INTERESTING INFORMATION ABOUT TIBET & LAMA

Given the political events in Tibet, I've been reading about this place. I found some interesting facts:

- "Chinese researchers have discovered massive new gas and oil deposits totaling an estimated 4 billion to 5.4 billion tons in Tibet in southwestern China, the newspaper China Daily reported." - September 5, 2001 Global Policy Forum;

- "Gedhun Choekyi Nyima was recognized at age six by His Holiness the Dalai Lama as one of Tibet's most important religious leaders. Determined to control religion in Tibet, the Chinese authorities kidnapped this young boy and his family on May 17, 1995 just days after he was recognised as the 11th Panchen Lama.

Despite repeated appeals to gain access to him, no international agency or human rights organization has been granted contact with the young Panchen Lama or his family. To date, their well-being and whereabouts remain unconfirmed."

-"Tibet’s living Buddhas have been banned from reincarnation without permission from China’s atheist leaders. The ban is included in new rules intended to assert Beijing’s authority over Tibet’s restive and deeply Buddhist people.

“The so-called reincarnated living Buddha without government approval is illegal and invalid,” according to the order, which comes into effect on September 1.

The 14-part regulation issued by the State Administration for Religious Affairs is aimed at limiting the influence of Tibet’s exiled god-king, the Dalai Lama, and at preventing the re-incarnation of the 72-year-old monk without approval from Beijing." The Times, Aug. 4, 2007

-The VOA News 8 January 2002 Sarnath -- Tibet's exiled spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, has reaffirmed his intention not to be reincarnated in Tibet or any other territory under Chinese rule.
In an address in Sarnath, northern India, Tuesday, the Dalai Lama said if Tibet is not free when he dies, he will be reincarnated in some free country elsewhere.

Observers say the Dalai Lama's statement is meant to discourage Chinese authorities from choosing his successor once he dies."

Interesting article on The Thirteen Previous Dalai Lamas - click here
Article Where Is the Panchen Lama?
Article on History of Tibet
From Birth to Exile