How does the Chinese government view the Dalai Lama?
It is now enshrined in law that the Chinese government must approve all reincarnations of senior Buddhist Lamas (teachers), including the Dalai Lama, a position that was strongly reiterated in a Tibet white paper released by China in May this year, on the 70th anniversary of its annexation of Tibet.
What is the problem between China and Tibet?
The future course of Tibet-China relations is directly linked to three factors: China’s response to the continuing human rights violations in Tibet; The status of the Dalai Lama and the over 150,000 Tibetan refugees around the world; The controversy of the 11th Panchen Lama.
How is Tibet different from China?
Tibet is part of China and is one of its autonomous regions. It was formerly an independent nation until the 1950s. China is an independent country with its own government stretching over the mainland and its other territories including Tibet, Hong Kong and others. Officially, Tibet is part of China’s government.
What did China promise when it invaded Tibet?
Under the 1951 Seventeen Point Agreement the Central People’s Government of the Chinese People’s Republic gave a number of undertakings, among them: promises to maintain the existing political system of Tibet, to maintain the status and functions of the Dalai Lama and the Panchen Lama, to protect freedom of religion …
What does a Dalai Lama do?
The rôle of the Dalai Lama The Dalai Lama is the head monk of Tibetan Buddhism and traditionally has been responsible for the governing of Tibet, until the Chinese government took control in 1959. Before 1959, his official residence was Potala Palace in Lhasa, the capital of Tibet.
Why is China trying to manipulate the Dalai Lama’s selection?
China’s threats to manipulate the selection process is believed to be a way to impose control on the Tibetan people. In 1995, the Chinese government caused the disappearance of the Dalai Lama’s choice for the successor of the Panchen Lama, the second most important tulku lineage in Tibetan Buddhism, when he was 6 years old.
Is the Dalai Lama’s succession a religious issue?
The Dalai Lama’s succession today is not just a religious issue, but a political one as well. Here’s how the Dalai Lama is chosen. The Dalai Lama is a highly influential figure. All of the Dalai Lamas are thought to be manifestations of the bodhisattva of compassion, Avalokitesvara.
Why did China invade Tibet in 1950?
In 1950 China’s communist government invaded Tibet. The Dalai Lama fled in 1959 and set up a government in exile. The Dalai Lama is revered by Tibetan people and his exile has created anger inside Tibet. China’s threats to manipulate the selection process is believed to be a way to impose control on the Tibetan people.
What happened to the Dalai Lama’s head?
In the case of the 13th Dalai Lama, after his death, his body lay facing south. However, after a few days his head had tilted to the east, and a fungus, which was viewed as unusual, appeared on the northeastern side of the shrine containing the body.