Who is the Beijing-appointed Panchen Lama?

Shortly after the abduction of the Dalai Lama-appointed Panchen Lama, Beijing installed another boy, Gyaltsen (in Chinese, Gyaincain) Norbu, as their own candidate in his place.

However, the Chinese government-appointed Panchen Lama remains unpopular with Tibetans both in exile and at home and is perceived as a “political tool” for Beijing.

Ordinary Tibetans and monks in monasteries traditionally loyal to the Dalai Lama have been reluctant to acknowledge or receive him, and during his visits to Tibet, Beijing has in the past handed out small monetary incentives for people who receive his blessing.

Significance of the Panchen Lama’s role

China’s appointment of Gyaincain Norbu as Panchen Lama underscores Beijing’s attempts to interfere in the selection of the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama when he passes, and gain control and legitimacy among Tibetans, both inside Tibet and in exile, say experts.

The move is also seen as China’s attempts to acquire more influence over Buddhism not only inside occasionally restive Tibet but throughout the Himalayan region. Beijing has increasingly looked to leverage religion as a soft power diplomacy tool across various Buddhist nations.

In 2007, the Chinese government decreed that China would begin overseeing the recognition of all reincarnate Tibetan lamas, or “Living Buddhas,” including the next incarnation of the Dalai Lama, for which China plans to use its own Beijing-appointed Panchen Lama to sign off on.

Edited by Kalden Lodoe and Jim Snyder

Source: The story of one of Buddhism’s most revered figures, long missing, explained — Radio Free Asia