A Revered Tradition

In the world of Tibetan Buddhism, the top two spots belong to the Dalai Lama and the Panchen Lama, both of whom are believed to be living gods worthy of worship, and who are reincarnated over and over again.

The Panchen Lama’s lineage dates back to the 17th century. The original Panchen Lama was tutor to the fifth Dalai Lama, who gave his teacher the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery in Shigatse in gratitude. Panchen Lamas have served as abbots of the monastery for centuries. The original Panchen Lama was also declared to be the incarnation of Amitabha, the “Buddha of Infinite Light.”

According to ancient tradition, the Dalai Lama selects the new Panchen Lama when the old one dies and vice versa, following divine signs and omens.

However, the Chinese emperor in 1792 instituted a ceremony involving a lottery, a golden urn and names wrapped in barley dough balls that allowed the central government to have final say on the selection of the new Panchen Lama.

The flap over the 11th Panchen Lama is centered on the choice by the current Dalai Lama of a candidate without Beijing’s approval. The government has accused the exiled Dalai Lama of flouting the lottery ritual and has named its own Panchen Lama, whom many Tibetans reject.