The President of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), Penpa Tsering , has announced plans to host a global conference to challenge China’s historical claim over the so-called 1793 “golden urn” decree, which Beijing cites as the legal basis for recognising Tibetan Buddhist reincarnations.
Speaking at the National Press Club, Tsering dismissed the claim, asserting that “there is no authentic evidence” supporting the existence or legitimacy of the decree, reported news agency ANI, citing Phayul.
Tsering accused China of weaponising religion for political gain and said that the reincarnation of Tibetan Buddhist leaders, including the Dalai Lama, is a deeply spiritual process beyond the control of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
“The reincarnation of Tibetan Buddhist leaders, including His Holiness the Dalai Lama, cannot be dictated by an atheist government,” he said. “It is the Tibetan people who will decide the future of the Dalai Lama lineage, not China.”
According to Phayul, Tsering described Beijing’s 2007 “Order No. 5”, which mandates state approval for recognising reincarnated lamas, as “absurd and hypocritical.” He also argued that even if the 1793 decree had existed, it was rarely applied.
“Were the eight Dalai Lamas before 1793 not authentic?” he asked, noting that the urn was selectively invoked, particularly in the case of Beijing’s chosen 11th Panchen Lama.
Mocking Beijing’s stance, Tsering remarked, “If the Chinese government truly believes in reincarnation, they should first look for the rebirths of Mao Zedong and Deng Xiaoping.”
He also pointed out that past Dalai Lamas had been born outside Tibet — including the fourth in Mongolia and the sixth in India — rejecting China’s claim that the next Dalai Lama must be born under its control.
Tsering welcomed the Dalai Lama’s July 2 statement confirming that the Gaden Phodrang Trust will oversee the selection of his successor, saying it has brought “clarity and continuity” to Tibetans worldwide.
He also appreciated the growing international backing, noting that the United States and several European governments have affirmed the Tibetan people’s right to choose their spiritual leaders without interference from China, reported ANI.
Speaking at the National Press Club, Tsering dismissed the claim, asserting that “there is no authentic evidence” supporting the existence or legitimacy of the decree, reported news agency ANI, citing Phayul.
Tsering accused China of weaponising religion for political gain and said that the reincarnation of Tibetan Buddhist leaders, including the Dalai Lama, is a deeply spiritual process beyond the control of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
“The reincarnation of Tibetan Buddhist leaders, including His Holiness the Dalai Lama, cannot be dictated by an atheist government,” he said. “It is the Tibetan people who will decide the future of the Dalai Lama lineage, not China.”
According to Phayul, Tsering described Beijing’s 2007 “Order No. 5”, which mandates state approval for recognising reincarnated lamas, as “absurd and hypocritical.” He also argued that even if the 1793 decree had existed, it was rarely applied.
“Were the eight Dalai Lamas before 1793 not authentic?” he asked, noting that the urn was selectively invoked, particularly in the case of Beijing’s chosen 11th Panchen Lama.
Mocking Beijing’s stance, Tsering remarked, “If the Chinese government truly believes in reincarnation, they should first look for the rebirths of Mao Zedong and Deng Xiaoping.”
He also pointed out that past Dalai Lamas had been born outside Tibet — including the fourth in Mongolia and the sixth in India — rejecting China’s claim that the next Dalai Lama must be born under its control.
Tsering welcomed the Dalai Lama’s July 2 statement confirming that the Gaden Phodrang Trust will oversee the selection of his successor, saying it has brought “clarity and continuity” to Tibetans worldwide.
He also appreciated the growing international backing, noting that the United States and several European governments have affirmed the Tibetan people’s right to choose their spiritual leaders without interference from China, reported ANI.
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'Look for the rebirth of Mao Zedong': Tibetan leader mocks China's control over Dalai Lama reincarnation; rejects Beijing's 'golden urn' claim
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