His Holiness the 11th Panchen Lama Gyaincain Norbu

(By Tsem Rinpoche)

Dear learned friends,

I wanted to share with you some interesting information that was recently brought to my attention. On December 28, 2018, during the 30^th anniversary of His Holiness the 10^th Panchen Lama’s passing into clear light, His Holiness the Dalai Lama issued a video message to commemorate the occasion. In his video however, His Holiness made some statements that appear to support the legitimacy of His Holiness the 11^th Panchen Lama Gyaincain Norbu that I find to be very interesting.

As you may recall, in April 2018, His Holiness the Dalai Lama was travelling and when he arrived back in Kangra Airport near Dharamsala, some reporters interviewed His Holiness. At that time, His Holiness referred to the China-enthroned Panchen Lama as the “official Panchen Lama” and spoke about an important Sakya lama by the name of Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo, saying that he had manifested five incarnations of Body, Speech, Mind, Quality and Activity. His Holiness was basically implying that if Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo can have five reincarnations, then it is possible for someone like the 10^th Panchen Lama to have two i.e. one which His Holiness has recognised, and one which China has recognised. I have previously shared my views on this April interview here.

Now this time, in December 2018, His Holiness has once again repeated the same information during his video message on the 10^th Panchen Lama’s 30^th death anniversary. What His Holiness said about lamas with high attainments such as the Panchen Lama taking multiple reincarnations is logical. Enlightened beings are not restricted and they cannot be reduced to a specific form, shape or number simply because the nature of enlightenment itself transcends all these human constructs and perceptions.

The other Panchen Lama candidate (Gedhun Chokyi Nyima) who was recognised by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama

What I find surprising and also encouraging about this December 2018 statement is that basically, His Holiness is showing he did NOT make a mistake in April 2018 when he first referred to the China-enthroned Panchen Lama as ‘official’ and when he described how it is possible for a lama to have more than one incarnation. It was not a slip of the tongue, His Holiness did not speak in error and His Holiness was fully cognizant and meant what he said – that is, according to the scriptures, it is very possible for there to be two Panchen Lamas. Now this is a big, big turnaround in His Holiness’s position because for over 20 years, up until very recently, His Holiness and the Tibetan exile government have insisted that Gedhun Chokyi Nyima (the boy they recognised) is the real Panchen Lama, and the Chinese government’s enthronement of the 11^th Panchen Lama Gyaincain Norbu is invalid.

And the significance of this is huge because when the Dalai Lama refers to the China-enthroned Panchen Lama as ‘official’, suddenly the Chinese Panchen Lama is no longer just a fake lama appointed by the Chinese government. In other words, the Dalai Lama was giving his endorsement of the 11^th Panchen Lama Gyaincain Norbu.

The two candidates for the position of the 11th Panchen Lama. (Left:) Gedhun Chokyi Nyima, who was recognised by His Holiness the Dalai Lama; (Right:) Gyaincain Norbu, who was recognised by China. Now, the Dalai Lama seems to be saying both are legitimate incarnations of His Holiness the 10th Panchen Lama.

Some people at the time claimed that the Dalai Lama was misunderstood or his comments at Kangra Airport were taken out of context but what can they say now that His Holiness has spoken about this for the second time? Their initial disbelief is understandable considering the fact His Holiness has previously said that his recognition of Gedhun Chokyi Nyima as the real 11^th Panchen Lama “could not be changed”. So His Holiness’s sudden turnaround was understandably shocking to many. But in repeating his view in December 2018 that multiple reincarnations are not unusual, especially on an occasion that is specific to the Panchen Lama, His Holiness is reiterating to the world that the legitimacy of the Chinese-enthroned Panchen Lama cannot be disregarded. This is, in effect, another affirmation and endorsement of the 11^th Panchen Lama Gyaincain Norbu.

Inconsistent or skilful means?

From an ordinary view, His Holiness’s sudden change of tune makes him appear inconsistent but that is only when viewed from an ordinary perspective which His Holiness does not act from. It is not possible for His Holiness to act from an ordinary, conventional view because he is Chenrezig. They are one and the same, and I have never deviated from my belief that His Holiness the Dalai Lama is one with the Buddha Chenrezig and there is no separation between His Holiness and the Buddha of Compassion.

So, enlightened beings are capable of performing acts that, when viewed from a conventional perspective, will seem confusing and damaging. But that is not to say that their actions are truly ordinary in nature and it is not until later when we see the beneficial results that we realise those actions were in fact great Mahasiddha activities. Take, for example, the highly attained master Ra Lotsawa who manifested this supposed contradiction. The great Ra Lotsawa propagated the Yamantaka tantra, which is today hailed as a very potent and effective practice to gain high realisations and enlightenment. However, in the process of promoting the practice back then, Ra Lotsawa engaged in countless conflicts and even had to subdue a number of opponents in psychic battles, because they might have potentially succeeded in stopping the spread of this beneficial practice. If they were successful, then not only would many people suffer from not receiving the Yamantaka practice, but those who were successful in stopping it would have accumulated immense negative karma.

Ra Lotsawa

For this, Ra Lotsawa endured harsh criticisms and condemnations because many people assumed he was spreading the practice of a demon, and his actions appeared to be against the Dharma. But after the tremendous benefit of the Yamantaka ritual became clear, people saw that in the scheme of enlightened activities, we cannot presume to know the motivation that lies behind the action. It is also for this reason that I always tell my students never to criticise His Holiness the Dalai Lama for the ban on Dorje Shugden and never to disrespect him. Because we do not have the same attainments, we cannot judge His Holiness’ reasons for his actions and it is extremely heavy negative karma when you disparage an attained being, just like those people who criticised Ra Lotsawa would have accumulated a lot of negative karma.

But like that, many people have also criticised His Holiness for openly announcing Gedhun Chokyi Nyima as the reincarnation of the 10^th Panchen Lama. A few days after the announcement, the boy disappeared and has not been seen since and some people were not happy after that. They asked why His Holiness did not keep the boy’s identity a secret to keep him safe. In this, there are perhaps two possibilities:

(Left:) His Holiness the 10th Panchen Lama Choekyi Gyaltsen, who was recognised as the Mind (main) incarnation of His Holiness the 9th Panchen Lama; (Right:) Venerable Panchen Otrul Rinpoche, who was recognised as the emanation of His Holiness the 9th Panchen Lama.

1. There were two incarnations of the 11th Panchen Lama but one had to step aside to allow the Mind incarnation to ascend to the throne. By tradition, the Mind incarnation is the main incarnation and the one who should be enthroned. Having multiple incarnations is not unheard of and it even happened with the 10^th Panchen Lama. When they were searching for the 9^th Panchen Lama’s reincarnation, they found two boys. Eventually, the Mind incarnation was recognised as the 10^th Panchen Lama and the other boy was enthroned as Panchen Otrul, or “emanation of Panchen”.
2. By recognising the reincarnation of the 10^th Panchen Lama, it drove the Chinese government to offer their support for the real Mind incarnation, Gyaincain Norbu. Then over the years, the more the Dalai Lama and his government refuted the legitimacy of Gyaincain Norbu, the more the Chinese government invested in nurturing, educating and promoting him as the legitimate 11^th Panchen Lama.

His Holiness in April 2018 at Kangra Airport near Dharamsala, when he first explained the basis for how there can be two 11th Panchen Lamas. Click on image to enlarge.

So what appears like a mistake on His Holiness’s part may very well have been an extremely skilful way for His Holiness to get the Chinese government to take an interest in the real candidate, the one that Dalai Lama knew from the start was the correct Panchen Lama, the very same candidate that His Holiness now openly declares to be the official Panchen Lama. As the Dalai Lama himself has confirmed, there can be up to five reincarnations of a high lama and so by identifying (for example) the Activity incarnation, His Holiness created the causes for the Chinese government to champion and support the main Mind incarnation.

On the other hand, if the Dalai Lama had openly identified the Mind incarnation i.e. Gyaincain Norbu as the rightful candidate, the Chinese government may not have promoted him and in fact, the opposite result could have taken place. Therefore, by manifesting a ‘mistake’, the Dalai Lama created an amazingly beneficial result. By promoting the 11^th Panchen Lama, the Chinese Communist Party in fact revived the Panchen Lama institution and as the result, Tibetan Buddhism was regenerated in the world’s most populous country.

Was the Dorje Shugden ban a mistake?

You may also ask, if His Holiness is Chenrezig then why did he make such a grave error such as banning Dorje Shugden? To answer that, it is important to look at how much the Dorje Shugden practice has grown and how much the Chinese government has promoted this ancient practice since the Dalai Lama manifested the ‘mistake’ of banning it. The more the supporters of the Dalai Lama pushed for the extinction of the Dorje Shugden practice inside the Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR), the more the Chinese authorities preserved, protected and even promoted it. So the same explanation of the Dalai Lama’s Mahasiddha behaviour applies both in the Panchen Lama controversy and the Dorje Shugden conflict; both have been benefitted and grown tremendously since His Holiness implemented what appeared like wrongful actions.

If we think beyond our own mundane preferences, perceptions and narrow views, we will be able to see the wisdom in the controversies created by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. So we must be realistic and logical, and not emotional and also set aside what we perceive is right or wrong, good or bad, harmful or beneficial and look at the ultimate result. His actions may not have been pleasant in the ordinary sense but ultimately, they resulted in the spread of the Buddha’s teachings. Tibet is not the Shangri-la that the Western media likes to portray and show to everyone. It has been plagued by internal conflicts, intense rivalries, regionalism, politicking and in-fighting for centuries. But China has been on the rise and today, it is a world superpower that will get even stronger over time. So which one is more capable of preserving Buddhism and creating institutions and a culture to spread it far and wide? You think. Clearly it is China. China is the world’s most populous nation with 1.54 billion people that accounts for 18.5% of the world’s population. China yields tremendous influence today and His Holiness the Dalai Lama did what was necessary to pass the custody of Tibetan Buddhism over to the most competent entity to spread it, the powerful Chinese government with all of their might, resources and influence.

Further implications

His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and His Holiness the 10th Panchen Lama.

Ironically, His Holiness’s acknowledgement of the Chinese-recognised Panchen Lama supports the Chinese government’s claims to be valid authority to recognise and enthrone high incarnate lamas. Logically speaking, this will include the 15^th Dalai Lama and who has the right to name the next Dalai Lama has been hotly contested by the Chinese government and the CTA.

The Tibetans argue that recognising high lamas remains exclusively the duty and privilege of the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan authorities. But when His Holiness the Dalai Lama agreed with the Chinese and endorsed their 17^th Karmapa candidate Ogyen Trinley, in doing so His Holiness inferred that the Chinese government are capable of identifying the right tulkus and providing the necessary infrastructure and training for the development of high incarnate lamas. And now the Dalai Lama reiterates the same thing with the 11^th Panchen Lama Gyaincain Norbu.

Again, on first glance, this appears counterproductive to the Tibetan cause but we should see beyond our own projections and look at His Holiness’s supreme compassion and wisdom. The Tibetan struggle has entered its 60^th year, with no hope of reunification or a return in sight. Seeing how present global dynamics makes it nearly impossible for Tibet to come back under the CTA’s control, His Holiness the Dalai Lama is now doing the next best thing for his people, which is to bring an end to conflict and usher in a period of peace and cohabitation. One way of doing this is by recognising the Panchen Lama Gyaincain Norbu and stop protesting against him, which is something the Chinese leadership have insisted on for many years. This will help to bridge the gap between the Tibetan and Chinese leaderships. In that way, the Tibetans will be able to live peaceful lives, preserve their culture and religious tradition, and have a future to look forward to and no longer be engulfed in the Sino-Tibetan conflict. 60 years in limbo is a very long time and sorry to say but there is no way Tibetans can compete with China. Spiritually, perhaps because we have very pure and attained practitioners, but not economically or militarily which is what the world at large is interested in.

So realistically, it makes sense for Tibetans and the CTA to befriend the Chinese authorities and to stop antagonising them, and to work with them for a resolution. Personally, I am not interested in politics and this blog post is not meant to be read as a preference for one side or another, or any kind of political argument. All I am interested in is for the Dharma to spread, whether it is in China or outside. But the longer the Tibetan movement persists, the longer the Chinese government will be cautious towards the Tibetans and Tibetan Buddhism. They will continue to see anything Tibetan as potential instruments of separatism and that will not be very beneficial for the Dharma to spread and grow. Some people might see the Dalai Lama’s support of the Chinese-recognised Panchen Lama as an act of betrayal but if the Dalai Lama is Chenrezig, which I fully believe that he is, then he will see beyond prejudice, borders, political ideologies and labels. In Buddhism, we learn about the impermanence of all phenomena so labels like ‘countries’ and ‘borders’ and ‘politics’ have no bearing on a Bodhisattva’s mind.

Instead of some people viewing His Holiness’s act as a betrayal, they should actually admire how His Holiness displays an incredible mind that is not controlled by egoistic tendencies. Instead of being stuck on one view and refusing to budge, His Holiness does not hesitate to make pragmatic shifts according to prevailing times and the governing karma and make decisions based on what is best for the people and the Buddha’s teachings. I respect this very, very much amongst His Holiness’s myriad other perfect qualities.

An extraordinary spiritual figure

What is interesting is how the Dalai Lama referred to the great 10^th Panchen Lama as an “extraordinary spiritual figure” and said that if he had “…lived longer, I [the Dalai Lama] am certain that it would have been truly beneficial.” This is to say that the Dalai Lama recognises that everything the 10^th Panchen Lama did was to further the Buddhadharma and to benefit the Tibetan people. This is not surprising since the Panchen Lamas are believed to be incarnations of the Buddha Amitabha and viewed as the Dalai Lama’s spiritual equal. In Tibet, in terms of rank, only the Panchen Lama is qualified to rule in the Dalai Lama’s absence. The Panchen Lamas are also traditionally very close to the Dalai Lamas, and have been chiefly responsible for recognising and enthroning the Dalai Lamas’ reincarnations.

So, the Dalai Lama’s praise of the 10^th Panchen Lama is significant because the 10^th Panchen Lama was a devoted Dorje Shugden practitioner and composed an incredible Dorje Shugden kangsol known as Melodious Sound of Accomplishment of the Four Activities. In this prayer, the 10^th Panchen Lama referred to Dorje Shugden as the protector of Manjunatha’s (Lama Tsongkhapa) lineage and it is said that upon completing the composition, the 10^th Panchen Lama witnessed signs confirming Dorje Shugden to be a great defender of the Buddhadharma.

The question is, why would the Dalai Lama refer to a well-known Dorje Shugden practitioner like the 10^th Panchen Lama as an “extraordinary spiritual figure” unless it is a subtle way of saying that Dorje Shugden is not really bad and anti-Dharma as some people have claimed? If it is true that Dorje Shugden is the malevolent and unholy spirit of an oath-breaker then surely:

1. The 10^th Panchen Lama would not be deserving of such high praise from the Dalai Lama. How can an “extraordinary spiritual figure” be simultaneously capable of worshipping and propagating the practice of a so-called spirit? Someone who worships a spirit would not logically be praised as “spiritual”.
2. The 10^th Panchen Lama, as a so-called demon worshipper for relying on Dorje Shugden, would have broken his vows if he was really relying on a spirit. Having broken his vows, he would not have reincarnated into a 11^th Panchen Lama. So if Dorje Shugden really was a spirit and negative, then the Dalai Lama should not even have recognised Gedhun Chokyi Nyima, let alone endorse Gyaincain Norbu now.

Click on image to enlarge

As you can see, there are many reasons for why His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s latest statement in December is so significant. I have shared my views on all these topics before but now it is interesting that His Holiness is slowly but surely manifesting views that are contrary to his earlier views on Dorje Shugden when he skilfully implemented a ban on the practice. In the same way, His Holiness also appears to be reversing his stance on the Chinese-recognised Panchen Lama. In the last 20 years or so since the Dalai Lama denounced both Dorje Shugden and the Chinese-recognised Panchen Lama, China has grown and with its coming of age into power, revived both the Dorje Shugden and Panchen Lama lineages. It is safe to say that both lineages are growing today largely due to the skilful and controversial actions of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. As I mentioned before, great adepts and Bodhisattvas are known to perform deeds for reasons we cannot currently see. His Holiness Trijang Dorje Chang gave a major clue when he wrote in his seminal Dorje Shugden work, Music Delighting the Ocean of Protectors that Chenrezig and Manjushri will work together in an illusive play to spread the Buddhadharma and now it appears that this is precisely what is happening.

Tsem Rinpoche

The 8th to 11th Panchen Lamas. (Left to right:) His Holiness the 8th Panchen Lama Tenpai Wangchuk; His Holiness the 9th Panchen Lama Thubten Choekyi Nyima; His Holiness the 10th Panchen Lama Choekyi Gyaltsen (Mind incarnation); Venerable Panchen Otrul Rinpoche (emanation of 9th Panchen Lama); His Holiness the 11th Panchen Lama Gedhun Chokyi Nyima (recognised by the Dalai Lama); and His Holiness the 11th Panchen Lama Gyaincain Norbu (recognised by China). Click to enlarge.

Dalai Lama’s message on
Panchen Lama’s 30th death anniversary

Or view the video on the server at:
https://video.tsemtulku.com/videos/HHDL2PanchenLamas.mp4

Tibetan Review:
Dalai Lama reiterates more than one reincarnation possible on Panchen 30th death anniversary

Source: http://www.tibetanreview.net/dalai-lama-reiterates-more-than-one-reincarnation-possible-on-panchen-30th-death-anniversary/. Click on image to enlarge.

For more interesting information:

• Read more about H.H. Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche on my blog
• Videos Redressing the Misinformation About Dorje Shugden and the Tibetan Situation
• Tibetan Leadership’s New Anti-Shugden Video
• The Dorje Shugden category on my blog
• The Importance of Tibet Befriending China
• Reuters Investigation on Dorje Shugden Inaccurate?
• Reuters Anti-Dorje Shugden Report Backfires
• When Reuters becomes a tool of oppression
• How Authentic is the Tibetan Leadership’s Claim of Democracy?
• A Tibetan Solution Uncovered in Modern Diplomacy
• A Sad State of Affairs
• An Open Letter of Appeal to His Holiness the Dalai Lama (April 30, 2018)
• Reuters publishes my reconciliation prayers for Asia
• The Tibetan Leadership Exposed in Modern Diplomacy
• Digital Journal Publishes Tsem Rinpoche’s Advice Against Self Immolation
• Dalai Lama, China & Dorje Shugden
• Markham makes it illegal to ban Dorje Shugden
• Dalai Lama Says We Can Practise Dorje Shugden Finally!
• Dear Dalai Lama, With Folded Hands
• Dear Dalai Lama, please read this
• Can the Dalai Lama say this one day?
• Will the Dalai Lama agree with this?
• Appeal to H.H. the Dalai Lama
• What you must know about China
• Dorje Shugden: My side of the story
• My plea to His Holiness the Dalai Lama
• Shall We Hate The Jews and Those Different Than Us?
• My plea to His Holiness (Tibetan)
• Why aren’t the monasteries helping the drought?
• Stronger Bond Between Malaysia and China
• Why is she putting the Dalai Lama down?
• I’m Requesting Ordination in 1987
• They want to kill me
• What I Think of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama?

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