Disappeared: Tibet’s Panchen Lama
Who is the Panchen Lama?
Gedhun Choekyi Nyima is Tibet’s 11th Panchen Lama, the second highest authority in Tibetan Buddhism after the Dalai Lama. On 14 May 1995 Gedhun Choekyi Nyima was recognised as the Panchen Lama by the Dalai Lama; just three days later he was ‘removed’ from his home, along with his family, by Chinese authorities.
Every year, the 17th of May marks the disappearance of Panchen Lama. Abducted by the #CCP at the age of six without any trace. It has been 28 years and no one has seen or heard from him, including his family.
Panchen Lama is regarded as a manifestation of the Buddha Amitabha. Panchen Lama is one of the most important figures in the Gelug tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, with its spiritual authority second only to the Dalai Lama. Along with the Council of high lamas, he is in charge of seeking out the next Dalai Lama.
Panchen Lama is one of the most important figures in the Gelug tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, with its spiritual authority second only to the Dalai Lama. Along with the Council of high lamas, he is in charge of seeking out the next Dalai Lama.
In “The Search for the Panchen Lama”, Isabel Hilton tells the fascinating inside story of how this boy became the innocent prize in a battle between the Chinese regime and the Dalai Lama.
Where is the Panchen Lama today?
The Panchen Lama’s location remains unknown. For over two decades the Chinese government have denied requests from United Nations human rights experts and governments for access to Gedhun Choekyi Nyima and his family, claiming that he was leading a normal life and does not wish to be disturbed.
Tibetans, Tibet supporters, human rights organisations and world governments have consistently urged China to release Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, but these appeals continue to go unheeded.
In November 1995 China proclaimed a different boy to be the 11th Panchen Lama. China’s chosen boy is overwhelmingly rejected by the Tibetan people. Both young men are victims in China’s plan to undermine and control the Tibetan people, religion and culture. Tibetans refuse to believe Gedhun Choekyi Nyima is “living a good life” and continue to demand he be released, and seek proof that he is safe and well.
We request you to join us in our fight. To Ask questions. To Get Answers. FOR JUSTICE. FOR TIBET.
“Share the story of the 11th Panchen Lama.”