Statement of Tashi Lhunpo Monastery [Seat of The Panchen Lamas] on the occasion of the 8th anniversary of the abduction of The 11th Panchen Lama, Gedun Choekyi Nyima.
Bylakuppe, India, May 17 – We want to extend our warmest greetings to our fellow countrymen in Tibet and in-exile and all of our friends and supporters around the world. Today marks the occasion of the 8th year that The 11th Panchen Lama, Gedun Choekyi Nyima, has been held in captivity by the Communist Chinese government. Also, on May 17, 1995, Gedun Choekyi Nyima’s parents and Chadrel Rinpoche, the former Abbot of Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, were abducted. To this day, no one has had access to these individuals, nor have these persons been seen by representatives of any independent organizations.
The abduction of The 11th Panchen Lama, Gedun Choekyi Nyima, is a great tragedy and reprehensible act on the part of the Communist Chinese government. This government does not believe in any religion. Therefore, it is very odd that it has interfered with Buddhist traditions by appointing its own Panchen Lama to politicise, we believe, The Panchen Lama issue and to gain political advantages.
In contrast, the recognition of The Panchen Lama, Gedun Choekyi Nyima, by His Holiness The Dalai Lama was according to Buddhist traditions. As a result, Gedun Choekyi Nyima is perceived as the true Panchen Lama by all Tibetan Buddhists inside and outside Tibet.
Our greatest concern is for Gedun Choekyi Nyima’s health, safety, and spiritual education. Generally, this would be the time the young Panchen Lama would be receiving religious studies, so that when He was older He could benefit all sentient beings. A free Panchen Lama could provide millions of people with a spiritual foundation of peace, wisdom, tolerance, and infinite light. We also believe that Buddhism, in general, is already helping to bring peace and tolerance to Tibet, China, and the world at large.
With the increased awareness of the plight of the 14 year-old Panchen Lama (an emanation of Buddha Amitabha), there is growing worldwide support for an early release of Tibet’s 2nd highest spiritual leader. We believe the recent release of such high profile Tibetan political prisoners as Takna Jigme Sangpo and Ngawang Sangdrol is a promising sign of change on the part of the Communist Chinese government.
Therefore, on this 8th anniversary of the abduction of the 11th Panchen Lama, Gedun Choekyi Nyima, we urge every Tibetan and Tibet supporter to continue with their dedication and determination regarding securing an immediate release for The Panchen Lama, His family, and Chadrel Rinpoche. We also want to send a very special message to all of the Monks at the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery in Tibet, requesting that you continue to pray for the young Panchen Lama and for an end to the suffering of our people. We, here in-exile, will continue to actively campaign to achieve these goals as well.
Once again, we want to express our deep appreciation to our supporters all over the world. This is a difficult time in Tibetan history and we cannot thank you enough for your genuine concern, solidarity, and strong actions to help free Tibetan political prisoners and Tibet itself.
We are also very grateful for the guidance, support, and inspiration provided by His Holiness The 14th Dalai Lama. We pray for His good health and long life and that of Gedun Choekyi Nyima, The Panchen Lama. We also pray for the inevitable day in the very near future when His Holiness The 14th Dalai Lama and The 11th Panchen Lama will meet in freedom at the Potala in Lhasa and Tashi Lhunpo Monastery in Shigatse, Tibet.
Tashi Lhunpo Monastery
Bylakuppe, India
May 17, 2003
www.tashilhunpo.org
