The Panchen lamas form a tulku reincarnation lineage which are said to be the incarnations of Amitabha Buddha. The name, meaning "great scholar", is a Tibetan contraction of the Sanskrit paṇḍita (scholar) and the Tibetan chenpo (great). Seen as the 2nd most important lama, the role also requires the Panchen Lama to assist in the identification of the Dalai Lama.
The 11th reincarnate was identified as Gedhun Choekyi Nyima on 14th May 1995 by the Dalai Lama. Not happy with this decision, the Chinese government named their own Panchen Lama, named Gyancain Norbu as the “genuine” reincarnate. Not surprisingly, both this boy´s parents are members of the Communist party. The Tibetan recognised Panchen Lama was shortly after kidnapped alongside his family, and they have not been seen since.
The Chinese government claim to have taken him into “protective custody”and has not been seen since. Gedhun Choekyi Nyima remains the youngest ever political prisoner. The Chinese recognised Panchen Lama was crowned at Tashilumpo Monastery, the holy seat in Shigatze, Tibet, but lives in Beijing and is hardly ever seen in public. He is not recognised by Tibetans. It is believed he will be given a seat on the Communist operated Standing Committee of the National People´s Congress when he turns 18 years of age.
Every Friday a yellow ribbon is tied on a tree at the Tsuglagkhang temple in memoriam to the incarcerated Gedhun Choekyi Nyima. A short video can be found here.
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