The Panchen Lama

I just watched an interesting documentary about the history of Tibet and the Dalai Lama. I wasn't super familiar with the subject matter before now but found it really interesting. So many people were killed and tortured during the Chinese invasion, the Dalai Lama exiled himself to India and has been there over 40 years.

One thing that got me was that in 1995 the Dalai Lama personally searched for and found the reincarnation of the Dalai Panchen. Tibetans are Buddhists who belief in reincarnation. In the Dalai's case they believe that he (number 14) is in reality the incarnation of number 13 and so on back. When the Dalai passes away, head spiritual leaders are sent out, disguised as regular travelers to search out the reincarnation of the Dalai that has passed away. The Dalai Panchen that the current Dalai found in 1995 is destined to be the head of the search party when Number 14 passes. Three days after announcing he had found the Dalai Panchen, the little boy and his family were captured and imprisoned by China. He was the youngest political prisoner in the world. The Chinese have now found there own Panchen, and plan to name their own Dalai when

the time comes.

Here is the announcement the Dalai Lama made when announcing the finding of the Panchen:

His Holiness the Dalai Lama recognises the Panchen Lama - 14 May 1995

THE DALAI LAMA

Today is the auspicious day when the Buddha first gave the Kalachakra teaching. The Kalachakra teachings have special connection with the Panchen Lamas. On this occasion, which also happens to be the Vaisaki, it is with great joy that I am able to proclaim the reincarnation of Panchen Rinpoche. I have recognized Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, born on April 25, 1989, whose father is Konchok Phuntsog, and mother Dechen Chodon, of Lhari district in Nagchu, Tibet, as the true reincarnation of Panchen Rinpoche.
In accordance with the historical and spiritual relationship between the Dalai Lamas and the Panchen Lamas, the Search Committee for the Reincarnation, primarily represented by the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery in exile in India and various groups and individuals from all the regions of Tibet as well as from outside, have approached me to perform the examination and divination to determine the reincarnation.
I have taken upon myself this historical and spiritual task with a strong sense of responsibility. Over the recent years, I have with great care performed all necessary religious procedures for this purpose and have made supplications to the infallible Three Jewels.
I am fully convinced of the unanimous outcome of all these recognition procedures performed strictly in accordance with our religious tradition.
I have given Rinpoche the name of "Tenzin Gedhun Yeshe Thrinley Phuntsog Pal Sangpo" and have composed a long-life prayer titled "Spontaneous Fulfillment of the Wishes."
The search and recognition of Panchen Rinpoche's reincarnation is a religious matter and not political. It is my hope that the Chinese Government with whom I have kept contact regarding this matter through various channels over the recent years, will extend its understanding, cooperation and assistance to the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery in enabling Rinpoche to receive proper religious training and to assume his spiritual responsibilities.
Dharamsala, May 14, 1995