For the first time in history, a meeting took place between Chinese President Xi Jinping and the Chinese-appointed Panchen Lama in Beijing on 6 June. The meeting received significant publicity. President Xi emphasised the “sinicisation of religion", meaning religion with Chinese characteristics. Notably, this meeting occurred shortly before the celebrations of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 90th birth anniversary.

The Panchen Lama holds a pivotal position in Tibetan Buddhism, revered as the second-highest spiritual authority after the Dalai Lama within the Gelug school. However, the role and recognition of the Panchen Lama have become deeply embroiled in political controversy, primarily due to China’s intervention in the selection process. This article explores the identity, selection, and role of the Panchen Lama, the Chinese government’s controversial involvement, and the broader implications for Tibetan Buddhism and the selection of the next Dalai Lama.

The Panchen Lama is a tulku (reincarnated lama) of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism, considered an emanation of Amitabha, the Buddha of Immeasurable Light and Life. The title “Panchen" derives from the Sanskrit term paṇḍita (scholar) and the Tibetan chenpo (great), meaning “great scholar". Based at Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse, the Panchen Lama holds significant spiritual and secular authority over the Tsang region. Historically, the Panchen Lama and the Dalai Lama have shared a unique relationship, known as “spiritual friends", each playing a crucial role in recognising and educating the other’s reincarnation.

The selection of a Panchen Lama follows a centuries-old Tibetan Buddhist tradition rooted in spiritual signs, omens, and rituals. After a Panchen Lama’s death, a search committee, typically led by senior monks (Khenpos) from Tashilhunpo Monastery, forms to identify the reincarnation. The process involves interpreting dreams, visions, and omens, such as those witnessed at the sacred Lhamo La-tso oracle lake. Candidates, usually young boys born around the time of the previous lama’s death, undergo tests to determine if they can identify personal belongings of the deceased Panchen Lama. The Dalai Lama plays a critical role in formally recognising the chosen candidate, ensuring adherence to spiritual traditions. This process has been established since the recognition of the 4th Panchen Lama, Lobsang Chökyi Gyaltsen, in the 17th century, who was the teacher of the 5th Dalai........

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