Panchen Lama

Panchen Lama The Panchen Lama is a prominent spiritual leader in Tibetan Buddhism, specifically within the Gelug school. The title "Panchen Lama" is bestowed upon a lama recognized as the reincarnation of Lobsang Chökyi Gyaltsen, the first Panchen Lama, by the Dalai Lama. The Panchen Lama is considered the second-highest ranking figure in the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism, after the Dalai Lama. The institution of the Panchen Lama plays a crucial role in the spiritual and cultural life of Tibet and Chinese Tibet.

Introduction

The Panchen Lama is a Tulku, a being believed to be the reincarnation of a previous lama. The selection process of the Panchen Lama involves the Nechung Oracle, who is consulted by the Dalai Lama to identify the reincarnation. The current dispute over the title has led to two individuals claiming the position of the 11th Panchen Lama.

Background and History

The institution of the Panchen Lama dates back to the 15th century when Lobsang Chökyi Gyaltsen, a student of the First Dalai Lama, was recognized as the first Panchen Lama by the Third Dalai Lama. The title "Panchen Lama" is an abbreviation of the Tibetan phrase "Pandita Chenpo," meaning "great learned one." Throughout history, the Panchen Lama has played a significant role in Tibetan Buddhism, particularly in the Gelug tradition, and has been involved in various Buddhist activities, including the construction of monasteries and the promotion of Buddhist studies.

Lineage and Succession

The Panchen Lama lineage consists of a series of Tulkus recognized as the reincarnations of Lobsang Chökyi Gyaltsen. The selection process involves the Dalai Lama and the Nechung Oracle, who work together to identify the reincarnation. The Tenth Panchen Lama, Choekyi Gyaltsen, was recognized by the Fourteenth Dalai Lama in 1944. However, the Chinese government has interfered in the selection process, leading to a dispute over the current 11th Panchen Lama.

The Dispute Over the 11th Panchen Lama

In 1995, the Fourteenth Dalai Lama recognized Gedhun Choekyi Nyima as the 11th Panchen Lama. However, the Chinese government, which claims Tibet as part of China, rejected this recognition and installed Gyaltsen Norbu as the 11th Panchen Lama. The Dalai Lama and the Central Tibetan Administration consider Gyaltsen Norbu an illegitimate Panchen Lama, while the Chinese government and its United Front Work Department support him as the rightful Panchen Lama. This dispute has led to a schism within the Gelug school and has significant implications for Tibetan Buddhism and Sino-Tibetan relations.

Current Status and Activities

The 11th Panchen Lama, Gyaltsen Norbu, is recognized by the Chinese government and has been involved in various Buddhist activities, including the promotion of Buddhist studies and the construction of monasteries. However, his legitimacy is not recognized by the Dalai Lama and the Central Tibetan Administration. Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, the other claimant to the title, was taken into Chinese custody in 1995 and has been kept under house arrest or disappeared since then. The dispute over the 11th Panchen Lama remains a contentious issue in Tibetan Buddhism and Sino-Tibetan relations. Category:Tibetan Buddhism