Fishers, Indiana USA, April 25 – Today should be a joyful day for all those who practice Tibetan Buddhism and support Tibet, as it is the 18th Birthday of Gendhun Choekyi Nyima, The Panchen Lama. Under different circumstances, our celebration would begin in the early hours of the morning with prayers. Many of us also would have the opportunity to offer His Holiness The Panchen Lama, in person, katas and gifts. We would receive His blessings as well. This year like every other year since His Holiness The Dalai Lama recognized Gendhun Choekyi Nyima in 1995, we are denied this opportunity, and as such, our human rights and religious freedom are violated.
The violation of our rights and freedom of expression pale, however, in comparison to what His Holiness The Panchen Lama has endured these past twelve years. It is impossible to imagine that since the age of six, He has been tucked away in isolation unable to pursue a proper education as both a child and as a Tulku. It is also unfathomable that He has been completely restricted from interacting with the outside world and performing His responsibilities as Tibet’s second most important spiritual leader. For practically His entire life, China has held Him hostage, and it is absolutely unclear how Chinese officials have treated Him. China has refused to abide by any of the accepted international codes of human rights and it has denied diplomats and leaders of various NGOs the opportunity to see or talk to Gendhun Choekyi Nyima. Thus, we do not know the status of His health or well-being.
Today, as an eighteen-year-old individual, Gendhun Choekyi Nyima enters adulthood without any of the normally sanctioned privileges, rights, and benefits granted by governments throughout the world. He also is denied the freedom to express His independence as a young adult and display His own unique identity as a Tibetan and spiritual leader. Moreover, Gendhun Choekyi Nyima’s passage into adulthood is tainted by a childhood replete with oppression, abuse, and a brutal, systematic attempt to control His mind and a highly successful effort to control His physical movements and surroundings.
Regardless of the extent of this tragedy, many of us continue to maintain our deep respect and belief in the wisdom and talents of The 11th Panchen Lama. We believe China’s government will never convert Gendhun Choekyi Nyima to their communist ideology nor can they erase His devotion to His Holiness The Dalai Lama and His dedication to the philosophy and practice of Tibetan Buddhism.
In this dark time of The Panchen Lama’s life and Tibet itself, Gendhun Choekyi Nyima symbolizes the consequences of China’s illegal occupation and the essence of our entire struggle. As such, His infinite light reminds all of us of our basic tasks. That is, securing Tibetans’ human and religious rights, preserving Tibet’s culture, and fulfilling the political aspirations of the Tibetan people inside of Tibet, specifically their desire for Rangzen.
The Panchen Lama appears to be a political pawn in the Tibet-China conflict. He is also, however, a major threat to the stability of China’s atheistic policy and general control over its people. Historically, prior to the communist takeover of China, the Chinese people valued and respected Buddhism, particularly Pureland Buddhist practices. The main inspiration for their practice was Amitabha Buddha. Interestingly, The Panchen Lama is thought to be an emanation of this Buddha. Therefore, it is highly conceivable that China’s government is afraid of the potential influence The Panchen Lama might have on their citizen’s values, beliefs, and behaviors. Further, China’s government may fear losing control of its citizens if, for instance, The Panchen Lama was free.
We will not accept any reason China offers for keeping The Panchen Lama secluded from the rest of the world. There is no viable excuse for violating His human rights nor is there any valid reason for holding Him under house arrest. He must be set free and permitted to pursue whatever activities He so desires. If China is afraid of the influence Gendhun Choekyi Nyima may have on the Chinese people, there is a simple solution. Let Him immigrate to another country like India or the United States.
Until Gendhun Choekyi Nyima is set free we will not rest. We will actively and aggressively struggle for His release. In fact, this summer we will once again organize a walk to advocate for His release and to speak out for Tibet’s independence. This walk will be between New York City and Philadelphia.
Finally, we want to wish His Holiness The Panchen Lama a long, healthy, and prosperous life. In time, we are certain He will grace us with His physical presence and sit upon His Tashi Lhunpo Monastery throne in an independent Tibet.
Long Live The Panchen Lama!
Long Live The Panchen Lama!
Long Live The Panchen Lama!
