China to Buddha: Fill out this reincarnation form in triplicate

China tells living Buddhas to obtain permission before they reincarnate
The rules effectively exclude the Dali Lama from any role in recognising a living Buddha
Jane Macartney in Beijing

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. more...