This is the concept of impermanence at its best. Even our greatest institutions and traditions are subject to decay. Thank you, Dalai Lama, for a great lesson.
15
Re: "China's Tensions With Dalai Lama Spill Into the Afterlife," news story,
March 11, 2015. It's high time that the naming of the current Dalai Lama's successor be left to the six million Tibetan people. I will be ridiculous to view the Tibetan government in exile in Dharamsala, India, as representing the six million Tibetans. Beijing does not allow he two communicate with each other. And the Chinese government's bringing pressure on the Dalai Lama to name his successor is just the beginning of the grooming of the next Dalai Lama as a Tibetan puppet perpetually and slavishly dancing to Beijing's tunes. The move is blatantly political and totally disrespectful of the wishes
of the Tibetan people. In this mess, one thing is clear: the Dali Lama, who will
turn 80 shortly, does no want to name his successor even if it means bringing to end a centuries-old tradition. His unstated intention is to urge the Tibetan people to name his successor after he has passed on, also departing from tradition. Of course, the repressive government of China, neurotically fearful of Tibet's becoming an autonomous region, would not allow
an elected successor to be the Tibetan people's leader. That's where
all the freedom loving countries of the world come in. In one voice, they should demand that Beijing keep its meddling and interfering hands off the
election of a successor to the reigning Dalai Lama. If Beijing turns a deaf ear to the world's demand, we would call it an enemy of freedom.
March 11, 2015. It's high time that the naming of the current Dalai Lama's successor be left to the six million Tibetan people. I will be ridiculous to view the Tibetan government in exile in Dharamsala, India, as representing the six million Tibetans. Beijing does not allow he two communicate with each other. And the Chinese government's bringing pressure on the Dalai Lama to name his successor is just the beginning of the grooming of the next Dalai Lama as a Tibetan puppet perpetually and slavishly dancing to Beijing's tunes. The move is blatantly political and totally disrespectful of the wishes
of the Tibetan people. In this mess, one thing is clear: the Dali Lama, who will
turn 80 shortly, does no want to name his successor even if it means bringing to end a centuries-old tradition. His unstated intention is to urge the Tibetan people to name his successor after he has passed on, also departing from tradition. Of course, the repressive government of China, neurotically fearful of Tibet's becoming an autonomous region, would not allow
an elected successor to be the Tibetan people's leader. That's where
all the freedom loving countries of the world come in. In one voice, they should demand that Beijing keep its meddling and interfering hands off the
election of a successor to the reigning Dalai Lama. If Beijing turns a deaf ear to the world's demand, we would call it an enemy of freedom.
4
The Dalai Lama is having a good laugh - and giving the rest of us a laugh as well - at the expense of China's all too predictable rulers. Good show!
23
Oh can't you just see the twinkle in his eye! This has been so heartening on an otherwise discouraging day.
23
The Chinese government is showing a complete lack of respect for Tibetan Buddhists and for the Dalai Lama.
In the end, do they lack all sense of integrity?
In the end, do they lack all sense of integrity?
3
So, an officially atheist regime vigorously asserts they'll make sure that a major religious figure WILL be reincarnated according to his religion, and they will control how it happens. Are they implying that the Politburo has an outpost in the afterlife?
I guess if you're going to function within a totalitarian or semi-totalitarian state, it helps not to have a sense of irony.
I guess if you're going to function within a totalitarian or semi-totalitarian state, it helps not to have a sense of irony.
15
CCP, URP, GOP - it all just proves that irony-defiency is a world-wide health problem. Unfortunately, although it is the leaders' defiency, it is the citizens' health that suffers.
9
If China's ruling party now upholds Buddhism as to make proclamations on reincarnation, they could perhaps strive to guide any of their future actions or statements in regard to Tibet on three fundamental values of Buddhism: Is it born out of love? Is it based on truth? Does it result in peace?
13
The Dalai Lama rocks! I read with increasing amusement the protestations, sputtering, tantrums and utterly ridiculous statements and decrees being whined out by the Chinese Communist Party. As if they have anything to say in the matter at all, regardless of their assertions! I don't believe in reincarnation but I don't know everything. I do believe the Dalai Lama is a brilliant and compassionate spiritual teacher and leader and this just proves it! He is releasing the followers of his type of religion ahead of time from the bondage of having to be held spiritual hostages by a venal, wordly, selfish and godless political bunch of hacks. And there's nothing they can do about it but react like Rumplestiltskin at the end of the fairy tale. Well played, Your Holiness!
29
You got the point, Katie! "No More Dalai Lamas" will mean the oppressed Tibetans will be free to take arms before the Han Chinese Gog and Magog complete their ethnic and cultural cleansing. This must be a terrible nightmare for the Han-dominated so-called Communist Party of China. Let me repeat your words:"Well played, Your Holiness!"
2
It seems China can't cease to surprise us! Since when has it taken religion so seriously? It had crosses on churches demolished in the past!
A reincarnated Dalai Lama serves to hold Tibetans together. And China wants to hold its sway there!
A reincarnated Dalai Lama serves to hold Tibetans together. And China wants to hold its sway there!
6
What would Shakyamuni say? “I am always here, preaching the Law." (The Lotus Sutra)
that the Buddha exists always and in every human being - even in those who would never call themselves a Buddhist.
In the centuries since his lifetime, many forms of Buddhism have evolved. And some have faded away and others continue on. Whatever the outcome for this form of Buddhism, enlightenment still exists as a potential in the world. It definitely does not need the sanction of a government to exist. It seems like when religion and government get together bad things happen.
In view of China’s attempts to assume religious authority it might be wise for the Dalai Lama to excuse himself from future reincarnations. What would it serve?
Going back to the message of the original Buddha -- that all men (and women!) have this great potential is helpful. Stepping away from specific traditions, hierarchies, or rituals and looking to the original intent - for each person to awaken to their own potential. While it is wonderful to have inspiring teachers around us, ultimately it is the effort of the individual to create a life of value on their own and in doing so, inspire others to do the same. Not that that is an easy thing.
that the Buddha exists always and in every human being - even in those who would never call themselves a Buddhist.
In the centuries since his lifetime, many forms of Buddhism have evolved. And some have faded away and others continue on. Whatever the outcome for this form of Buddhism, enlightenment still exists as a potential in the world. It definitely does not need the sanction of a government to exist. It seems like when religion and government get together bad things happen.
In view of China’s attempts to assume religious authority it might be wise for the Dalai Lama to excuse himself from future reincarnations. What would it serve?
Going back to the message of the original Buddha -- that all men (and women!) have this great potential is helpful. Stepping away from specific traditions, hierarchies, or rituals and looking to the original intent - for each person to awaken to their own potential. While it is wonderful to have inspiring teachers around us, ultimately it is the effort of the individual to create a life of value on their own and in doing so, inspire others to do the same. Not that that is an easy thing.
2
Looks like now China has to rewrite the theory and practice of Communism founded and propagated by Karl Marx, Lenin and Mao to include the spirit world aka religion specifically Buddhism.
May be Mao, Deng and other comrades are beseeching the compassionate one - the Dalai Lama to release them from Hell to a better human birth. Looks like Beijing has come to realise that while the CPC has control over this physical life but the Dalai Lama has control over after death.
May be Mao, Deng and other comrades are beseeching the compassionate one - the Dalai Lama to release them from Hell to a better human birth. Looks like Beijing has come to realise that while the CPC has control over this physical life but the Dalai Lama has control over after death.
2
I really do not care what the Chinese government says as long as it is anything other than the truth which is "you are not the product of reincarnation" and "you will not be reincarnated because reincarnation does not happen." And it surprises me that, since the Chinese government claims it is Communist, that it does not say this. In any event, in the interest of truth and modern society, it should say this.
2
"Their anger welled up...as it had...earlier."
Of course it did...Bilkers always get angry when their marks don't cooperate while being scammed...
Of course it did...Bilkers always get angry when their marks don't cooperate while being scammed...
4
Communism is just another mythology-based belief system, but this is one with nuclear weapons and a large Red Army to slay the nonbelievers. Good news for the Buddhists, less well-armed, if the Dalai Lama can pull this off. This is a reminder that might rules and always will; the UN and the leftists whine about Israel being disconcerted about the West Bank, while Tibet remains conquered by the Chinese since 1950, Russia plucks away the Crimea and they all get a pass from the professional whining classes.
4
The Chinese government has been doing this for decades with the Catholic Church. They have Bishops and Cardinals in China that the Vatican did not put in place.
3
And Protestant have been doing it since Martin Luther. Not everyone have to agree with the Pope or Dalai Lama.
3
But none of those bishops and cardinals expect to be reincarnated into new religious leaders. Control over earthly religious hierarchy is one thing; claiming control over the soul after death is something else entirely, especially for a Party that requires its members to be atheists.
This risible assertion by the Chinese Communist Party reminds me of what a judge said when my client, a woman claimed that a man who died more than a 18 months prior to the birth of her child was its father.
"Any man who can rise from the dead to father a child is a better man than I am."
Will the Dalai Lama reincarnate? I don't believe that he will do so if he chooses not to, nor will he become the father of his putative successor.
"Any man who can rise from the dead to father a child is a better man than I am."
Will the Dalai Lama reincarnate? I don't believe that he will do so if he chooses not to, nor will he become the father of his putative successor.
3
China has NO business to proclaim or dictate anything about the Dali Lama. After Mao stole Tibet at gunpoint in 1959, killing non-violent people of a non-aggressive Country by the thousands, the Chinese Communist Party continues its savage and brutal treatment of Tibeteans to this day. Merely display a Tibetean flag, or a picture of the Dali Lama anywhere in China and you go to prison for a long time.
Why would the Dali Lama want anything to do with China? China cannot be trusted at all, on any level. The CCP's arrogance and stupidity in claiming that they are "the proper guardian of the Dali Lama's succession" knows no bounds. The amazing and powerful traditions of Tibetean Buddhism go back in History much further than the bloody grip of the CCP.
The real heartbreak here is that Tibet is not free, and if the Dali Lama chooses not to reincarnate, it is a great loss to everyone. The Dali Lama is a man of Peace. The CCP is not. People in China are NOT free to worship in any form they choose. When asked what his "religion" was, the Dali Lama replied that his religion was Kindness.
While we can't turn back the clock, we can stand up to China and insist that Tibeteans in China are free to practice their religion and language and customs anywhere, and as they choose. Although phony Wars for Oil allowed China to buy our "debt", that doesn't make the CCP "right" in any way. The CCP is the bloodiest regiem on Earth.
Endless blessings to the Dali Lama.
Free Tibet !
Why would the Dali Lama want anything to do with China? China cannot be trusted at all, on any level. The CCP's arrogance and stupidity in claiming that they are "the proper guardian of the Dali Lama's succession" knows no bounds. The amazing and powerful traditions of Tibetean Buddhism go back in History much further than the bloody grip of the CCP.
The real heartbreak here is that Tibet is not free, and if the Dali Lama chooses not to reincarnate, it is a great loss to everyone. The Dali Lama is a man of Peace. The CCP is not. People in China are NOT free to worship in any form they choose. When asked what his "religion" was, the Dali Lama replied that his religion was Kindness.
While we can't turn back the clock, we can stand up to China and insist that Tibeteans in China are free to practice their religion and language and customs anywhere, and as they choose. Although phony Wars for Oil allowed China to buy our "debt", that doesn't make the CCP "right" in any way. The CCP is the bloodiest regiem on Earth.
Endless blessings to the Dali Lama.
Free Tibet !
17
This article is less about religion and atheism, and more about politics, freedom and control. The Dalai Lama's comment that he may not reincarnate reminds me of the story of the American slave, Margaret Garner, who killed her own child rather than have her endure being a slave as well.
1
When did Communism started to dabble in spirit world of rebirth, reincarnation. Communism after all is tangible material things.
2
The only logical explanation is CCP has evolved to become THE ONE TRUE GOD, bigger than anything human race has seen or invented before, and as THE ONE TRUE GOD, they don't have to believe in anything, and controls everything!
2
How ridiculous it is that the Chinese government should choose the next Dalai Lama! This spiritual leader has only existed for 6 centuries, and if there is reincarnation, according to Tibetan Buddhism, only he can decide whether to reappear.
3
GOOD God Almighty! Can you imagine the amount of ego a man has to have to insist that the Chinese Communist Government has the singular sole exclusive right to authorize the incarnation of a person? As if what, they are deities or supreme sovereignty belongs to only them? Sounds like the U.S. in emphatic over exaggerated execution of state powers doesn't it?
Really though, you can feel lucky that you live where you do, as long as it is not China where you're living. If you disagree with the verdict or opinion of a party official, you by god will pay! It's similar to ISIS and how they decide how you are suppose to worship. Can you imagine your life in other nations like this, and no choice as to where you can go to live in peace?
So every time you find that you are having an emotional flurry over hearing something like this, or the beheadings by ISIS, remember it is not you anger that should take root, but your compassion for the people who have to suffer under the oppressive rule of these monsters. These people do not (most instances) have a choice of even becoming a refugee, which mainly means you have taken the abuse from one party and merely changed it to another party in a different country. Just check out the relief situations for most refugees.
Really though, you can feel lucky that you live where you do, as long as it is not China where you're living. If you disagree with the verdict or opinion of a party official, you by god will pay! It's similar to ISIS and how they decide how you are suppose to worship. Can you imagine your life in other nations like this, and no choice as to where you can go to live in peace?
So every time you find that you are having an emotional flurry over hearing something like this, or the beheadings by ISIS, remember it is not you anger that should take root, but your compassion for the people who have to suffer under the oppressive rule of these monsters. These people do not (most instances) have a choice of even becoming a refugee, which mainly means you have taken the abuse from one party and merely changed it to another party in a different country. Just check out the relief situations for most refugees.
4
The idea of Communist Party officials defending the precepts of reincarnation and hurling accusations of heresy at the Dalai Lama might have Marx turning in his grave?
The Marx BROTHERS would be spinning with regret over missing this material.
The Marx BROTHERS would be spinning with regret over missing this material.
12
The only way the Dalai Lama can avoid reincarnation is to attain full enlightenment, which ends the round of rebirth (samsara). Unless he has done that, he is simply trolling the Chinese.
3
Actually, this is incorrect. Bodhisattvas are fully enlightened beings who reincarnate in order to help others on their paths. Mahayana 101.
As for the Chinese, their only aim is to grab land and its resources from the proper owners - the Tibetan people. Tibet has experienced all kinds of rulers in its >1000 year history - these included Chinese emperors, autonomy under Chinese protection (ie.e, the ambans), British rule and outright independence. The communists are aware of this and are trying to stay the deck by busing in millions of Hans who are effectively conducting large-scale ethnic cleansing while the world watches and twiddles its thumbs.
However, it is rather clear that the Hans themselves will eventually get fed up by the rampant corruption, inequality and environmental degradation and kick the CPP out to the dustbin of history. Then, hopefully, Tibet can rise again as a modern country and a member of the UN.
As for the Chinese, their only aim is to grab land and its resources from the proper owners - the Tibetan people. Tibet has experienced all kinds of rulers in its >1000 year history - these included Chinese emperors, autonomy under Chinese protection (ie.e, the ambans), British rule and outright independence. The communists are aware of this and are trying to stay the deck by busing in millions of Hans who are effectively conducting large-scale ethnic cleansing while the world watches and twiddles its thumbs.
However, it is rather clear that the Hans themselves will eventually get fed up by the rampant corruption, inequality and environmental degradation and kick the CPP out to the dustbin of history. Then, hopefully, Tibet can rise again as a modern country and a member of the UN.
5
I must admit with the huge embarrassment the GOP are to US on the world stage, it is comforting when another major government loses total touch with reality and jumps the shark, giving us a momentary reprieve form being the world's laughing stocks. Just how is the Chinese government going to force the Dalai Lama to come back? Do they have an App for that? Exactly how does one punish a dead person for not reincarnating? Sue the corpse? Torture the bones? Knock yourselves old men, as you are as crazy as the GOP, and your attempts to co-op enlightenment are too absurd to consider, and show you are clueless as to samsara.
21
ever heard of fake iPhones? fake Apple Watch? fake Nikes? they'll just fake one, no problem!
4
I suppose the Chinese Government could threaten to mistreat the people of Tibet even more.
How will anyone know whether or not reincarnation occurs?
How will anyone know whether or not reincarnation occurs?
1
Actually, I'm afraid that the US is an embarassment right now, but not because of the GPO. It is astounding to me that people such as the commenter here can compare the GOP (and Congress, truth be known) for wanting input on a treaty with Iran with the communist party of China for dictating that the Dalai Lama reincarnate.
It is time for this country to return to moderation; for too long the far left and far right are dominating the conversation. Most of us are not interested in either extreme. And the Dems/Obama are crazy to think the American people will tolerate the lies and loss of personal freedoms for which we have sacrificed so much. It is hard to believe that I once thought it possible to enforce our laws and create legislation that makes sense.
It is time for this country to return to moderation; for too long the far left and far right are dominating the conversation. Most of us are not interested in either extreme. And the Dems/Obama are crazy to think the American people will tolerate the lies and loss of personal freedoms for which we have sacrificed so much. It is hard to believe that I once thought it possible to enforce our laws and create legislation that makes sense.
There is much to this and it will play out as it will. Things happen very quickly, and if tradition holds and HH does reincarnate in a human vehicle, it will be a couple of years before he/she is identified and then will require many years of monastic training before wielding any sort of influence, let alone spiritual wisdom. The one to watch is the 29-year old Karma Kagyupas' Karmapa, who is now touring in the U.S. for two months, speaking at our top universities, being "positioned" by that school's very "Western" wealthy peeps as the high-monastic 21st Century Tibetan Renaissance Man heir-apparent to HHDL; moving toward a one-day very inside-significant shifting at the top from Gelug to Kagyu. "Politics" abound wherever power exists -- the Chinese are grasping, trying to get their share, and look silly doing so.
4
As a Catholic, I am taught the primacy of the conscience in directing human action. This is a complex matter and I do not wish to belittle it. The journey into conscience is intense and lifelong. I am also taught to respect all men of good will. As a Catholic, I reject the teaching of reincarnation for the doctrine of the resurrection. In the context here, 'reincarnation' is the passing on of a tradition. If the Dalai Lama wishes to end his dynasty, maybe he is indicating it is time for his followers to more deeply explore the search for the truth in his spirit. Truth is absolute and immutable. Our apprehension of the truth partial and prone to error. That should humble us into recognizing we do not search for truth alone. When found even imperfectly, it imparts a deep peace to the soul. Jesus left us at his ascension. He did not remain, but gives to all who believe in him his own Holy Spirit. Perhaps the Dali Lama wishes for his followers to engage in a more intrepid search for truth as he did as their leader. This will result in a multiplicity of understanding, but this is the nature of enlightenment. In the Catholic faith we benefit from the Magisterium in our search for that truth which is God Himself. Spurred by humility and good will this search makes all of us better people. Even atheistic communism is beginning to abandon the curse of western Marxism and return to the great dignity embedded in authentic human culture and the search for Truth Itself.
2
This has to be the political story of the week. What a battle over control! The Chinese may have physical control for the moment over Tibet; but they don;t control the Dalai Lama now, or possibly in the future! One might think the Chinese Government would want to see an end to the "reincarnation" of the Dalai and other Lamas. But , of course, they also can use a more cooperative spiritual leader to help manage the Tibetans. I guess the current Dalai;s message to the Chinese Government is: I can;t be sure of irritating you with my reincarnation; so I may have to irritate you the non existence of the Dalai Lama.
5
Disputes like this one only serve to prove the point of "Thou shall not mix politics with religion" beyond doubt.
4
Little suits the credibility of an atheistic regime more poorly than insisting on reincarnation.
5
"Zhu Weiqun, a Communist Party official who has long dealt with Tibetan issues, told reporters in Beijing on Wednesday that the Dalai Lama had, essentially, no say over whether he was reincarnated. That was ultimately for the Chinese government to decide"
That is the funniest thing I have read in a while. The government decides your afterlife.
That is the funniest thing I have read in a while. The government decides your afterlife.
10
That means higher the party rank the better your after life will be. So where is chairman Mao and comrade Deng.
As a parent, you can see a new baby getting used to its body. Some cry, some gurgle, some sleep and some are agitated. Some kids show extraordinary aptitude and talents. According to Buddhism the consciousness is luminosity, expressed in the prism of space, wind, heat, water and earth. The earth-bound body dissolves but the indestructible mind continues.
Seeing the mindset of the anti-Dalai Lama makes me both sad and hopeful.
Compassion, loving kindness, universal goodwill and nobility of a great soul must and will reincarnate to help ease the suffering in this world.
Seeing the mindset of the anti-Dalai Lama makes me both sad and hopeful.
Compassion, loving kindness, universal goodwill and nobility of a great soul must and will reincarnate to help ease the suffering in this world.
2
" warned that he must reincarnate, and on their terms."
Do these people ven listen to their own crazy?
Do these people ven listen to their own crazy?
5
As ridiculous as this whole farce is, it's not any more ridiculous than a religion whose "love of mankind" extends only to the exalted and spares nary a thought for those who toil and tithe to support them. This was a society, after all, that consisted of a ruling class of monks supported by peasants whose share of the path to enlightenment was simply to toil - endlessly.
And pray tell, where are the women in all of this? Why are we so outraged that the Catholics give short shrift to the rights of women and yet the Buddhists somehow get a pass by our adoring Westerners?
I've been to these meetings where the revered Rimpoche and his entourage graced us with their exalted presence and wisdom. I was not impressed with any of it. What I saw sitting on stage were a bunch of dusty old fat men in robes who looked really bored, which to my gobsmacked friends was interpreted as inner wisdom. The main man who answered the acolyte's questions smiled as though only he could know the secret, and uttered some cryptic slogan that sounded like it came from a calender of daily affirmations. Spare me.
While I'm not a fan of how China annexed their land and are seeking to rework their society along Han lines, state of grace by oppression of others is not my idea of godliness. The way the current Dali Lama holds court and lives his life in exile is not exemplary. Maybe its time to reach full enlightenment and like Elvis, leave the building and let the Chinese guy take over.
And pray tell, where are the women in all of this? Why are we so outraged that the Catholics give short shrift to the rights of women and yet the Buddhists somehow get a pass by our adoring Westerners?
I've been to these meetings where the revered Rimpoche and his entourage graced us with their exalted presence and wisdom. I was not impressed with any of it. What I saw sitting on stage were a bunch of dusty old fat men in robes who looked really bored, which to my gobsmacked friends was interpreted as inner wisdom. The main man who answered the acolyte's questions smiled as though only he could know the secret, and uttered some cryptic slogan that sounded like it came from a calender of daily affirmations. Spare me.
While I'm not a fan of how China annexed their land and are seeking to rework their society along Han lines, state of grace by oppression of others is not my idea of godliness. The way the current Dali Lama holds court and lives his life in exile is not exemplary. Maybe its time to reach full enlightenment and like Elvis, leave the building and let the Chinese guy take over.
3
you can be ridiculous, or logical, but how can you be both? if you think this religion is ridiculous, why then you want to assert your right over its leader's afterlife? where did u go to school?
2
"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder."
(Yeah, I know this will be misunderstood.)
(Yeah, I know this will be misunderstood.)
But there is such a thing as "the logical conclusion."
Also, there are always paradoxes: logical and illogical together.
Ridiculousness is another matter: behaving in a manner as to attract ridicule; and the ridicule itself may well be illogical.
Also, there are always paradoxes: logical and illogical together.
Ridiculousness is another matter: behaving in a manner as to attract ridicule; and the ridicule itself may well be illogical.
I'm surprised there's no mention of the Karmapa controversy in the Kagyu lineage. In fact, there's little mention of the fact that there are lineages other than the Gelugpa at all. This article could have used a bit more research and contextualization.
3
In the photo depicted, HH the Dalai Lama is paying a visit to a great Kagyu monastery, Palpung Sherab Ling in Himachal Pradesh (belonging to Tai Situpa, an eminent teacher and lineage holder in the Kagyu school).
1
Whether he likes to or not, he is not going to reincarnate. That just doesn't happen (even if you wish it would).
1
Sez you!
"I'm taking my boomerang & going home!" ~ H.H. the 14th
1
I have had several opportunities to be in the presence of his holiness. Even in very large crowds his wit, the twinkle in his eye, is unmistakable. I have also heard him speak with steel in his voice. I love that he is letting the cop know that he will have the last laugh.
7
Conceptually, as I understand it, we are caught in the life-death-reincarnation cycle until we "get it right".
If the Dalai Lama does not reincarnate, the implication would be that he has indeed "got it right".
That's bad news for those who oppose him, isn't it? Why? Because then all the fortune cookies in China would have the message, "Do it like the Dalai Lama".
Wahoo!
If the Dalai Lama does not reincarnate, the implication would be that he has indeed "got it right".
That's bad news for those who oppose him, isn't it? Why? Because then all the fortune cookies in China would have the message, "Do it like the Dalai Lama".
Wahoo!
2
It is now 21 st century and Chinese Communist Party still does not understand that power is powerless in winging hearts and minds of people.
3
Maybe not power but theocracy a la ISIS/ISIL sure wins many followings around the world. Maybe this conflect should be framed as powerful modern state vs. theocratic Dalai Lama? Why does this reminds me of recent events?
Beijing is invoking veto power thinking that UN security council has sole authority to decides life after death - rebirth.
Here is the Dalai Lama , who has already appointing his successor, the Chinese Karmapa in 2012 short video , with the Karmapa feigning surprise and not very well. There is no ambiguity in this short clip, about this Chinese This Karmapa being the next GOD KING. He is the popular Lama among all the Western Buddhist devotees, and is now to t our all over the U.S. , despite being under house arrest in India for being suspected of being a Chinese agent. That is why , this week , there has been all this theater in mainstream U.S. papers about this reincarnation flap. It is just to distract from this Chinese Karmapa's third visit to win over more devotees in the west and To distract from what is happening with the Dalai Lama and Chinese appointed Lama and the Dalai Lama's approved successor. controlled universities now . Billionaires in the U.S. and China are promoting this ninth century repressive religion to quell the masses east and west.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khEiu0s1hUg
Here is the article on the merger of Tibetan Buddhism with Han Buddhism and the collusion of the Kagyu Lamas , who have been rebuilding in Tibetan since at least the 1980's .
http://www.market.ch/fr/blog/details/article/geopolitique-buddhist-soft-...
It is appalling how the New York Times is no longer a newspaper of investigative journalism and that commentators , that write thoughtful , well researched comments that are informative and important are censored.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khEiu0s1hUg
Here is the article on the merger of Tibetan Buddhism with Han Buddhism and the collusion of the Kagyu Lamas , who have been rebuilding in Tibetan since at least the 1980's .
http://www.market.ch/fr/blog/details/article/geopolitique-buddhist-soft-...
It is appalling how the New York Times is no longer a newspaper of investigative journalism and that commentators , that write thoughtful , well researched comments that are informative and important are censored.
3
Nice propaganda for the Chinese, 'Chris'.
Neither of these men are KING of anything anymore and they know it. The vatican by cotrast still owns buzzillions. So, not really a parallel construct. The Chinese took all the money in 1959 ( and continue to place art icons for sale in the market.)
They are merely religious leaders, albeit with a shrinking congregation.
Neither of these men are KING of anything anymore and they know it. The vatican by cotrast still owns buzzillions. So, not really a parallel construct. The Chinese took all the money in 1959 ( and continue to place art icons for sale in the market.)
They are merely religious leaders, albeit with a shrinking congregation.
2
@Bette
They may be no more than average people like us but you won't think that when you see the courtesy extended to them by western officials and populace hunger for "spirituality". Dalai Lama tour the world more times and met with more US president and politicians than any Pope in history.
The fact is, Chinese, including Tibetan Chinese don't care much about them but to the West, Tibetan Buddhism is the embodiment of enlightenment.
They may be no more than average people like us but you won't think that when you see the courtesy extended to them by western officials and populace hunger for "spirituality". Dalai Lama tour the world more times and met with more US president and politicians than any Pope in history.
The fact is, Chinese, including Tibetan Chinese don't care much about them but to the West, Tibetan Buddhism is the embodiment of enlightenment.
This made my day. How can you not love this Dalai Lama when he says "“There is no guarantee that some stupid Dalai Lama won’t come next, who will disgrace himself or herself. That would be very sad." If only the ability to reincarnate were based on how much love, compassion, and humor one expresses in the current lifetime. We could use a million reincarnated Dalai Lamas!
23
"Look, strange lamas standing in sacred lakes and divining dreams is no basis for a government."
4
You can hear the Chinese government speaking in Graham Chapman's voice :
"Be quiet! I order you to be quiet!" :-)
"Be quiet! I order you to be quiet!" :-)
2
"Totalitarian" governments seek to exercise "total" control over their subjects. Today it is religion, but last week it was brutal suppression of women on Women's Day, before that revoking promises made to permit Hong Kong citizens to select their chief administrator, covering up news of graft by local politicians, confining Nobel Prize winners to their homes, hiding reports of environmental poisoning that kills everyday people, etc., etc.
About the only thing the Chinese government has been unable to control is the looting of China's wealth by Communist Party leaders (and their families), and exporting that wealth to democratic nations overseas.
Mao purged the Communist Party of Communists in 1968's Cultural Revolution, and since his death nearly 40 years ago, the leadership class has been primarily been devoted to self, family and friends. That explains why they view the other 1.2 billion Chinese people either as threats or as cows to be milked.
About the only thing the Chinese government has been unable to control is the looting of China's wealth by Communist Party leaders (and their families), and exporting that wealth to democratic nations overseas.
Mao purged the Communist Party of Communists in 1968's Cultural Revolution, and since his death nearly 40 years ago, the leadership class has been primarily been devoted to self, family and friends. That explains why they view the other 1.2 billion Chinese people either as threats or as cows to be milked.
15
Maybe the Dalai Lama correctly surmised that making the statement would bring "the crazy" in the CCP out into full view.
If the 15th turns out to live in Dharamsala, Ithaca, LA or London, then what will CCP do?
If the 15th turns out to live in Dharamsala, Ithaca, LA or London, then what will CCP do?
10
Oh, this dabbling by the Chinese Communist Party in what they regard as "superstition" – see AmateurHistorian's comments – would be simply farcical, if it were not for the tragic reality it masks. And it remains farcical how men for whom nothing exists outside the narrow realm of Realpolitik can be so plain stupid as to mess around with a philosophical system of which they know nothing. What else is it but the grossest superstition to talk about and even try to act upon something of which one knows nothing?
Unfortunately, the Party oligarchy has locked itself into a mental prison in its dealings with Tibet (and other minorities) and thrown away the key. In so doing, they have completely failed to understand that social peace and wellbeing can be achieved only through genuine inclusiveness. By which I don't mean the dominant people eating up and digesting the "lesser breeds"...
All this - the effect of narrow dogmatic beliefs on the part of the authorities - is so unfortunate for all concerned, especially given the relative far-sightedness of those authorities in many important areas. But then, there's ordinary stupidity, which is good for stampeding and corralling the herd, and middling stupidity, the domain of so many politicans; while the higher, even transcendental levels of stupidity are open only to those with high IQs. And, as I've had the misfortune to notice in the course of my life, there are no few Marxists and materialists who are scared of... black cats...
Unfortunately, the Party oligarchy has locked itself into a mental prison in its dealings with Tibet (and other minorities) and thrown away the key. In so doing, they have completely failed to understand that social peace and wellbeing can be achieved only through genuine inclusiveness. By which I don't mean the dominant people eating up and digesting the "lesser breeds"...
All this - the effect of narrow dogmatic beliefs on the part of the authorities - is so unfortunate for all concerned, especially given the relative far-sightedness of those authorities in many important areas. But then, there's ordinary stupidity, which is good for stampeding and corralling the herd, and middling stupidity, the domain of so many politicans; while the higher, even transcendental levels of stupidity are open only to those with high IQs. And, as I've had the misfortune to notice in the course of my life, there are no few Marxists and materialists who are scared of... black cats...
4
Thanks PETER BURNETTNICE for mentioning me but I have to disagree with your comments. Idology and philosophy sounds nice on paper but a country should be run according to scientific facts and Realpolitik. It is what separates a modern government from theocracy.
1
Wow, who knew? That's like the Italian government selecting the Pope.
5
There were many Popes selected by European monarchs including multiple Antipope. In fact, all Dalai Lamas of the past including #14 were selected by powerful lamas and officials is Beijing who have a reason to pick a certain candidate. It is a power game afterall.
1
The Pope and Dalai Lama institution are totally different.
This is something that seems like it should be published on April Fool's Day.
10
"reincarnation appointed by the Chinese government"
What a wording! It sounds wonderful! However, it is very sad about the fact that Buddhism is becoming another religion that politicians want to use actively to achieve their goals...
What a wording! It sounds wonderful! However, it is very sad about the fact that Buddhism is becoming another religion that politicians want to use actively to achieve their goals...
5
Next act of the Almighty Chinese Communist Party is to order re-incarnation of Mao ZeDong! It is all about territory, Money, and power, Mr. Xi, the WORLD KNOWS!
Buddhism was founded by a prince. Buddhist artifacts sent as diplomatic gift and monasteries in China, Korea and Japan used to have armies. Buddhism has been politicalized for a very long time.
1
I believe the Dali Lama will reincarnate, and it's up to the Tibetan people to protect him or her from the Chinese. Once the new Dali Lama is identified, he/she should be protected immediately and transferred to India to continue their spiritual work. The Chinese gov't continues to make themselves look like fools, I'm actually embarrassed for them now with this 'Chinese Idol' style selection of the next Dali Lama. Tsk tsk tsk.
6
There were always multiple candidates to identify as the reincarnation of a great lama and #15 Dalai Lama will be no different. While the exiled groups can self-proclaim a prodigy as the next Dalai Lama he will be not legitimate as all candidate will have to be tested. And this doesn't even take into account the monastery that's Dalai's home and school is in China.
1
I see the Dalai Lama has not lost his sense of humor. The idea that atheists will control an afterlife is clearly not lost on Chris Buckley. Thank you for carrying through on the irony. I can't help but wonder if the Chinese people perceive trying to control people's religious beliefs as being as ludicrous as the western world does. I bet there are a lot of Chinese citizens who have been trying to hide their smiles, if not when the leaders took on the Tibetan religion by appointing "clergy" a while ago, at least on this latest one. We know this is really about trying to control Tibet mainly for the water rights.
9
This is all theater, pretend enmity between the Dalai Lama and China, The Kagyu Gurus and the Dalai Lama have been working with China to rebuild and collaborate with China to merge Tibetan Buddhism and Han Chinese Buddhism for years into their new 'religion' of Harmony for China. . The Dalai Lama has already appointed his successor , Ogyen Trinley, the Chinese Karmapa, in 2012, who is on a whirwind tour for the 3rd time in the U.S. while all this theater , despite being under house arrest in India for being suspected of being a Chinese agent and spy, which he is and now he is traveling here to all our prestigious universities in 2 days and apparently our government has no problem with a repressive, misogynistic ninth century Chinese appointed cleric influencing us to become even further dumbed down then we are already by a controlled media, who gets experts like Robert Barnett, or Robert Thurman, Tibetan Buddhist fanatic devotees to tell us what to think about all this
"When near, manifest as far" Sun Tzu -Art of War. China will never directly fight us, they will infiltrate into our hearts and minds by their 'soft power' to undermine democracy from the 'inside' and repress any nascent democracy in China through the use of these Tibetan Lamas.
"When near, manifest as far" Sun Tzu -Art of War. China will never directly fight us, they will infiltrate into our hearts and minds by their 'soft power' to undermine democracy from the 'inside' and repress any nascent democracy in China through the use of these Tibetan Lamas.
1
Dalai Lama is correct, He will not reincarnate. Actually, no Dalai Lama ever reincarnated. When our ancestors could not explain the horrors that occurred all around and injustice done to good people, they invented sin of "the past life" and a "future life" to experience the fruits of good/bad deeds committed in the present life. There was NO past life and there is NO future life, either. That is why we have to do good to others and experience joy in this present and only life.
11
This article illustrates perfectly not only that religions are made up by humans, but also that sometimes religions end up being strongly promoted by the unbelievers themselves, as this case of the Chinese communists shows so well. Their desperate agenda for political clout and social control is pushing them beyond all common sense and propriety.
In the 1930s, the playwright-philosopher Miguel de Unamuno wrote a fascinating short novel entitled "San Manuel Bueno, mártir". It is the story of a saintly priest who himself has no faith or belief in God, but nonetheless goes on performing his religious duties and leadership in his community because he feels that without faith in God, most of his people will lose their way.
For his part, the brilliant 19th-century historian and political thinker Alexis de Tocqueville, an aristocrat, was also a person of no religious faith who still believed the common people
needed God so they might follow a more moral path in their daily lives.
Coming back to the Chinese, their crass land grab of Tibet in 1959, is consistent with their current and even more crass religious power grab on the matter of the succession of the Dalai Lama. Talk about ulterior motives! Their brute behavior in Tibet continues, and today they show no shame as they embrace their completely absurd religious stance.
oz.
In the 1930s, the playwright-philosopher Miguel de Unamuno wrote a fascinating short novel entitled "San Manuel Bueno, mártir". It is the story of a saintly priest who himself has no faith or belief in God, but nonetheless goes on performing his religious duties and leadership in his community because he feels that without faith in God, most of his people will lose their way.
For his part, the brilliant 19th-century historian and political thinker Alexis de Tocqueville, an aristocrat, was also a person of no religious faith who still believed the common people
needed God so they might follow a more moral path in their daily lives.
Coming back to the Chinese, their crass land grab of Tibet in 1959, is consistent with their current and even more crass religious power grab on the matter of the succession of the Dalai Lama. Talk about ulterior motives! Their brute behavior in Tibet continues, and today they show no shame as they embrace their completely absurd religious stance.
oz.
5
Not just crass--genocidal wiping out of a people and a culture.
If the Chinese can't use his natural death as a way to gain more control then they haven't got much reason to let him enjoy a natural death.
peace and stability in Tibet make your voice heard Dalai Lama
4
No matter what happens, the Chinese will never really take over Tibet!!!!!!
2
No, Tibet joined China a few hundred years ago so there is no no take over involved. It is one country.
1
Just as with Tom Cotton and the Republican Congress in the U.S. Zhu Weiqun and the Communist Party of China declare themselves to be God, now deciding whether Iran should be irradiated beyond recognition and who may or may not be reincarnated.
It would be so funny if it wasn't so insanely dangerous. Pride goeth before the fall.
It would be so funny if it wasn't so insanely dangerous. Pride goeth before the fall.
3
Wonder what we would think of Dalai Lama were Tibet left alone by China. Would we gaggle as loudly, as fervently as we do to his rather spoken wisdom?
When I saw how he conducts himself in India, the land that has given him shelter, I lost all interest. When he is in Dharamsala, he gives audience. First in line, European whites. Second in line, his followers who think he is divine. Third in line, who knows. Last in line? Indian taxpayers on whose largesse his life, and those of his fellow exiles depend.
Imagine someone whom the US harbored at taxpayer expense, who held a deep, abiding disdain for Americans. Would you still regard him as divine and sagacious?
China is irredeemable, well beyond the pale. But the Lama has done little to create a democratic government in exile. He also started, some decades ago, legitimizing Chinese occupation of Tibet. Smart politician? Yes. But not a whole lot more than that.
Kalidan
When I saw how he conducts himself in India, the land that has given him shelter, I lost all interest. When he is in Dharamsala, he gives audience. First in line, European whites. Second in line, his followers who think he is divine. Third in line, who knows. Last in line? Indian taxpayers on whose largesse his life, and those of his fellow exiles depend.
Imagine someone whom the US harbored at taxpayer expense, who held a deep, abiding disdain for Americans. Would you still regard him as divine and sagacious?
China is irredeemable, well beyond the pale. But the Lama has done little to create a democratic government in exile. He also started, some decades ago, legitimizing Chinese occupation of Tibet. Smart politician? Yes. But not a whole lot more than that.
Kalidan
2
The same reason you cited is why the Communist cannot let him continue his way in the 50s'. The previous emperors and Nationalist government was very lax in their dealing with the lamas but the Communist with their strong atheist bend couldn't let a provinces to be run like a therocracy.
1
Another apologist for China. Dalai Lama give blessing and teaching to devotees who come to him. He is not one seeking conversion like Christian paster or Hindu Gar Wapasi. In fact he advise people against conversion.
1
'Chinese Communist Party leaders are afraid that the Dalai Lama will not have an afterlife.' I'm afraid neither he nor anybody else has one. However I thought that atheism was the official policy of the Chinese Communist Party and consequently I cannot understand the basis of these fears.
3
China's edict that the Dalai Lama reincarnate may not work. Nor may their command to the Dalai Lama that he MUST reincarnate. So, this should help humanity by spurring China to find a technology to send the PLA into the after life to get the Dalai Lama to reincarnate at gun point? Why don't the ask Angelina Jolie, Brendan Frazer or Harrison Ford? Hollywood is bound to have a solution. After all, they know the Dalai Lama far better than the Politburo and the PLA put together.
2
Another Papa Xi moment, sitting on his rocking chair in his salacious Forbidden City, eating Peking duck washed it down with cherry, drooling and dictating how Dali Lama should pick his successor.
1
Okay, so maybe President Obama is guilty of overreach and imperial aspirations, as his Republican detractors in Congress assert. But at least he's not messing with our afterlife. Can we at least agree about that?
Then again, that may be too much to hope for.
Then again, that may be too much to hope for.
6
I would like to take into consideration a fundamental question about
all this discussion, viz: the concept of reincarnation has never been empirically or logically verified. The Tibetan 'Book of the Dead' did not specify the procedure whereby a person can be identified by his/her incarnate. The poor soul chosen, mainly by his/her predilection for certain toys, must
then spend his/her life in celibacy and in meditation. We who have
gone through the Enlightenment cannot unequivocally condone this process.
all this discussion, viz: the concept of reincarnation has never been empirically or logically verified. The Tibetan 'Book of the Dead' did not specify the procedure whereby a person can be identified by his/her incarnate. The poor soul chosen, mainly by his/her predilection for certain toys, must
then spend his/her life in celibacy and in meditation. We who have
gone through the Enlightenment cannot unequivocally condone this process.
3
Completely agree but unfortunately there is an entire culture and political system build around their leaders coming back to lead.
1
I would love to see Monte Python's version of the communist government selecting the next Dalai Lama. This is one of those situations where reality is so bizarre it is hard to top it with comedy. I am an atheist, maybe I should decide who the next Pope is. I am as qualified as the Chinese communist party is to select the next Buddhist leader.
5
This, if made into a film, would be a fitting sequel to "The Life of Brian!"
Marx said religion is the opium of the masses. China now considers itself a decision maker of Tibetan Buddhism. Separation of religion and state vs state is the religion. That high pitched whine is Marx spinning at 5600 RPM.
3
My guess is the current Dalai Lama will have a spiritual revelation that he will reincarnate on the U.S. soil, so the U.S. born boy will be brought up as the next Dalai Lama and enjoy maximum individual freedom including the freedom of religion to preserve and propagate Tibetan Buddhism, and outsmart the Chinese Government. In other words, the future Dalai Lamas will enjoy the shelter of the U.S. Constitution to preserve, protect, and propagate their religion.
3
You wouldn't say that if you know the selection process and training the new Dalai Lama would have to go through. In fact, it would violate Federal and state laws if he reincarnates in the US.
1
He will reincarnate, and move to Dharmasala with his parents until he is an adult! Of course, I will feel sorry for him.
1
Surrealism flourishes at the annual Beijing legislative blow-out! Sounds like Mr. Zhu Weiqun may be analogous to our Ms. Bachmann.
4
Its strange that Chinese Communist want the Dalai Lama to reincarnate yet its a crime to possess a picture of the Dalai Lama in Tibet whether in pulp or digital. Even the Potala the former residence cum Tibetan government sans a photo of the Dalai Lama.
Only picture Tibetans can and must in their living room is pantheon of Atheist leaders from Mao to Xi.
Its height of hypocrisy for the communist Chinese leaders to say the Dalai Lama should reincarnate when Chinese Communist is not just an Atheist but who abhors religion least of Buddhism and rebirth and did everything to destroy Buddhism since 1950 physically by demolishing 6000 monasteries, executing monks or disrobing them.
Only picture Tibetans can and must in their living room is pantheon of Atheist leaders from Mao to Xi.
Its height of hypocrisy for the communist Chinese leaders to say the Dalai Lama should reincarnate when Chinese Communist is not just an Atheist but who abhors religion least of Buddhism and rebirth and did everything to destroy Buddhism since 1950 physically by demolishing 6000 monasteries, executing monks or disrobing them.
7
Perhaps this is the most bizarre, wacky and amazing political news of 2015. Devotees of an ideology that for nearly 150 years considered religion “opium for the masses,” denies afterlife and, consequently, deems reincarnation impossible, all of a sudden want to control the Dalai Lama’s reincarnation. It’s laughable. But maybe the most important lesson one can learn from this news is that Communist leaders everywhere are willing to incur in appalling contradictions for the sake of extending and consolidating their power.
9
OMG!! hahahahahahahahahah
Thanks for the great laugh this morning, this is so ridiculous it's hysterical.
Thanks for the great laugh this morning, this is so ridiculous it's hysterical.
9
I think that the Dalai Lama should appoint the next chairman of the Chinese Communist Party. What better way to lead the people of the most populist nation on earth to enlightenment?
13
Excellent comment! Thank you!
Turn about is fair play!
Turn about is fair play!
Though these people are very serious there is a comic element to it. That the Lama and the Chinese Communists think they have any control over the future is the funny part.
3
It is amazing that "The Onion" was able to sneak an article into the Times!
86
thank you for your essential observation.
Reincarnation, its proof and everything else connected with it, could be one of the biggest scams going on, on mankind for a long time :)
1
Yes, reincarnation is ridiculous, but eternal heaven and hell make perfect sense.
1
I love the Dali Lama, how can you not? But I didn't know he was a poker player...
31
Hi, AmateurHistorian NYC, You sound like someone who gets his education from propaganda instead of studying and developing a capacity to judge facts. How can you even think of comparing the life of the current Dalai Lama to that of a Ponzi operator? On what basis?
..... Looks like yours is user name "AmateurHistorian NYC" is just a dummy front for the department of misinformation and propaganda of the Communist Party of China....
The writer of this article, Chris Buckley, is right when he refers to the sham "Panchen Lama" foisted by the Communist Party of China on the Tibetan people -- and the tragic "disappearance" (read MURDER) of the child confirmed by the Dalai Lama, along with his family.....
Instead of subjecting another child and his family to torture and murder, the Dalai Lama has, in his compassion declared that he will not reincarnate and instead end his centuries old lineage.... He knows only too well from the Panchen Lama incident that the Chinese would stick at nothing to install their own man as Dalai Lama for the power to control the lives of the Tibetan people who, even 56 years after the Dalai Lama was forced to leave Tibet still have the highest regard for him....
Beijing's quest for power and absolute control in Tibet will bring misery, torture and murder to some infants and their families in the struggle to China-fy Tibet and Tibetan Buddhism.
That is why the Dalai Lama has said No Reincarnation = No grisly chaise for a new Dalai Lama.....
..... Looks like yours is user name "AmateurHistorian NYC" is just a dummy front for the department of misinformation and propaganda of the Communist Party of China....
The writer of this article, Chris Buckley, is right when he refers to the sham "Panchen Lama" foisted by the Communist Party of China on the Tibetan people -- and the tragic "disappearance" (read MURDER) of the child confirmed by the Dalai Lama, along with his family.....
Instead of subjecting another child and his family to torture and murder, the Dalai Lama has, in his compassion declared that he will not reincarnate and instead end his centuries old lineage.... He knows only too well from the Panchen Lama incident that the Chinese would stick at nothing to install their own man as Dalai Lama for the power to control the lives of the Tibetan people who, even 56 years after the Dalai Lama was forced to leave Tibet still have the highest regard for him....
Beijing's quest for power and absolute control in Tibet will bring misery, torture and murder to some infants and their families in the struggle to China-fy Tibet and Tibetan Buddhism.
That is why the Dalai Lama has said No Reincarnation = No grisly chaise for a new Dalai Lama.....
4
You don't get to play God for 14 generations, ask donation internationally, have the world grovel at your feet and proclaim yourself as the living embodiment of Tibetan tradition and suddenly decide to call it quick and run like those people that build a Ponzi scheme.
There will be more Dalai Lama in the future and they will repair the damage #14 has done to "his" people regardless if he wants it or not. There was numerous bad popes in history and Tibetan Buddhism is bounded to run into one.
There will be more Dalai Lama in the future and they will repair the damage #14 has done to "his" people regardless if he wants it or not. There was numerous bad popes in history and Tibetan Buddhism is bounded to run into one.
1
Damage? What are you talking about? How has the Dalai Lama damaged anything? He is widely revered by the Tibetan people and Buddhists (and non-Buddhists!) throughout the world. The Chinese are unwelcome occupiers of Tibet, and it is they who are doing the damage.
10
I believe this has to do with the freedom of faith, and that any government can force itself on the faithful. This is about China taking over Tibet.
5
Its because the Dalai Lama has busted Chinese Lies, Myths and Deception about liberation of Tibet under Chinese rule.
China like colonial of past have come to Tibet to plunder its resources. Its nothing surprising statement such as Atheist Communist China exhorting and calling for reincarnation.
Chinese imperialist in Tibet have said similar things such as Tibetan Nomads are bad for environment and as such relocated Tibetan Nomads into concrete structures. Only meaningful environmental protection measures Chinese seems fit is rampant mining after relocating 2 million Tibetan Nomads.
China like colonial of past have come to Tibet to plunder its resources. Its nothing surprising statement such as Atheist Communist China exhorting and calling for reincarnation.
Chinese imperialist in Tibet have said similar things such as Tibetan Nomads are bad for environment and as such relocated Tibetan Nomads into concrete structures. Only meaningful environmental protection measures Chinese seems fit is rampant mining after relocating 2 million Tibetan Nomads.
1
Wait a minute--the Dalai Lama DID select his successor: Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, known as the Panchen Lama, except that China kidnapped him back in 1995, right after he was identified. At least, this is what I was taught when visiting the Tibetan Museum in Dharamasala, India (the Dalai Lama's current home), last summer, while living locally and attending a lecture given by the Dalai Lama himself. He's not refusing to name the next Lama, he's just refusing to look for one to replace the one he's already identified to succeed him. How did this article completely omit this very important fact?
20
I think you might be a little confused. The Panchen Lama is different from the Dalai Lama. In the past, the Panchen Lama would act as spiritual/political leader of Tibet until the Dalai Lama came of age and would be the primary teacher of the new incarnation of the Dalai Lama. The same would happen in reverse with the Dalai Lama teaching the Panchen Lama how to fulfill his roles. So, in a way you're right, the Panchen Lama should have been there to take the reins until the HH the 15th was adequately trained, but the Panchen Lama is not the same as the Dalai Lama; they are two entirely seperate spiritual lineages.
1
You should read the whole article. They discuss the 95 disappearance of Panchen Lama
The Panchen Lama is a distinct lineage within the Gelug tradition and is not the successor of the Dalai Lama.
3
For the record CCP also appoint bishops and cardinals in China. Go figure.
8
They also pick Protestant churches and pastors too. The desire to control every facet of people's lives is a given in Communism but to think they have control of the after life is comical.
3
If the leaders of the Chinese Communist Party have suddenly become ardent practitioners of Tibetan Buddhism, then I'll give them some credence in choosing the next Dali Lama. I hope to meet Premier Xi and the members of the Chinese People's Consultative Conference at meditation retreats sometime. That would be truly wonderful. The Buddhist lessons of compassion are for all to learn.
23
They're afraid that their dogma will be run over by his karma.
76
It's OK because all Dogmas go to Heaven
5
Excellent. Best use of that phrase, ever. Thanks!
How the successor can be chosen was in debate for a lot of years. I doubt Chinese government is really placing much emphasis on this issue...though the comments from Zhu look like a PR failure if not mistranslated.
What bothers me more is how many folks here seem to be ignorant of the history of the region. There is an article named "Friendly Feudalism: The Tibet Myth" that explains some of the misconceptions quite well. It does not sympathize the Chinese, yet it explains a lot of the facts in the region that are totally misunderstood...such as the nonviolence and the nature of the communist occupation.
What bothers me more is how many folks here seem to be ignorant of the history of the region. There is an article named "Friendly Feudalism: The Tibet Myth" that explains some of the misconceptions quite well. It does not sympathize the Chinese, yet it explains a lot of the facts in the region that are totally misunderstood...such as the nonviolence and the nature of the communist occupation.
2
"the nonviolence and the nature of the communist occupation."
Thousands of monasteries were destroyed during the "Cultural Revolution" - much like the Taliban and ISIS are destroying historical monuments these past decades and currently. Between a quarter of a million to a million Tibetans died over the process of the communist occupation. I'm not sure whether you're being ironic or are simply misinformed.
http://www.refworld.org/docid/49749d3dc.html
Thousands of monasteries were destroyed during the "Cultural Revolution" - much like the Taliban and ISIS are destroying historical monuments these past decades and currently. Between a quarter of a million to a million Tibetans died over the process of the communist occupation. I'm not sure whether you're being ironic or are simply misinformed.
http://www.refworld.org/docid/49749d3dc.html
24
"Decision-making power over the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama, and over the end or survival of this lineage, resides in the central government of China,” said Mr. Zhu"
That line explains everything... this is a control issue. It's common knowledge that the CCP micromanages China, down to the last detail... from which websites Chinese people can visit to what they can post on Twitter or the locally approved equivalent, from what "art" means to how religion is to be practiced, if at all. Right now it is only the "minorities" in Tibet who are in the news. But what of the voiceless millions in the mainland who are simply disappeared for crossing some arbitrary line set by the CCP? The Tibetans in Tibet and those in exile in India have made their situation visible - we haven't done much to help.
That line explains everything... this is a control issue. It's common knowledge that the CCP micromanages China, down to the last detail... from which websites Chinese people can visit to what they can post on Twitter or the locally approved equivalent, from what "art" means to how religion is to be practiced, if at all. Right now it is only the "minorities" in Tibet who are in the news. But what of the voiceless millions in the mainland who are simply disappeared for crossing some arbitrary line set by the CCP? The Tibetans in Tibet and those in exile in India have made their situation visible - we haven't done much to help.
20
Dalai Lama himself in his earlier lives agreed to have Beijing confirm his reincarnation to ensure national unity as many believers live outside the administrative region under Lhasa. #14 is renegading a promise he made.
@AmateurHistorian - "Dalai Lama himself in his earlier lives agreed to have Beijing confirm his reincarnation to ensure national unity as many believers live outside the administrative region under Lhasa"
Really? And you know this, how?
Really? And you know this, how?
7
Excuse me if I am just a 'westerner' who does not understand but I can't stop laughing. The Chinese Government controls reincarnation? Wow. Very impressive. Enlightened bureaucrats perhaps? Are there uniforms involved? Badges and certificates of promotion? They apparently can travel between both worlds, see the unseen while also allowing uniform existence here on Earth? Validate parking too? Very impressive. I understand it's all political and controlling but wow, if there is a more ludicrous statement ever made I have yet to hear it. That's hilarious.
36
Yes, I'm having the same reaction. Talk about double speak! I love that the Dalai Lama is threatening the Chinese with just plain old refusing to reincarnate--the analogy to Castro picking the next pope is priceless!
3
The Buddha said it best, when asked by a man worried about his own pending death. He advised the man to not worry about what may happen in an afterlife or to have concern about reincarnation, but rather to live simply in the present moment, peacefully with goodness in his heart, not striving.
26
According to the article, the Dalai Lama said he might not reincarnate.
Does he really have a choice? How does he know whether or not he has a choice?
Does he really have a choice? How does he know whether or not he has a choice?
2
He has a choice.
13
He is the 14th Dalai Lama, which means there were 13 before him, obviously. The tradition of the Dalai Lama is that the Dalai Lama is a highly-evolved spiritual being whose consciousness is no longer subject to death and birth - only the body is subject to them. Because he is so highly evolved, he has the ability to choose the time, place and circumstance of future lives and rebirths. It's all very Buddhist and all Tibetan Buddhists believe this.
18
He doesn't have a choice as the position of Dalai Lama is just an office like who is the president-for-life. The current Dalai Lama have no leverage with Beijing so he is threatening to "kill" the office of Dalai Lama knowing full well that would split Tibetan Buddhism into those that believe in #15 and those that think #14 is the last one. Such a split would create chaos much like Protestant and Catholic, Shia and Sunni and that's why the strong language from Beijing. Most people in China don't believe him becuase that's akin to holding his own believer hostage in negotiating with Beijing.
1
As others have pointed out, this would be funny in its Orwellian tone if it were not for the fact that an entire nation, it's people and it's culture are being slowly erased from existence. It is very important that at least some of the Tibetan people and their cultural treasures were able to make it to India and stay there in peace and security. And keep reminding whoever is willing to listen about what is happening in Tibet.
That China is essentially an occupying force in Tibet is common knowledge to all but the Chinese themselves. Without access to facts, the people in China have no idea what is really happening there and so have no idea of the terrible crimes of their own government. Perhaps they should travel to Dharamsala in India and talk to some of those who got away with their lives and freedoms intact.
Ironically, Tibetans may in fact be best able to explain to China the depth of her transgressions. The incredible amount of bad faith that the Chinese are accumulating will come back to bite them someday. And seeing how many nations they are rubbing the wrong way, it will not be pretty when that happens.
That China is essentially an occupying force in Tibet is common knowledge to all but the Chinese themselves. Without access to facts, the people in China have no idea what is really happening there and so have no idea of the terrible crimes of their own government. Perhaps they should travel to Dharamsala in India and talk to some of those who got away with their lives and freedoms intact.
Ironically, Tibetans may in fact be best able to explain to China the depth of her transgressions. The incredible amount of bad faith that the Chinese are accumulating will come back to bite them someday. And seeing how many nations they are rubbing the wrong way, it will not be pretty when that happens.
25
Whatever crime you believe Beijing has done to Chinese Tibetan it will not compare to if Dalai Lama "killed" himself therefore ending the tradition of Dalai Lama and Tibetan Buddhism. Think of what would happen if the Pope proclaim he is he last Pope and the seat will forever be abandoned becuase the next Pope cannot communicate with God. The entire structure of Catholicism would collapse as would Tibetan tradition if #14 have his way.
Agreed. Maybe the fact that Tibetans are not ramping up massive political action and a global awareness campaign is their secret weapon. By continuing to do what Tibetan's do best when adhering to their religion, they quite possibly maximize their chances to continued existence. I think they know it too.
1
The core principle of Buddhism is impermanence and interdependence. One day even the institution of the Dalai Lama and Pope will cease. Caezar, Napolean, Mao, Stalin have come and gone. Even the founder of all major religion have gone.
No more Dalai Lamas to keep the Tibetans committed to complete nonviolence while dealing with their terrible oppressors, the Han Chinese! What a revolutionary and liberating idea!! The Dalai Lama, the nicest man of our time, knows that his profoundly moral stand on non-violence may not work in a place like China. (What could be more ridiculously immoral than a so-called Communist party claimin also that it has the Divine right to nominate the next Dalai Lama!)
He also knows that any future Dalai Lama will have to preach non-violence which will mean perpetual bondage of his helpless people. So, why not end the institution in an honorable way.
The Hindu-Buddhist philosophy of reincarnation leaves the possibility of its end which is the most sought for thing by the believers; It is called Muksha, release / liberation from the rotating wheel of life and -- becoming one with the Supreme Being. None other than the present Dalai Lama deserves more the honor of becoming one with God, if any.
He also knows that any future Dalai Lama will have to preach non-violence which will mean perpetual bondage of his helpless people. So, why not end the institution in an honorable way.
The Hindu-Buddhist philosophy of reincarnation leaves the possibility of its end which is the most sought for thing by the believers; It is called Muksha, release / liberation from the rotating wheel of life and -- becoming one with the Supreme Being. None other than the present Dalai Lama deserves more the honor of becoming one with God, if any.
17
The question should be asked of China 'where is the real Panchen Lama?'. The one chosen by Dalai Lama at the age of 6. He would be 26 today. Instead China installed their own boy and parades him at every opportunity. Yet no Tibetans follow him. Tibetans know full well China's game. Only Tibetans will decide the right Dalai Lama to follow.
28
There is a stereotype regarding Chinese political leadership which is that the Chinese are wise and patient and make the right move at the right time, ultimately succeeding via 5,000 years of culture and practice. Nothing could be further from the truth.
This is patently clear in their policy toward Tibet and His Holiness the Dalai Lama which policy is an abject failure and farce. Other notable Chinese failures have been the Great Leap Forward, the Cultural Revolution and their 'wise' choice to attack Korea leaving Taiwan to separate and which the mainland will never regain. Really, they aren't that smart.
This is patently clear in their policy toward Tibet and His Holiness the Dalai Lama which policy is an abject failure and farce. Other notable Chinese failures have been the Great Leap Forward, the Cultural Revolution and their 'wise' choice to attack Korea leaving Taiwan to separate and which the mainland will never regain. Really, they aren't that smart.
7
You must distinguish between China and the Chinese Communist Party. The Party is a small minority that has ruled China for the past 60 years but it is not China and will be gone and forgotten along with all the other conquest dynasties. The "Chinese" failures you list are all Communist failures.
1
Thank you Chris Buckley. Can the Chinese Communist Party really pick the next Dalai Lama, can they legitimately decide who the reincarnated being is?
Buckley writes, "“It’s like Fidel Castro saying, ‘I will select the next pope and all the Catholics should follow.’ That is ridiculous,” Mr. Sangay told Reuters on Tuesday. “It’s none of Padma Choling or any of the Communist Party’s business, mainly because Communism believes in atheism and religion being poisonous.” "
The article is rich with resonance. The Communist Party as a totalitarian regime is doomed, thank God, if it is so arrogant and stupid. It deserves to die in hell-fire. I only believe in god on certain days of the week, but seven days of the week I believe in the separation between Church and State. The CCP thinks you can fool most of the people most of the time. I hope that's not how it went.
also for David's blog, LindsayOnVietnam.wordpress.com
Buckley writes, "“It’s like Fidel Castro saying, ‘I will select the next pope and all the Catholics should follow.’ That is ridiculous,” Mr. Sangay told Reuters on Tuesday. “It’s none of Padma Choling or any of the Communist Party’s business, mainly because Communism believes in atheism and religion being poisonous.” "
The article is rich with resonance. The Communist Party as a totalitarian regime is doomed, thank God, if it is so arrogant and stupid. It deserves to die in hell-fire. I only believe in god on certain days of the week, but seven days of the week I believe in the separation between Church and State. The CCP thinks you can fool most of the people most of the time. I hope that's not how it went.
also for David's blog, LindsayOnVietnam.wordpress.com
9
It also seems that CCP believes that those people you can't fool you can always kill or imprison later.
1
Can they legitimately decide who the next reincarnated being is? That depends on your definition of "legitimately." But if I read history correctly, the CCP has never been overly concerned about what the rest of the world believes is legitimate. Seems to me that the CCP believes when one is in power, the only definition of legitimate that matters is one's own. I don't believe they see any reason to change that at this point, whether it involves hand picking the next government leader of Hong Kong or the spiritual leader of Tibet.
13
It's interesting to note the irony of it all....The Chinese Communist Party shares a viewpoint close to that of Fox News....which is that if one reports an alternative reality enough times it will be believed. However, in this case the Tibetan public doesn't seem to be buying into the Chinese version of reality.
It seems to me that one problem the Chinese officials have is that they refuse to accept any of the Tibetan religious tradition as anything more than social construction....that is, the Dalai Lama is a remnant of a outmoded government apparatus that used spiritual trappings to control the masses. Until the Chinese change their tune this is going to be an ongoing dispute.
It seems to me that one problem the Chinese officials have is that they refuse to accept any of the Tibetan religious tradition as anything more than social construction....that is, the Dalai Lama is a remnant of a outmoded government apparatus that used spiritual trappings to control the masses. Until the Chinese change their tune this is going to be an ongoing dispute.
11
“Where in the world is there anyone else who takes such a frivolous attitude toward his own succession?”
Nowhere except when a religion is confronted by a political party bent on the control of every aspect of human existence...including the afterlife(!?) or, in this case, the Dalai Lama's reincarnation. Absurd as well as profound (on the part of the Dalai Lama, to willingly give up his lineage in order to remove himself as a target)
Nowhere except when a religion is confronted by a political party bent on the control of every aspect of human existence...including the afterlife(!?) or, in this case, the Dalai Lama's reincarnation. Absurd as well as profound (on the part of the Dalai Lama, to willingly give up his lineage in order to remove himself as a target)
9
Yet another Chinese governmental attempt to own and control what it has no business owning and controlling, and to propagandize their agenda in the process. Whether or not you believe in Tibetan Buddhism or reincarnation, the attempt of the Chinese government to name the next reincarnated Dalai Lama for the Tibetan people is just twisted, ridiculous, imperialistic (no surprise there) and [no other words; head in hands]. It would be funny if it weren't true.
55
The Dalai Lama is irreplacable and unique and he is a miracle of a living being. I read the small book of the Dalai Lama's own words describing how he became chosen with monks coming to his house and having a very intimate conversation with him when he was a young child. He then went to study at a monastery and was only going home to his parents once in a while. How could the present circumstances provide such monks and monasteries that have been destroyed in Tibet? I urge the Chinese government to immediately liberate Tibet which will stop the burning up of very unhappy monks and the Chinese should support the Tibetans to become themselves again and that is how the next reincarnation can be found. The Chinese should get going right away on this liberation as the current Dalai Lama is only 79 and he is living such a healthy life that he could become 102 years old which is what a good friend of mine is doing right now with her faculties intact so I am hoping that the Dalai Lama lives more and more and gives the Chinese the time to get this accomplished and it can only be done if the Chinese start immediately. I hope they read this comment- the NYTimes is translated into Chinese I found out only today and maybe it was meant for me to find out in time to include it in this comment.
3
Two popes in early Christianity, one Dalai Lama when there should be none (or 14 where there might have been 15). Nothing will stop fascists from spinning webs of deceit, except having people pay no attention to them. Somehow I think the Tibetans get it, even if the Han Chinese prefer the lies.
2
What a profoundly peaceful face that this great individual has! I wish those encouraging and propagating insidious forces like the ISIS etc. will see this peaceful face and try to transform themselves into better beings!
7
This article is a great exercise to practice overcoming anger. In reading the statements of Chinese officials regarding Tibetan Buddhism it seems unbelievable that the government could be so power hungry. I will gladly do anything in my power for Tibetan Autonomy. I'm so glad that NY Times is keeping the struggles of Tibet in the news, but the circumstances are very painful to think about.
28
My mild acquaintance with Chinese philosophy informs me that their view of the Heavenly hierarchy parallels that of the Middle Kingdom, almost as a continuum. That Earthly and Heavenly rule should be so intertwined is then not so strange a concept; what is strange is that is that it has managed to survive the upheavals of the 20th century to be articulated by a 21th century apparatchik. How these ideas are transmitted and ingrained is the real mystery.
1
Is this The Onion?
Zhu Weiqun, a Communist Party official who has long dealt with Tibetan issues, told reporters in Beijing on Wednesday that the Dalai Lama had, essentially, no say over whether he was reincarnated. That was ultimately for the Chinese government to decide, he said, according to a transcript of his comments on the website of People’s Daily, the party’s main newspaper.
Zhu Weiqun, a Communist Party official who has long dealt with Tibetan issues, told reporters in Beijing on Wednesday that the Dalai Lama had, essentially, no say over whether he was reincarnated. That was ultimately for the Chinese government to decide, he said, according to a transcript of his comments on the website of People’s Daily, the party’s main newspaper.
14
I, too, wonder if they know or understand how this reads outside of Chinese culture. It seems almost bizarre that a secular authority is addressing a religious leader's afterlife as if it were a contested parking ticket.
13
Buddha is all about renunciation and the chinese don't want the spirtual crown go unclaimed.
Well there is a way out:
In hinduism one could be reborn as something other than a human being.
If this is the case in Buddism, Dalai lama could choose to be reborn as an ant thus both being reborn and being useless to chinese. Unless of course he is afraid the chinese would pick out a random ant, put in a matchbox, and call it the authentic one.
Well there is a way out:
In hinduism one could be reborn as something other than a human being.
If this is the case in Buddism, Dalai lama could choose to be reborn as an ant thus both being reborn and being useless to chinese. Unless of course he is afraid the chinese would pick out a random ant, put in a matchbox, and call it the authentic one.
4
But, that's exactly what the CCP would do, proclaim they'd found the Dalai Ant and he fully approved of their oppressive system.
6
There is no such thing as Reincarnation. This is it, one life, with no make-goods or do-overs. How, and why, would it be otherwise?
6
Evidently the Tibetans disagree with you re: Reincarnation....What you are expressing is your firm conviction....nothing more.
7
What you think about reincarnation is of zero importance here. We're talking about propagandizing the Chinese government's agenda by exploiting a violently overtaken, 14th century to now's religion and its people. It's not a matter of whether or not you believe. It's a matter of whether or not you believe people should have freedom of religion in its purer sense.
13
Reincarnation is unimportant (or perhaps "abstract" is a better term) for many some who practice Buddhism. The important thing is meditating and compassion for all beings. The afterlife takes care of itself.
2
The irony is hilarious, but ultimately sad. The Beijing "Party" boys fretting over reincarnation !! Perhaps, a glance into its own historical mirror can provide an insight into its own future.
7
Best first paragraph of news.... ever.
23
@Principia
...and I wouldn't be surprised if it were intentionally so!
...and I wouldn't be surprised if it were intentionally so!
1
Wonderfully funny piece, thanks for that.
But in general I don't go for any of the romanticization of the Dalai Lama. Tibet was a theocracy, pure and simple, until the Chinese took over. We -- most of us -- abhor theocracies. Do people really want Tibet to return to its former form.
I certainly hope not.
But in general I don't go for any of the romanticization of the Dalai Lama. Tibet was a theocracy, pure and simple, until the Chinese took over. We -- most of us -- abhor theocracies. Do people really want Tibet to return to its former form.
I certainly hope not.
5
On the Tibetan government in exile's democratic reforms and changing role of the Dalai Lama:
http://tibet.net/his-holiness/
http://tibet.net/his-holiness/
3
No one wants Tibet to return to its pre-Mao state. At the urging of the Dalai Lama the Tibetan people have created and put their support behind a constitutional democracy. In fact, the official Tibetan position (supported by the Govt. in exile, the Tibetan people, and the Kashag) does not even demand complete sovereignty (of which they would surely be entitled) and instead seeks the regional autonomy status that is guaranteed to the Tibetan people by China's own constitution. http://english1.english.gov.cn/2005-08/05/content_20813.htm
4
Karl Marx must be turning over in his grave.
7
I wonder if students on college campuses would ever rally for a divestment in China campaign based on the way Tibetains have been forced from their religious country of origin?
13
I took Tibetan civilization last semester and I must say, the Dalai Lama knows exactly what he's doing. The Chinese have meddled countless times in the affairs of a supposedly autonomous Tibet and it has greatly affected them today to a point that they are (and have been for a while) being assimilated into Chinese culture. It's so sad. The current Dalai Lama realizes how much symbolical power the institution has on the Tibetan people, and it'll be a great tragedy for them if the Chinese installs a puppet Dalai Lama that responds to the Chinese elite but not to the Tibetan people. I don't want to sound like an alarmist but that could mean a further decline of the sacredness of Tibetan Buddhism and Tibetan culture.
28
This is a good observation. If I may add to the conversation...The Chinese government is doing to the Tibetan people much of what we have done to our American Indians. Now we romanticize them and argue over the politically correct way to talk about them.
The Chinese will do the same thing to the Tibetans. They also sentimentalize other "national minorities." They will sentimentalize Tibetan culture. It comes down to the land and power. After Tibet is securely dominated...the 14th Dalai Lama will become even to the Han Chinese a folk hero. He will indeed be reincarnated...when he is perceived as harmless to the Chinese. After all he is even today a symbol of love and tolerance among millions today. He is a symbol of peace. Chinese historians of the future will lament lost opportunities for good will between their Han and Tibetan countrymen.a It is a very human story full of great irony. The 14th Dalai Lama reincarnated among Han Chinese will laugh his usual lovable laughter at all of this. As human beings we all must laugh and cry. -Rudy
The Chinese will do the same thing to the Tibetans. They also sentimentalize other "national minorities." They will sentimentalize Tibetan culture. It comes down to the land and power. After Tibet is securely dominated...the 14th Dalai Lama will become even to the Han Chinese a folk hero. He will indeed be reincarnated...when he is perceived as harmless to the Chinese. After all he is even today a symbol of love and tolerance among millions today. He is a symbol of peace. Chinese historians of the future will lament lost opportunities for good will between their Han and Tibetan countrymen.a It is a very human story full of great irony. The 14th Dalai Lama reincarnated among Han Chinese will laugh his usual lovable laughter at all of this. As human beings we all must laugh and cry. -Rudy
6
There is one difference, probably, in this parallel. Tibetian culture survives (and maybe one day, will thrive) in India. It would be interesting to observe the differences between Chinese and Indian Tibetian culture, as a reflection of the freedoms the respective societies provide for and support.
It goes without saying that this whole tale starting from the Dalai Lama's exile to this day makes us ask the fundamental questions our cultural values as a whole.
I see two images juxtaposed in my head - one of Obama bowing to Saudi kings, and the other the Dalai Lama being quietly shepherded out of the White house's backdoor next to a pile of garbage bags. It doesn't paint a particularly happy picture.
It goes without saying that this whole tale starting from the Dalai Lama's exile to this day makes us ask the fundamental questions our cultural values as a whole.
I see two images juxtaposed in my head - one of Obama bowing to Saudi kings, and the other the Dalai Lama being quietly shepherded out of the White house's backdoor next to a pile of garbage bags. It doesn't paint a particularly happy picture.
1
This is an obvious instance of "from the sublime to the ridiculous."
4
Please tell me this a hoax !
I almost died laughing reading this artcle ! ! !
I almost died laughing reading this artcle ! ! !
7
If only it didn't concern genocide and the fate of a nation
12
I love it. He's got Chinese Communist Party saying they believe in reincarnation. "We control reincarnation!" What dopes. He's got them wrapped around his little enlightened finger. Next it'll be the Chinese Communist Party saying they control God. Well, and what autocratic regime ever didn't control God? God has always been the loyal subject of tyrants.
But they can't make the Dalai Llama reincarnate any more than they can make Mao give a speech in Tienamen Square tomorrow afternoon. It's always hilarious when tyrants reach the limit of their influence.
But they can't make the Dalai Llama reincarnate any more than they can make Mao give a speech in Tienamen Square tomorrow afternoon. It's always hilarious when tyrants reach the limit of their influence.
33
it's hilarious right up to when it starts blood flowing in the streets.
It seems to me that China is child running away from her guardian in the local town park. It's not likely that her guardian won't eventually catch her; others will certainly help. But there is nothing to prevent her from running into a pregnant woman or an old man, causing them to tumble and sustain injuries. Individual Freedom and Communism do not mix any more than natural spring water and crude oil. The Communist Party cannot make the impossible happen. If we think war was bad in Vietnam we are going to be re-evaluating what war really is when China turns on her citizens.
It seems to me that China is child running away from her guardian in the local town park. It's not likely that her guardian won't eventually catch her; others will certainly help. But there is nothing to prevent her from running into a pregnant woman or an old man, causing them to tumble and sustain injuries. Individual Freedom and Communism do not mix any more than natural spring water and crude oil. The Communist Party cannot make the impossible happen. If we think war was bad in Vietnam we are going to be re-evaluating what war really is when China turns on her citizens.
5
Can't you just see the Dalai Lama chuckling to himself as he watches the party functionaries twist themselves into tight little knots? Just flat-out brilliant.
65
The Dalai-Lama's unique sense of humor is well-known but this is his best joke so far. On the other hand, 'Communist Party humor' would be an oxymoron, in good part because humor cannot function without some sense of truth, while truth is the enemy of any CP, except in the form of 'Pravda' (literally The Truth in Russian).
33
An old Soviet era joke goes: "There is no Pravda (Truth) in Isvestia (News) and No Isvestia in Pravda!"
Can the Chinese government be any more vile and idiotic simultaneously? May they all reincarnate as flowers, to live a single season and not bother anyone ever again.
61
"Chinese government reincarnate as flowers,to live a single season and not bother anyone ever again." -- What a truly Buddhist solution!!
At least that way they would finally provide something beautiful and fragrant.....
I am sure the Dalai Lama would love the idea :-) :-)
At least that way they would finally provide something beautiful and fragrant.....
I am sure the Dalai Lama would love the idea :-) :-)
1
The Dalai Lama is a man of deep and profound wisdom and intelligence. He and the Tibetan people have not been treated fairly by the Chinese government. China has been deeply unfair with all religious groups in China.
It is hoped that the Chinese government will allow the freedom of religious expression and belief for all of China and Tibet.
It is hoped that the Chinese government will allow the freedom of religious expression and belief for all of China and Tibet.
21
Maybe the Dalai Lama's sense that he is called upon to not reincarnate is an indication of something positive that will later become clearer, whatever the more obvious trappings of what seems to be prompting him. I see his lineage in a bigger picture.
8
Everyone seems to forget that communism is both God and emperor. They want to rule you this and next life
10
And before they make any pronouncements about his succession, let them produce the deposed Panchen lama and his family, if they haven't murdered them.
14
I think the 0nion newspaper is a good star As a remedy remedy for these insane religious pitfalls. We should call our era the century of memes. dictatorships and religion what the toxic mix!
2
Speaking of enlightenment, since the Chinese leadership's efforts to manipulate events by controlling perceptions are easily betrayed as ham handed by outside observers, perhaps "we" in our backyard should take note of what "they", meaning that leadership and even popular Chinese opinion, have to say about us and our manipulative power-elite.
2
I think this may be a truly unfortunate end to a centuries-old tradition with real and religious meaning in the lives of many Buddhists worldwide, but if it means putting a stop to the overzealous attempts of the Communist government to control every aspect of society even into the afterlife, I full heartedly support the Dalai Lama's decision. If his actions cause doubt to seep into the minds of many in a restricted traumatized country, it provides concrete hope for all those in favor of a more liberal, free-spirited society.
10
I fully expect HH the Dalai Lama to reincarnate as the next leader of the Communist Party!! He has a great sense of humor, as well as quite an deep compassion for all beings - Wouldn't that be a great way for China to change!!
Once HH the Dalai Lama is in charge of China, perhaps the Communist Party political leaders could then be banished to the monasteries until they have some compassion, wisdom, and a sense of humor.
Tashi Leo
Once HH the Dalai Lama is in charge of China, perhaps the Communist Party political leaders could then be banished to the monasteries until they have some compassion, wisdom, and a sense of humor.
Tashi Leo
17
Will this story be the one that finally retires satire?
6
"Decision-making power over the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama, and over the end or survival of this lineage, resides in the central government of China,” said Mr. Zhu.."
This indeed is Monty Python material. But what is even more entertaining is the complete absence of self-irony in its argumentum ad absurdum. If the CCP now presides over reincarnation should;t they try to bring back Mao and Jiang Qing?
This indeed is Monty Python material. But what is even more entertaining is the complete absence of self-irony in its argumentum ad absurdum. If the CCP now presides over reincarnation should;t they try to bring back Mao and Jiang Qing?
64
This story could have been written by The Onion!
32
I knew the Chinese Govt. was authoritarian...but having the power to reincarnate someone against their will? "Yes YOU WILL BE REINCARNATED WHETHER YOU LIKE IT OR NOT." That's just amazing.
36
As a casual philosopher with an interest in the play between realism and instrumentalism, this story made me smile!
Unfortunately, the communist party politics here is beyond vulgar.
Unfortunately, the communist party politics here is beyond vulgar.
18
Interesting that you find the Communists vulgar but spare the rod for Mr. Lama?
1
The Communists not only keep revealing themselves as vulgar but also greedy, grubby, aggressive and tone deaf. Somehow, the Chinese want to take over the entire sea from Japan to Philippines to Indonesia, because, in the words of Foreign Minister Yang, ""China is a big country and other countries are small countries, and that's just a fact." (which justifies playing the local bully).
The Dalai Lama, on the other hand, is a paragon of compassion, friendly and laughing-at-oneself humor and an embodiment of the message of peace. The Chinese could do worse than committee HH as the head of their Standing Committee :).
The Dalai Lama, on the other hand, is a paragon of compassion, friendly and laughing-at-oneself humor and an embodiment of the message of peace. The Chinese could do worse than committee HH as the head of their Standing Committee :).
5
"The idea of Communist Party officials defending the precepts of reincarnation and hurling accusations of heresy at the Dalai Lama might have Marx turning in his grave."
You are, of course, referring to the late Groucho Marx. This whole issue seems to be right up his alley.
You are, of course, referring to the late Groucho Marx. This whole issue seems to be right up his alley.
42
"Politics is the art of looking for trouble, finding it everywhere, diagnosing it incorrectly and applying the wrong remedies."
--Marx (Groucho)
--Marx (Groucho)
Of course Xi believes in reincarnation Marxist-Leninist-Mao Tse Sung-Thought is certain back!
4
It reminds me of an old Soviet dissident tongue-in-cheek nursery rhyme... "Winter is passing, summer is nigh, oh thank you, Communist Party, for this!"
9
Wasn't that from Game of Thrones? But then Maoist China IS Game of Thrones.
2
Are we really regarding this as a real thing?
3
Chinese communist party's power mongering at it's best!
4
Wow the CCP is really going off the deep end. Now they're in charge of reincarnation and life after death? I suppose they must be gods then. I wonder if anybody is really buying a single concept they're ruthlessly pushing lately. Seems from everything I've heard for the past many years, one can assume that if the CCP says it, it is a lie meant to trick the people into obeying. It'll be a good thing for China when they're finally violently overthrown.
4
oh how mad a world we live in...
a "man" (and i am one) and their struggle for power seems to have no bounds...
will we learn?
a "man" (and i am one) and their struggle for power seems to have no bounds...
will we learn?
6
The Chinese Communist Party insists on reincarnation: oh my, they just don't make communists like they used to !
On behalf of the Central Committee of the 17th General Assembly of American Satire Writers, I hereby rebuke the Chinese government for, once again, making it much, much harder for us to earn a living. Their preemption of our creative possibilities by their words and deeds is a direct attack on the employment opportunities for those of us who hope to make a living by presenting absurd fantasies as realities.
On behalf of the Central Committee of the 17th General Assembly of American Satire Writers, I hereby rebuke the Chinese government for, once again, making it much, much harder for us to earn a living. Their preemption of our creative possibilities by their words and deeds is a direct attack on the employment opportunities for those of us who hope to make a living by presenting absurd fantasies as realities.
14
“It’s like Fidel Castro saying, ‘I will select the next pope and all the Catholics should follow.’ That pure gold Mr. Sangay.
And in the years to come keep your eye on The Karmapa to speak for the Tibetan people. http://kagyuoffice.org
And in the years to come keep your eye on The Karmapa to speak for the Tibetan people. http://kagyuoffice.org
2
Succession is the opiate of the massahs.
1
And that coming from the Chinese!! How ironic!!!
3
I think that the Chinese Govt should set up a "Department of Reincarnation." That would be some kind of victory for the Tibetans!
13
China: Please take care of Tibet, her people, their faith, all the beauty and abundance of the natural resources that are nearly gone. Welcome back the Dalai Lama with open arms - the one alive now. Keep him safe, respect and honor him. You have a treasure in Tibet, with tourism and wisdom to last you through centuries yet it has been misused and harmed, its and sacred sites and temples desecrated. Give the Tibetans the dignity to live their lives in a humane way. You have a treasure in the Dalai Lama. He is the most loved man on earth and people just know it in their hearts. No amount of PR or words nor media will change it. He could have been yours and the world would have given you the recognition and honor you so long for. Respect comes from deep within a human heart. The human heart is not impressed with grand spectacles or lavish spending. Your own people are waking up - Longing for clean air, water, quality of life, clean food and living ecosystems and above all inner wisdom. The ability to incarnate or not, when and where one pleases.
16
thank you for your wonderful writing.
2
Unbeliveable, except when one remembers how when France produced its first Holy Roman Emporer that it was decided that the seat of the Catholic Faith was going to move from Rome to France and that the next (few) Popes were going to be French and the Italians be damned. It seems in this life that Faith follows power, not the other way around.
4
Why wait for the 15th Dalai Lama? The current Dalai Lama should call the PRC's bluff and demand to return from exile, along with all Tibetan refugees, to take his rightful place as the religious leader of the Tibetan Autonomous Region.
2
LETS IMAGINE ---the Dalai Lama would return to Tibet and the Chinese need to get out of Tibet but support the restructured Tibet run by theTibetans and their monks and monestaries and the Dalai Lama coming back and the Chinese giving them restitution for the damage the Chinese did to the culture-if that is at all possible and if not then the Dalai Lama might be correct- he cannot reincarnate-- the game has ended after 14 generations--- and maybe the entire planet will die for that matter.
Anybody in Beijing ever read "Catch-22"?
3
What China doesn't want is any religious fanatic such as S.C. Hong in the 1840-60's, who happened to convert to Christianity and claimed that he's the Second Son of God and younger Brother of Jesus and led his believers to set up a so-called "Pacific Heavenly Kingdom" with capital in Nanjing. He led the Taiping Rebellion against Qing China, a civil war that ended at about the same time as the American Civil War and caused 30 million deaths.
Sensing Chinese weakness after the Civil War, the Japanese embarked on an 80 year calculated journey of aggression, started with occupation of the Ryukyu Islands Kingdom (with Okinawa being the most well known island in the US) in the 1870's, annexation of Taiwan and Diaoyu/Senkaku islands in 1894, occupation of Korea in 1910, occupation of mainland China starting with Manchuria in 1931, and bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941. The death tolls from 1870's to 1945 due to Japanese aggression, including all collateral damages, exceeded 100 million deaths. History is bound to repeat itself if one doesn't remember history and apply that knowledge to present day situation. A apparently benign religious movement can directly and indirectly afflict great harm if not properly handled from the start.
Sensing Chinese weakness after the Civil War, the Japanese embarked on an 80 year calculated journey of aggression, started with occupation of the Ryukyu Islands Kingdom (with Okinawa being the most well known island in the US) in the 1870's, annexation of Taiwan and Diaoyu/Senkaku islands in 1894, occupation of Korea in 1910, occupation of mainland China starting with Manchuria in 1931, and bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941. The death tolls from 1870's to 1945 due to Japanese aggression, including all collateral damages, exceeded 100 million deaths. History is bound to repeat itself if one doesn't remember history and apply that knowledge to present day situation. A apparently benign religious movement can directly and indirectly afflict great harm if not properly handled from the start.
So are you trying to say that Buddhism only appears benign, and "can directly and indirectly afflict great harm if not properly handled from the start." ??
That is what the Chinese government's policy is.....
But sadly, it only shows a total ignorance of Buddhism, and Tibetan Buddhism. For centuries now Buddhism has been a peaceful religion.
That is what the Chinese government's policy is.....
But sadly, it only shows a total ignorance of Buddhism, and Tibetan Buddhism. For centuries now Buddhism has been a peaceful religion.
1
It is not only that the Dalai Lama does not want to undergo the same Fate than the panchen Lama...
Since centuries, the Dalai Lama leaves the hints where to find his next incarnation, and the Panchen Lama is the one that is accepting the Dalai Lama, so the ultimate decision over the finding has the Panchen Lama. When the Panchen Lama dies, the ultimate decision makes the Dalai Lama.
With replacing the Panchen Lama, China already tried to seize control over the decision, who shall become the Dalai Lama...
I like the Humor of the Dalai Lama here... to completely neglect their power struggle in his own way.
Since centuries, the Dalai Lama leaves the hints where to find his next incarnation, and the Panchen Lama is the one that is accepting the Dalai Lama, so the ultimate decision over the finding has the Panchen Lama. When the Panchen Lama dies, the ultimate decision makes the Dalai Lama.
With replacing the Panchen Lama, China already tried to seize control over the decision, who shall become the Dalai Lama...
I like the Humor of the Dalai Lama here... to completely neglect their power struggle in his own way.
20
I was kind of hoping to reincarnate myself. Would it help if I submitted an application with the Peoples Reincarnation Department?
6
Actually, what happened to the real Panchen Lama? It is irrelevant when the usurper disappears or passes away. Maybe the disappeared Panchen Lama should be declared legally dead so that a new one can be appointed.
If the current real one should then be undisappeared, then there would be simply two emanations, I suppose.
If the current real one should then be undisappeared, then there would be simply two emanations, I suppose.
1
This is hilarious! If you know anything about Buddhism at all, the idea that the Communist Party in China has any power over anything except their country is preposterous. And even that's an illusion, but we won't get into that.
109
Through the looking glass and down the rabbit hole indeed. The bizarreness of a government ordering a spiritual leader to reincarnate the way they want him to aside, how do the Chinese expect to enforce their order after he's dead? Keep bringing him back to life until he agrees to reincarnate as a friend of the Chinese government? Groundhog Day, Tibetan style?
Apparently the Chinese have no idea how ridiculous they appear to the rational world.
Apparently the Chinese have no idea how ridiculous they appear to the rational world.
11
I thought Marxism implied materialism.
3
Such threats! What are they going to do? Hold their breath and stomp their feel till he reincarnates?
3
They're going to demand that everyone in China, including Hong Kong and Taiwan, hold their breath and stomp their feet until he reincarnates.
4
Wow. I've read some strange stories about religion, but this is one with everything.
3
I laughed out load reading this! The Chinese leadership has really lost it.
11
Authoritarianism, toxic to the human soul but a gift to comedians everywhere.
9
China's cruel imperialism knows no bounds.
6
Each time this topic comes up, the media should emphasize that China kidnapped the eleventh Panchen Lama (Google "Gedhun Choekyi Nyima," it's sad), the highest ranking Lama beneath the Dali Lama.
Again: China kidnapped the kid in 1995 and he has never been seen since.
Again: China kidnapped the kid in 1995 and he has never been seen since.
14
Theater of the absurd.
But the 10th Panchen Lama is a political prisoner of the Chinese state. Where is the 10th Panchen Lama? Why is there no outcry over an egregious human rights violation, the kidnapping of this boy and his entire family?
But the 10th Panchen Lama is a political prisoner of the Chinese state. Where is the 10th Panchen Lama? Why is there no outcry over an egregious human rights violation, the kidnapping of this boy and his entire family?
8
"I don't think the Dalai Lama would mind if you saw this through the prism of Monty Python," said Robert Barnett, director of the Modern Tibetan Studies Program at Columbia.
I don't think I've read a statement that elicited such a smile on my part, in a long time. Bravo !
I don't think I've read a statement that elicited such a smile on my part, in a long time. Bravo !
15
Seems like it was written in ways to maximize the absurdity (for one, by constantly mentioning Communism), without providing much context. Whatever statement the Chinese government (instead of the party) made, it was clearly aimed at the people in Tibet, to let them know that once the 14th Dalai Lama dies, there will be an elaborate procedure, conducted by the monks in Tibet, to find the baby boy that will become the 15th Dalai Lama (call it reincarnation if you will). The article, however, made it sound like it will come directly from President Xi, as if picking this boy over that one matters to anyone. The real issue is that the boy will be brought up in ways that he will never challenge the Chinese authority, just like the current Panchen Lama, who by the way is attending the annual National Congress in Beijing last week, which the article fails to mention.
44
Liu Yao makes good points. There is absurdity and irony in this...but the government in Beijing is not made up of fools. Still, we must all smile reading this story. We laugh and we cry. This is the human story. -Rudy
You mean the fake one China installed as Panchen Lama? Is it any wonder that he is attending the annual National Congress? Other than the few photo-ops that Chinese communist leaders arranges, no Tibetans follow him who is just a victim of China's manipulation. Much like Tibetan people don't accept him at all no way Tibetans will accept a fake Dalai Lama that China comes up with. Why not ask the Chinese government where is the real Panchen Lama? One that they kidnapped when he was only 6 yrs old. He would be 26 yrs old today.
5
The monks in the monastery were the Dalai Lama that culture is no longer present - the Dalai Lama is the last one. The End
1
Dali Lama: I might not reincarnate
China: you must reincarnate
I can't wait to see what SNL or Jon Stewart or any comedian does with this material.
As was once said on Seinfeld.."it's gold..."
China: you must reincarnate
I can't wait to see what SNL or Jon Stewart or any comedian does with this material.
As was once said on Seinfeld.."it's gold..."
16
We are happy to scoff at this as silly, but insist upon treating with respect the belief that magic Latin words said over a cracker and a glass of cheap red wine literally turn those objects into a 2000 year old dead Rabbi.
Just let that sink in for a few minutes.
Just let that sink in for a few minutes.
16
The secular claiming religious privilege is what we scoff at here, not the religious practices of anyone, including those who imbibe the body and blood of a 2000-year old Living Rabbi.
3
If the cracker is fresh, it shouldn't sink into the wine.
2
Governments cannot control every aspect of its citizens' lives. The more they try to do so, the more their fool's errand is exposed. The U.S. Government could take a few lessons from China's futile attempts to regulate a non-governmental issue such as this.
3
To control Tibet, it is imperative to control the Dalai Lama or China will have to station troups there forever. It is my understanding that the yellow hats - Dalai Lama and Panchen Lama - as well as the black hats - Karmapa and Sharmapa, who were (not so peacefully) removed from power by the yellow hats a few centuries ago, have a dual system that allows them to "verify" that their respective reincarnation is genuine. The Sharmapa/Panchen Lama verifies that the Dalai Lama/Karmapa is the kid who is brought before the search committe and the other way round. Since the Chinese seem to have the (best?) Panchen Lama, the Dalai Lama wants to discredit (or free?) that one. The black hats seem to be out of the question for proxy rule since they are so americanized/europeanized but we'll see the next move by Bejing.
If it wasn't so sad to watch the Chinese continually try to destroy Tibetan culture, this episode would be funny.
17
It's funny anyway, since there's no such thing as reincarnation. The only sad thing is that so many people still believe in the supernatural. We've learned so little over the past 25 centuries.
2
Lets not forget those who've set themselves on fire, hoping the world would take notice and stop the genocide.
1
You must tell us how you know this, Mr Levitan. It would be so reassuring to know for sure that when we die, that will be The End, and we won't have to put up with more of the world's nonsense and won't have to inherit the horrors our own generation is leaving to posterity.
1
The Chinese Communist Government is mostly populated by lock-step thinking, generated by fear. Would that the Dalai Lama had magical powers sufficient to make them disappear!
4
This article conveniently missed telling people the history of Dalai Lama reincarnation. Central Chinese government had always been the administrator and final approver of Dalai Lama since 18th century. The current 14th Dalai Lama was officially appointed and recognized by then government of Republic of China (the current Government in Taiwan). This is not something new - I think the current Chinese government becomes easy target because it is a communist government. I'm no fan of the communists but we shouldn't simply ignore historical facts.
10
Chinese government stooge, eh? Don't waste your time. The intelligent readers of the New York Times are laughing themselves silly over this story. (Please see the top-rated comments for a sampling of GENUINE public opinion.) And please thank your government for giving us the most hilarious news story we've read in a long time.
3
Wow maybe Taiwan can give the Imprimatur !
1
Actually precious Chinese government approval was merely a rubber stamp. They confirmed whoever was chosen by the Tibetan to be the true incarnation of the Dalai Lama. So the Tibetan traditionally was given a lot of autonomy in their own affair.
4
So now atheist China is playing God, decreeing that that Dalai Lama reincarnate on their terms. I hope their karmic deeds will boomerang, perhaps it has already started, with their poisoned waters and airs.
They can install whoever they want, but that doesn't mean they can control what's in the hearts and souls of the Tibetans.
They can install whoever they want, but that doesn't mean they can control what's in the hearts and souls of the Tibetans.
10
Well, the Communist regime won't last forever, so the reincarnation cycle should continue. A stupid and collaborationist Dalai Lama can still produce a worthy successor.
Regimes and civilizations come and go, but so far the great religions have endured for millennia.
Christian leaders are pressured to conform to the transient secular culture in the West, and some succumb. But not all do, and the faithful will prevail in the fullness of time.
Regimes and civilizations come and go, but so far the great religions have endured for millennia.
Christian leaders are pressured to conform to the transient secular culture in the West, and some succumb. But not all do, and the faithful will prevail in the fullness of time.
3
Why is it necessary the DL reincarnate immediately, or soon after, his death? If he's got this magical power, why not simply delay his 15th coming till conditions are more congenial? Alternatively, why not reincarnate on another planet in another star system till the China's commies go away, then return here? There are infinite possibilities in a mythological universe because the myth makers get to make the rules.
4
This appears to be how somebody committed to non-violence threatens you. Excellent move.
84
This is a story that should only be reported by one "journalist": Stephen Colbert!
25
for starters:
Well, if he doesn't reincarnate, what are they going to do? Go into the Void to pursue him?
Hmm, not a bad idea, actually.
Well, if he doesn't reincarnate, what are they going to do? Go into the Void to pursue him?
Hmm, not a bad idea, actually.
2
'Reincarnate or .... ' What, exactly? We're coming to getcha? High Noon at the Potala Palace? This is precious beyond belief! Somany layers of irony it mikes a baklava slice look flat. Most wonderful news item of the decade, at least! Thanks.
76
Great line, Odyssios: "So many layers of irony it mikes a baklava slice look flat." I will try to always remember to credit you, if I use it. "High Noon at the Potala Palace" is first class also.
6
It's not so different from Medicis or whoever choosing a pope. It's a little different in that a chosen pope knows who he's obligated to, while a chosen lama can then be brainwashed into that obligation. Unless I suppose his parents pay sufficient bribes to get the kid chosen and then they do the brainwashing.
2
Is this an unattributed comment from Andy Borowitz of The New Yorker? A la "Iran offers to mediate talks between the Republicans and Obama." or "Kim Jong-um feeling snubbed by absence of a letter from the Republicans." How could this possibly be for real?
62
politicians world wide say the stupidest things. China is not exempt.
6
Two points: (1) Several years ago the Dalai Lama said that he would not reincarnate within Chinese-controlled territory. Presumably highly realized masters like this do have the ability to control their reincarnations. So the PRC was served notice long ago that the reincarnation would be outside their geographical reach. I'm surprised no one in this thread has mentioned this. (2) This makes it clear that the PRC regards the "institution" of the Dalai Lama as a state institution, hence it must accede to the wishes of the state.
17
Truly down the rabbit hole. The secular Chinese government insisting it controls religious functions of Tibetan Buddhists. Well, it seems Tibetans will be in a pickle no matter what the Dalai Lama decides. He has spoken of this before.
13
This is what secular totalitarianism looks like - and yet our business leaders can't keep themselves from enabling it.
16
Communist or Conservative, it matters not. The abject fear of not being able to control all situations to one's own ends leads to laughably absurd religious pronouncements and embarrassingly puerile letters to foreign governments.
101
This sounds like a Saturday Night Live joke but they seem serious. The Chinese government gets to decide who reincarnates?? Of course, they want absolute control over a spiritual tradition so ephemeral that it vanishes when you try to grasp it. Just shows how ignorant they are on these matters.
I think if he does, the wonderful 14th Dalai Lama will reincarnate somewhere in the West - far out of reach of the Communist Chinese. I hope that one day the Chinese will see the wisdom of leaving Tibet. Their human rights abuses and desecration of one of the world's great spiritual traditions and treasuries of knowledge has been beyond tragic.
In the meantime, fortunately, there's really nothing the Chinese can do about this.
I think if he does, the wonderful 14th Dalai Lama will reincarnate somewhere in the West - far out of reach of the Communist Chinese. I hope that one day the Chinese will see the wisdom of leaving Tibet. Their human rights abuses and desecration of one of the world's great spiritual traditions and treasuries of knowledge has been beyond tragic.
In the meantime, fortunately, there's really nothing the Chinese can do about this.
27
Karl Marx may be spinning in his grave at what Beijing has said, but Groucho will have the last word about the Communist leadership: “They may look like idiots and talk like idiots but don't let that fool you. They really are idiots.”
186
I hate to break it to the some of the folks being quoted here, but the Dalai Lama is an atheist too. That I heard from, in person, from the Dalai Lama. In fact, Buddhism is an atheist belief system, again from the Dalai Lama. If anyone doubts this, they can check the Heart Sutra lectures given in Mountain View, CA circa 2001.
22
Ehh. Kinda. In the most literal sense, yes, the Dalai Lama most likely doesn't believe in a single being that created the universe.
However, that doesn't mean that he buys into the western version of atheism which includes a huge helping of scientific materialism.
However, that doesn't mean that he buys into the western version of atheism which includes a huge helping of scientific materialism.
5
I hate to break it to you, but there's a fair amount of diversity of views on the. Whole God Thing in Buddhism.
Some yes, some no--but they all tend to say what the Buddha said, which is roughly speaking that God and the Afterlife and how the universe got here aren't your problem.
Your ego's your problem. Its attachment to things is your problem. Your lack of discipline is your problem. Your failure to show compassion for others is your problem. Your chasing after this or that, endlessly, is your problem.
And what has faith in your God got to do with China's crazed behavior, or the DL's brilliant move?
Some yes, some no--but they all tend to say what the Buddha said, which is roughly speaking that God and the Afterlife and how the universe got here aren't your problem.
Your ego's your problem. Its attachment to things is your problem. Your lack of discipline is your problem. Your failure to show compassion for others is your problem. Your chasing after this or that, endlessly, is your problem.
And what has faith in your God got to do with China's crazed behavior, or the DL's brilliant move?
20
Just a small but important clarification. The Dalai Lama does not deny the existence of God. He and Buddhism simply make the case that there was existence before God. This is a complicated and nuanced matter that can't be fairly encapsulated as: the "Dalai Lama is an atheist." To the contrary, His Holiness has demonstrated more respect for believers and nonbelievers, hands down.
7
Tacit proof that China accepts Tibetan Buddhism?
1
Reminds me of Dr. Strangelove - "We'll meet again, don't know where, don't know when . . ."
12
The Chinese Communist Party is, like every communist and socialist party, committed to maintenance of power through lying, stealing, cheating, whatever means are necessary, because equality.
5
Boy, thank gawd capitalists never do that, huh?
9
Does it not portray the absurdity of the Chinese offical line of control for the Tibetan people and its unique culture and religious beliefs.
The point to remember last time ,some years back, the Chinese Communist Party chose one of the reincarnating "chief" abbot , that kid grew up and ran away into India and to Dalai Lama.
The point to remember last time ,some years back, the Chinese Communist Party chose one of the reincarnating "chief" abbot , that kid grew up and ran away into India and to Dalai Lama.
1
No you are wrong. The 'Chief Abbot' you are talking about is the Panchen Lama and he is still living in China administering his followers and revered by his flock.
1
Weary Traveler, I think you're remembering the 17th Karmapa, head of the Kagyu lineage. His incarnation was approved by both the Dalai Lama and Chinese government. He fled to India when he was fourteen, deeply shaming the Chinese. The Karmapas were the first heads of a Tibetan Buddhist lineage to reincarnate and in the absence of a 15th Dalai Lama, the 17th Karmapa would be a likely spiritual leader of the Tibetan people.
2
Just typical of atheist. "There's no God" they say, but the god they rant against is a caricature of reality. They and the vast majority of religious people, never get the profound truth of humankind. That Truth is revealed only to the individual.
Of course He'll reincarnate, as we all will. Over and over again. Few will remember though.
Of course He'll reincarnate, as we all will. Over and over again. Few will remember though.
2
Not typical of atheist - just typical of Chinese Communist atheist.
1
This has to be the most bizarre story I've seen all year. Why don't the Communist Chinese just outlaw Tibetan Buddhism and get it over with. At least that would logically fit their religious doctrines.
3
Strangely its illegal to possess a photo of the current Dalai Lama in Tibet whether in pulp or digital. Only and must have are the portrait of Communist pantheon Mao, Deng HU etc in Tibet.
A picture of the Dalai Lama in Tibet could land one in imprison.
A picture of the Dalai Lama in Tibet could land one in imprison.
This is truly lovely. I'm liking the Dalai Lama better all the time. What a deliciously awkward dilemma for the communist party. "We demand that you reincarnate!" even though we don't believe in that stuff.
240
Reincarnate... or else!
74
This is a humor column, right?
14
The Beijing government is intent on destroying the Tibetan people, culture and religion by whatever means they can achieve. For that government to complain about His Holiness's comments would be laughable, if they weren't so destructive.
125
Beijing is intent on preserving Tibetan people, culture and religion within China the same way as Dalai Lama is intent on leading the same away from China - there is the rub.
Beijing is insisting that the Dalai Lama line be continued in the traditional Tibetan way, and that this tradition includes endorsement from Central Government (Qing Emperor at that time) from the very beginning. The Dalai Lama on the other hand, foreseeing China's intention to block his attempt to pick a successor outside of the China controlled Tibet, is making his drastic hypothesis to maneuver a campaign - such hypothesis might be appealing to outsiders but might not be well-accepted by the Tibetan religious followers most of which are living inside China.
One has to view Zhu's comments from this context in order to be objective, unless one is already preoccupied with the idea that whatever China is doing or saying is Evil, for whatever reasons.
This article is actually misleading, and has achieved the purpose based on the comments below or above.
Beijing is insisting that the Dalai Lama line be continued in the traditional Tibetan way, and that this tradition includes endorsement from Central Government (Qing Emperor at that time) from the very beginning. The Dalai Lama on the other hand, foreseeing China's intention to block his attempt to pick a successor outside of the China controlled Tibet, is making his drastic hypothesis to maneuver a campaign - such hypothesis might be appealing to outsiders but might not be well-accepted by the Tibetan religious followers most of which are living inside China.
One has to view Zhu's comments from this context in order to be objective, unless one is already preoccupied with the idea that whatever China is doing or saying is Evil, for whatever reasons.
This article is actually misleading, and has achieved the purpose based on the comments below or above.
Do you know that picture of the Dalai Lama whether on paper or digital format is illegal and there a crime in Tibet.
“There is no guarantee that some stupid Dalai Lama won’t come next, who will disgrace himself or herself. That would be very sad. So, much better that a centuries-old tradition should cease at the time of a quite popular Dalai Lama.”
The Dalai Lama seems to be suggesting a lack of personal belief in the doctrine of Dalai Lama reincarnation. If the same person comes back (him!) there is no reason that his reincarnation would be stupid.
The idea that particularly holy religious leaders reincarnate into the same position they left at death is entirely Tibetan. It does not exist in other forms of Buddhism.
The Dalai Lama seems to be suggesting a lack of personal belief in the doctrine of Dalai Lama reincarnation. If the same person comes back (him!) there is no reason that his reincarnation would be stupid.
The idea that particularly holy religious leaders reincarnate into the same position they left at death is entirely Tibetan. It does not exist in other forms of Buddhism.
2
I think what he is saying that a successor chosen by the Chinese government would indeed be a "stupid" Dalai Lama, for that individual would be working against the interests of his people.
14
He means the Chinese would specifically choose someone that is not his own reincarnation and would raise the successor differently.
5
I hope someone more knowledgeable than me clarifies this further but it is not the ego personification that reincarnates. Historically, reincarnations of grate masters, such as the Dalai Lama, reincarnate in very different personas than their predecessors.
This is why you need separation of church and state
7
If we ever needed proof positive that the Republic of China will break up and follow the U.S.S.R into well-deserved history, it's this craziness.
17
It's comforting to know that China has its own version of our 47 idiot Senators.
280
charlielmo, Thank you for giving me the first belly laugh of the day.
The current Dalai Lama is one of the most positively influential global spiritual leaders of modern times. He has spoken tirelessly of compassion, peacefulness, and nonviolence as being the correct way of living for all people.
Although not being reincarnated would be Nirvana, or the end of suffering, for this Dalai Lama (in Buddhist thought), let's all pray for the sake of the Tibetans, and for all of humanity, that he is reincarnated in the Tibetan way.
Although not being reincarnated would be Nirvana, or the end of suffering, for this Dalai Lama (in Buddhist thought), let's all pray for the sake of the Tibetans, and for all of humanity, that he is reincarnated in the Tibetan way.
61
Hysterical!
12
It would be hysterical if it didn't have such terrible ramifications for Tibet and Tibetan people under Chinese occupation.
30
This story is both sad and amusing. Very amusing in the sense that it points out how totally clueless the Communists are of esoteric Buddhism and the hubris of thinking they could control what cannot controlled.
It's sad because once again we see the heartless and brutal oppression of a great and peaceful religion and a great and historically peaceful people and the pathetic antics of a regime attempting to subvert and coop the figurehead.
It's sad because once again we see the heartless and brutal oppression of a great and peaceful religion and a great and historically peaceful people and the pathetic antics of a regime attempting to subvert and coop the figurehead.
141
This particular strain of Buddhism may be peaceful, but that certainly cannot be said for the religion universally. See only the suffering of Myanmar's Rohingyas for evidence of that sad reality.
Buddhists who adhere to the early teachings of the Buddha would wish the Dalai Lama carried through his very wise observation, "...So, much better that a centuries-old tradition should cease at the time of a quite popular Dalai Lama..." Fun to watch him troll the Chinese politicians.
It is an amusing paradox that Chinese leaders driven by political necessities are, in this instant anyway, abandoning the Marxist materialistic-driven Atheism and convert to the Buddhist karmic-driven Atheism. It is the exact reversal of the western "Secular Buddhism" proposed by the likes of Stephen Batchelor, which rejected rebirth and karma but still claim to be Buddhists. "Materialist Secular Buddhism" to "Orthodox Buddhism" is like "Mormonism" to "Christianity".
While Tibetan Mahayana Buddhism has unorthodox doctrines such as high lamas predicting the extremely improbable control over their own rebirth, the Dalai Lama staunchly adhere to the core Buddhist tenets such as the Four Noble Truths, Dependent Origination, karmic consequences and rebirths. By renouncing and end the tradition of Dalai Lama lineage, he would be bringing Tibetan Buddhism closer to the early Buddhist view of rebirth, which is unavoidable for any unenlightened being, but ultimately uncontrollable, being non-self.
The Dalai Lama is a Buddhist monk with deep meditation practice. One cannot rule out he has reached early enlightenment. Then ending the Dalai Lama lineage is the perfect thing to do. Wish him success.
It is an amusing paradox that Chinese leaders driven by political necessities are, in this instant anyway, abandoning the Marxist materialistic-driven Atheism and convert to the Buddhist karmic-driven Atheism. It is the exact reversal of the western "Secular Buddhism" proposed by the likes of Stephen Batchelor, which rejected rebirth and karma but still claim to be Buddhists. "Materialist Secular Buddhism" to "Orthodox Buddhism" is like "Mormonism" to "Christianity".
While Tibetan Mahayana Buddhism has unorthodox doctrines such as high lamas predicting the extremely improbable control over their own rebirth, the Dalai Lama staunchly adhere to the core Buddhist tenets such as the Four Noble Truths, Dependent Origination, karmic consequences and rebirths. By renouncing and end the tradition of Dalai Lama lineage, he would be bringing Tibetan Buddhism closer to the early Buddhist view of rebirth, which is unavoidable for any unenlightened being, but ultimately uncontrollable, being non-self.
The Dalai Lama is a Buddhist monk with deep meditation practice. One cannot rule out he has reached early enlightenment. Then ending the Dalai Lama lineage is the perfect thing to do. Wish him success.
48
Zhu Weiqun obviously has absolutely no authority to say anything about the Dali Lama but his ham-fisted attempt to declare the PRC Government a spiritual authority laughable as much as it is pathetic and sad, considering it is the PRC that has trampled upon the sacred traditions of Tibetian Buddhism in so many ways.
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Only a Chinese PRC official could actually be so absurdly pompous and presumptuous - and so blindly ignorant - to believe that his government could possibly have any control over the reincarnation of anyone. Where do they dig these guys up?
126
In the US Congress
It has been to long since communism has been established in China. The question is when will it fall? Communism so far is proved to be very ineffective ideology with no future whatsoever. I hope China sooner or later would make a shift to new system, preferably capitalistic and liberal.
2
This isn't communism - it is chinese totalitarianism - the form will remain the same regardless of what party they attach to it. This is the same autocratic and controlling culture of governance that has ruled china for over 2000 years. It isn't about to change now.
31
And, it's really not atheism either.
They have merely replaced Confucian veneration of the Ancestors with veneration of the State.
They have merely replaced Confucian veneration of the Ancestors with veneration of the State.
8
This duel over the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama is entertaining but sad. People who are naturally optimistic hope the Communist Party will reform into a modern leadership. Please start having internal Party elections. The Dalai Lama is respected in Xinjiang; he could help mediate the growing turmoil that is at Beijing’s periphery. If China / Japan can negotiate so to can China / Tibet. If the Party reaches a negotiated settlement with the Dalai Lama, it would gain immeasurable international respect. Much more than naming the next Dalai Lama - Li Keqiang could be the next Secretary General of the United Nations.
4
It appears Tenzin has cause the Communist Party to tip its hand. They say he has no say about reincarnation. But oddly, they have a say? They just need a religious leader whom they can control.
Nice work Brother. This is Wisdom at work.
Nice work Brother. This is Wisdom at work.
23
Well, now I've read everything.
70
Is this even possible?
1
This sounds like something from The Onion.
45
The complete failure of the Chinese to comprehend Tibetan culture is proof that they have no claim to rule over Tibet because of a longstanding relationship with it.
They might as well claim that they have the right to decide what happens to Amtrak because Chinese workers built railroads in the American west.
They might as well claim that they have the right to decide what happens to Amtrak because Chinese workers built railroads in the American west.
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According to Tibetan Buddhist tradition, the Dalai Lama is an incarnation of an enlightened being, a Bodhisattva. As such a being, he can direct the nature of his reincarnation. He can of course also decide that his work is done, end this line of reincarnations, and move on to what comes after. Indeed, his decision to be reincarnated through 14 generations was for the purpose of assisting Tibetans in gaining enlightenment. If his 15th incarnation appeared to bring about only division and displacement, he would choose not to come back, even though it might deprive his people of a moral leader in the short term. How did the Communist Party become such experts, more expert than the Dalai Lama himself? It's absurd!
The Dalai Lama announced this decision starting 30 years ago, and it is well-known among Tibetans everywhere.
The Dalai Lama announced this decision starting 30 years ago, and it is well-known among Tibetans everywhere.
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The current Dali Lama & Buddist teachings will survive Inspite of the Chineses Government & Communist theory of Government.. One is based on the Love of mankind. The other the domination & control of mankind.
18
What love of mankind exploits a peasant class so a ruling class of dubiously enlightened monks can sit around spinning prayer wheels because they are too exalted to be bothered to pray themselves? I have zero respect for a professed love of mankind when it comes at the expense of actual people.
I have met a few enlightened monks, but most of them are dull, physically, mentally, and spiritually, which is what you become when you don't actually have to do any real work.
Sorry, I just don't buy it. Just another religion with a bunch of guys in robes pretending to know it all and lording it over those who tithe to keep them fed and warm.
I have met a few enlightened monks, but most of them are dull, physically, mentally, and spiritually, which is what you become when you don't actually have to do any real work.
Sorry, I just don't buy it. Just another religion with a bunch of guys in robes pretending to know it all and lording it over those who tithe to keep them fed and warm.
1
Was this article lifted from The Onion?
203
As transgressive (though perfectly in character) as it is for the Chinese regime to see itself as positioned to impose or insist on the selection of the next Dalai Lama -- surely to be rejected by Tibetans themselves -- that the Dalai Lama can opt out of reincarnation in order to put the succession off the table speaks not only to the realpolitik of the situation but also to the reality of reincarnation not as a literal rebirth but rather the continuity of an office.
1
Well, the whole thing about Boddhisattvas is that they are beings who chose to continually be reincarnated so as to help bring everyone else along the path to Enlightenment. So I guess any particular Boddhisattva could decide "I'm done."
4