In 1995, at age 6, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima was recognized by His Holiness the Dalai Lama as the 11th reincarnation of the Panchen Lama, Tibet’s second most important spiritual leader. Shortly thereafter, Gedhun Choeyki Nyima and his family disappeared, believed to have been abducted by the Chinese authorities.
To date, China has denied all requests from the international community to see Gedhun Choeyki Nyima and, despite occasional statements by Chinese leaders, his whereabouts remain uncertain. Tibetans and supporters worldwide call for independent verification of Gedhun Choekyi Nyima’s well-being, for confirmation that he and his family are free to travel wherever they wish, and for his return to his rightful seat in Tashilhunpo Monastery.
Please take action now for Gedhun Choekyi Nyima
The Chinese government’s motives for preventing Gedhun Choekyi Nyima from fulfilling his destiny as the 11th Panchen Lama are purely political and a means for further controlling Tibet’s religion and culture. In place of Gedhun China’s government installed a different boy, Gyaltsen Norbu.
The Tibetan people have not accepted China’s choice of 11th Panchen Lama and, despite the risks, Tibetans clearly still revere the Dalai Lama’s choice of Panchen Lama. Continued devotion to Gedhun Choekyi Nyima is shown in various ways including the display of photographs in some monasteries and dedicated songs and poetry about their love for him and want for his freedom. The following video is an example of a song for Gedhun, recorded by Sonam Tashi, a popular and well respected Tibetan singer.
Remembering Panchen Rinpoche:
[Gedhun] Choekyi Nyima Rinpoche
The root guru of mine
I pray for your return to the land of the snow,
Panchen Rinpoche.
To whom do I offer this pure scarf
To whom do I offer this song of my heart
My eyes weep in your absence
It saddens me deeply.
Please take action now, for Gedhun Choekyi Nyima’s 21st birthday, by sending this card to Du Qinglin, Director of the United Front Work Department (UFWD) to press for his release. The UFWD is the arm of China’s Communist Party responsible for policy on Tibet, and Du Qinglin’s officials are in contact with Gedhun Choekyi Nyima’s family.
VIGILS & PROTEST ACROSS UK
Manchester
Date: Friday, 23 April 2010
Time: 08.30-12.00
Place: Opposte the Chinese Consulate, Denison House, 71 Denison Road, Rusholme, Manchester M14 5rx
Contact person: Liam on 07810 300 532, or email liam@sftuk.org
Bath
Date: Sunday, 25 April 2010
TIme: 6.00pm-8.00pm
Place: outside the west door to the Bath Abbey
Contact Person: George on 01249 712 856, or email bathdistricttibetgroup@gmail.com
London
Date: Sunday, 25 April 2010
Time: 18.00-20.00
Place: Opposite the Chinese Embassy, 49-51 Portland Place, London W1B 1JL
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For further news items about Gedhun Choekyi Nyima please read:
Jane McCartney, The Times: China says missing Panchen Lama Gendun Choekyi Nyima is living in Tibet
The Independent: The world’s youngest political prisoner
BBC News: China hosts first Buddhist forum
