Most great faiths have been there.
The Roman's and Christ.
The early Church.
Did it extinguish the faith ?

Say no more.
Do not worry. It will pass.
Be at peace / keep the faith.

anita Sowden, bradford, england

Yeah, well they can pass all the laws that they want and how much effect will it have on the devout? I'm sure that if (when) China rules the world they will pass a law stating that Jesus was really a Communist and the Bible is to be replaced by Mao's Little Red Book! Good luck with that one too!

Garibaldi Smittone, Los Angeles, US

March 2008 and China continues to oppress Tibet and maybe Taiwan soon !

If Mao reincarnates it will be another desaster for the earth.

Anyway, even things go worst for Tibetans, I stay optimistic and believe that the Chinese dictatory will not last too much.
The universe law is that every force loses one day it's power, and as China is an evil force, it will get what it merites.
More bad things they do, more punishment they will get, it's not a christian believing, it's just the....law. They will only get negative destiny.
Let's be calm, just and wise and this communist cholera will disappear soon or later.

TSO, Thessaloniki, Greece

It just goes to show the real axis of evil is china, israel and the us

nature rules

mackx, london, uk

I am new to the study of eastern religions, but even with a limited knowlege I fail to understand the fear demonstrated by the CPC. One of the tenets of Buddhist, Taoist and Confucious faith is honor with obedience. Why on earth would they try to topple a leader that could be their biggest ally?? His Holiness the Dalai Lama has been trying to talk to the Chinese government for almost four decades. Not once in that period of time have I come across a desparaging comment.

Dawn, Chicago,

What if Chairman Mao reincarnates?

Dave Flint, London, U.K.

Ok thats it ! China is now officially sharing the top spot on my sh_t list w/ Islamic law countries.
The Dalai Lama is my hero, His Holiness is welcome in my home (not that he needs a place to crash out, but if he did he can crash at my pad) as well as any women who are able to escape their draconian Islamic homes.
Peace and Human Rights 4 All !
Thanks,
Sandy, Corpus Christi, Texas

Sandy , Corpus Christi, Texas

I am curious, what is the Chinese government so fearful of ? The Chinese government feels they must have control over something they don't openly believe in and tried to completely destroy during the cultural revolution. If they were not so fearful they would just ignore the whole Buddhist sector of Tibet and China. Perhaps Buddhism is so deeply rooted in their past, they realize they can not erase it and maybe members of their own government practice in secret. Just a thought.

Beverley Foothills of California

Beverley, Auburn, California

As a buddhist, this is just ridiculous. I have had to take a peaceful stance with China claiming Tibet as its own without any consent from Tibet. I compiled a research paper about the tragedies that Mao and his comrades implanted in Tibet, though in the rest of China as well. And after hearing about the Panchen Lama years ago, I have given up on my vocal outrage. I hope everyone just sees how silly, and horrible, this is, and how in the wrong and audacious it is of China to think that anyone will trust their judgment when it comes to a religious process that they don't believe and would have no one believe if they could. I have even heard rumors of the Dalai Lama choosing not to reincarnate, in partial response and because of these undertakings with China. The hypocritical world nation has forgotten about Tibet and their basic human rights. In America it has been done to death with "free Tibet" stickers. No one cares about the religious oppression they live under anymore.

Brandon Van Bibber, Portland, Oregon

And if you don't believe or desire to be reincarnated and it just happens without your own permission? Do you have to sign an affidavit's proving that you didn't give the powers that be clearance to do so?

Troy, Westwood, MA

Wow, this is ridiculous! People are going to believe what they believe, and, pass those beliefs to their children if governments like it or not!

Why is China so hellbent on destroying Buddhism in Tibet? I wonder what resource the land has that's so important to China?

It's sad. Buddhism is compatible with not believing in deities, and, atheists can believe in reincarnation (It's not like we have a church with rules!) A lot of atheists are Buddhists. These officials from China could learn a lot about compassion if they studied a bit.

Stephanie, Dallas, TX

Yes, but the Iraqis would be fighting each other even if the Americans had not invaded, as they have been since nearly the dawn of time.

Even before Islam we had all the little tribes, the Hittites, the Babylonians and all the other little groups and civilizations. No matter how hard you try you cannot change the habits of millenniums in a mere ten years.

However, if the US were to liberate Tibet it would most likely be a different story. Buddhism, unlike Islam, is a peaceful philosophy or religion and the people would most likely be able to set up a very stable government and reside in peace.

Angus, Burnaby, British Columbia

"If the US and Europe do not join forces to destroy CHINA and Korea NOW!!!.....then, I choose and will all the spiritual forces to gather and send an asteroid to the their yellow waters and destroy them, and it will happen.!"

That's an healthy thinking!... Destroy them all! Do you honestly think Spiritual Forces are as destructive as your way of thinking?... Find a better, more human solution out of which all parties will prosper! Build something up! That's harder than killing and destroying... isn't it? :)

Best regards from DIMschool Belgium!

DIMchool, Antwerp, Belgium

Please people, this article is not about, liberating countries its about the fact that in some countries THERE IS NO FREEDOM OF WORSHIP, like in most Muslim and Communist countries, something so important and personal as religion are being regulated by the Government. Tibet is not part of China, and will never be, China needs to stop oppressing Tibets people and stop selling us poisoned toothpaste! China your doom is near, you can fool us, but you can't fool your people!

Daniel, Port Louis, Mauritius

Wait! If there are natural resources in Tibet, why don't the Americans send in their big guns and liberate the country. Just look at how happy and grateful the Iraqi's are for you returning their country to a "free" state - free as in free-for-all.

Richard, Hong Kong,

If the US and Europe do not join forces to destroy CHINA and Korea NOW!!!.....then, I choose and will all the spiritual forces to gather and send an asteroid to the their yellow waters and destroy them, and it will happen.!

Mimi, St. Petersburg, USA/Florida

People, please do not mistake the old feudal rule of the Tibetan lamas for something that deserves our admiration or protection. It is true that the Chinese are often much too heavy handed in their policies and that human rights have a "different" meaning there - unfortunately. But it does not mean that they are only doing wrong or that the alternative would be better automatically.

Olav, Eindhoven, NL

China should realise that it will further alienate the tibetan people with this decree. if it really wants to have stability in Tibet, then it should try to win the hearts and minds of tibetans, which is possible only by respecting the ancient customs and traditions of tibet, as enshrined in the constitution. its even detrimental to its PR to see atheist rulers trying to meddle in such intricate religious affairs as reincarnation. small wonder then that nobody buy the idea of China's peaceful rise. In matters of diplomacy, it still has to learn a lot from Confucious.

tenzin nyinjey, dharamsala, india

You're an idiot, backfromchina. They are not happy; that's why they're trying to get their independence in the first place... Obviously China isn't happy either if they keep clinging onto the country and attempting to deny them their rights. Also, you're using a red herring; the US's occupation in Iraq has NOTHING to do with this issue. I suggest you know what you're talking about before you open your mouth, or in this case, type your words.

May Tibet's independence come swiftly... They deserve it.

Crystal, Evansville, IN

Just what sort of "(Re)Birth Control" will the Chinese government be using to implement this ironic law?

KJ Tsering, Delhi,

Dear backfromchina. Fl, US
If you hate the US so much, why are you still there????

Intrigued, Yorks,

Wow what a hornets nest the Chinese have stirred this time. Funny thing is, the new law is in all probability irrelevant. All you have to do is look around you and see how Tibetan Buddhism is flourishing outside of Tibet despite China's attempts to stamp it out. There are Tibetan Buddhist communities setting up all over the world, each one like a mini university to provide spiritual advancement, schooling and cultural education of the monks. His Holiness The X1V Dalai Lama has worked tirelessly to promote Tibetan Buddhism to the world and to keep the Tibetan culture and the plight of Tibetans in the hearts and minds of people around the world. There is nothing the Chinese Government can do to stop this. There is such a lot we can do to help the Tibetans. People choose a spiritual leader with their hearts, not by rule of law.

Long live His Holiness the X1V Dalai Lama.
Om Mani Padme Hum

Wendy, Hull, UK

People should at least know what they are talking about before they start to talk. For all those people out their feel bad for tibetians, DON'T waste your time, they are happier than ever! I know because I just came back from there. For all those people from US try to make a point by bad mouth China, think about how you guys treat American Indians first! and WHAT ARE YOU STILL DOING IN IRAQ? wasting all tax payers money, FOR WHAT? so some famous family and their friends in TX can get richer? Wake up,Americans, you should watch your own butt before you try to clean other people's s%$t up! Tibetians are fine, the lamas are fine, YOU ARE NOT! do you ever wonder why Chinese economy grow so fast in the last few years? it's not because their cheap labor and all walmart goods, it because Americans used all their MONEY in the war so they have to buy stuff from China in order to survival. SO please save your time and try make your own country better, China is better than ever, US is NOT!

backfromchina, FL, US

Dear Euson
It seems that you look at life from a purely scientific perspective. Can I just ask one thing of you - how would you feel if you were told that the basic tenets of your life were no longer acceptable and you were no longer permitted to carry on the way of life you have lived and any suggestion of carrying on your old life will be harshly punished? Do not criticise the Tibetan culture because it is a different way of thinking to yours. May I suggest you read some of the Dalai Lama's books or any of the literature written by High Lamas and find out for yourself just how modern thinking and scientifically orientated Tibetan Buddhism is. Tibet had a democracy and a government that ensured none of it's population went without food, shelter or care before the Chinese invaded, it still does - in exile. Despite their difficulties Tibetans remain cheerful and positive and Buddhism is still a way of life for them. The West can learn a lot from this if we open our minds.

Wendy, Hull, UK

It is terrible what the China government is doing to Buddhists. I wish any Buddhists being oppressed in China or Tibet would immigrate to the U.S.A. You would be welcome and you are free to practice your religion here. Many Americans are very interested in finding out about Buddhism and Eastern philosophies.

Sue, USA,

The Tibetan mystic system is a system of false or pseudo- propositions. This is not possibly a system that the West would love to admit to its own mainstream culture.

A minority of the Tibetan people have benefited from this system, because it gives them absolute and even divine power. Many ordinary people are still holding on to this system, because they have been denied access to any alternative forms of civilisation including Western enlightenment and science.

While the West is keen to introduce democracy and science to China and N Korea, there is no reason why they should not give a round of loud applause to the Han-Chinese who are making an effort to enlighten the Tibetan-Chinese on science and technology.

Let the sun rays of democracy and science shine on the land of Tibet and let them dispel the dark clouds of mysticism that imprisoned the Tibetan people for so long.

Euson, Bristol,

The most natural reaction to something that we fear and cannot control is to condemn it. There is no proof that reincarnation exists, but if it were to exist, it is out of anyone's control, and clearly communism cannot cope.
Its tragic to realise that it does not matter how much of a history, or how central and ancient a culture (not just the religion), it can be brought down by the wave of a governmental hand...

What does that mean for the rest of us in the future?

Kelly Zelvis, Wollongong, NSW, Australia

I think the Chinese government has acted wisely in the perspective of this issue. and I want to congratulate them for this wise decision.

Laura Lindahl, Santa Cruz, Bolivia

This is not suprising given the long and slow Genocide of the Tibetan people and culture by the Chinese imperalist government. It's deplorable that the International community and governments have turned away from effectively protecting the Tibetan people. I look forward to the day that this communist countries' government is toppled much like the Soviet Union, Germany, and the apartheid regime in South Africa. If China did not provide such a cheap labor market, their influence would diminish and the world could respond more vocally. I hope the world community will use its power and convince the Chinese government to leave the the Tibetan culture, people, and reincarnate lamas ALONE!

David France, San Francisco, Ca

It's just another idiotic attempt to maintain power -- ultimately each one of us is a Buddha, although most people remain deluded to their true nature. The PRC will ultimately fail because of this.

Lawrence Cooper, Crofton, MD

What right does man have to lay hands on the afterlife, something so unknown? No one has that right. I hope for a public outcry, something must be done about this.
But how?

Lennard, Melb, Australia

Promise Land is a State of Mind.

suyrakant, pittsfield, vermont

From now on, every Christian priest, pastor, and reverend needs to undergo a strict government investigation and receive approval from the government, preferably the president, before being allowed to serve God.

The government is supposed to serve the people, and the people serve their various religious deities. This is just another attempt by the government to completely stamp out all religion other than Christianity. I know this involves Buddhism, but eventually it will come to that. I know I sound paranoid, but it is what I believe, and I think the government is being horrible in restricting the "applicants" of a position whose requirement is reincarnation.

Krystin, La Vista, United States

For those who are limited of heart and mind and in the shadow of doubt upon understanding the complex science of reincarnation: have no known training, education or other deeper knowledge on the subject, merely make ignorant statements when speaking of this topic. The Chinese government has brutally murdered, exiled and destroyed precious Tibetan holy people, places (like temples) and sacred things. The reality of so few people acting to end such atrocity that has been going on since the 50's continues to highlight our supreme lack of wisdom, knowledge and truth, while those who suppress us continue on, in glee. Our awakening is coming, however.

ADawn, Toronto, Canada

Om Mani Pedme Hung...liberation for all sentient beings in the 6 realms of suffering..............China can do as it pleases. True lineage holders will remain honoured amongst the great. cause & effect has no boundries..'light so bright their colours shine, through others shadows, a warriors time!'

palmo , newcastle, uk

It's a matter of time before babiees get arrested for reincarnating without permission.

It's a sad world...

Levi Wackers, Elsloo, The Netherlands

just a point for those who care, buddhism (even tibetan buddhism) is not incompatible with atheism. nothing in the dharma requires belief in a supreme deity, nor is there an equivalence between spirituality and belief in god in general.

taochiapet, wisconsin, usa

It is outrageous and extremely ugly for Chinese government to issue a law limiting the freedom of belief and the freedom of thinking.
Where are all those educated western people calling for human rights?

It is a shame for us to let China skip such an issue and enforce such a highly human rights infrigements! Where are the same people in the world?

Joe, Jerusalem, Israel

While I appreciate the spirited debate on the socio-political impacts of this law, may I add a voice of skepticism? A law banning something which does not have the slightest empirical evidence of existing?

Yes, it's a tragedy that the Chinese government seems so ruthlessly intent on eliminating Tibetan culture. But the howler of this "law" is how an atheistic government is tacitly recognizing and giving credence to a religious belief. Like the concepts of heaven and hell, reincarnation is a belief that has yet to prove it has any basis in reality.

B. H., Santa Barbara, CA, USA

Over the years it is very clear that the government of China is bit by bit... piece by piece.... trying to strip away all vestages of Tibetan Buddhist culture and heritage. It seems the goal is that the future generations will forget the lineage of true Tibetan Buddhist philosophy.
In America many are hoping for the true and accurate linage of Tibetan Buddhist teachings to continue. This alone will block many of the actions of the governent of the Republic of China.
Having Chinese governmental "permission" for the appointed and proper choice for the next Dalai Lama is a clear travesty.
May the process of truth go forward without such government interference. Tibetan Buddhists circle the globe and are not subject to the whims of a government that has shown it's own ignorance.
The people who honor the teachings of H.H. Dalai Lama will not allow ancient traditions to die. Feel confident that all will continue.

Lys Anzia, International Humanitarian Journalist, Boulder, CO, USA

My heart feels so heavy hearing that the spirits and minds of those in Chinese Government could even consider such an illogical approach. Yet, always in the face of adversity, the good and patient qualities not only prevail, but flourish. (This lesson is particularly taught in the "Art of War" by Sun Su.)

I pray for the realization of those in Chinese Government, and I pray for their ultimate understanding. I also pray for all of our people around the world, who rely so desperately on our Teachers/Gurus, to show us the way. We need them for our liberation, in order to help even more sentient beings. Let us patiently and gently apply response to this with many letters and public statements to the Chinese Government, highlighting the violation of human rights in this arena.

May all beings be free of Suffering. Om Mani Pedme Hung.

Tsering Yedron, Rockville, Maryland

LMAO, many guys posted a reconmends here simply knew nothing about the Tibet history. Before you comments on this subjuect, you'd better ask yourself one question: where the titles of the Dalai Lama and the Panchen Lama came from?
Of course, they are not came from nowhere. These two ranks of nobility are in fact originally obliged from the China Emperor. The Dalai Lama and the Panchen Lama are the two students of the founding father of the Gelug sect of Buddhism. In 1653, the Chinese Emperor ShunZhi obliged the title of Dalai Lama and Panchen Lama to the two Tibet monks, and appointed them as the representitives of the Chinese Cental Goverment in Tibet, this is the first time the word "Dalai and Panchen" came to the world.

James, College Station, Texas

That sounds awesome, Flower from Shenzhen. I'm glad that an over-centralized government that considers itself "modern" believes that it knows what's best for ethnic groups that were never really part of it, until they were seized.

The situation really isn't all THAT complicated - saying that it's super-complex is a classical method of obfuscation and clouding the issue.

The real issue is this: Why does the Chinese gov't feel so threatened by groups that are not apparently doing anything to actually overthrow it? Try letting people rule themselves once in a while, and you'll be surprised how well things turn out.

BTW, the Vietnamese government is just as bad - oppressive, hard-headed, and not accountable to the citizens. Maybe if the Chinese and Vietnamese governments do not serve the PEOPLE, then they should be overthrown. I don't buy all this crap about "government knows best". If they don't serve the people, then who do they serve really?

Quang Ngoc Nguyen, Hanoi, Vietnam

China tightening the grip on Tibet? Must be because China feels Tibet is slipping away.....

kaja, los angeles, ca

Buddhism is not Political or limited in anyway, it is beyond any worldly convention, thought or label. It's true Nature is Spontaneously Present in all living beings.

Bodhisattva Tulkus reincarnate where ever they can be of benefit, be that the Hell Realms, NYC, London or China.

China is changing, becomming more open, pictures of the HH Dali Lama abound in the country side.

But this is a War Crime directed against Civilians and must be brought to light in War Crimes Court.

Karma Dharma, Honolulu, Hawaii USA

Benefiting living beings is my main practice, and I would like to give a brief introduction to the three qualities that are its basis: pure love, compassion, and bodhichitta, the awakened mind. Pure love is the desire that all living beings have happiness and its causes. Compassion is the desire that living beings be free of suffering and its causes, such as unwholesome actions. Bodhichitta is the desire that all living beings be free of suffering and that we will be able to place them on the unsurpassed level of awakening, or buddhahood.

--from Music in the Sky: The Life, Art, and Teachings of the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje, by Michele Martin, published by Snow Lion Publications

Nan, Irvine, USA / CA

to Eli, Taipei,

if u are a taiwanese,before post ur comment,please make clear what's "our free media" and "chinese official propaganga",.u are CHINESE,west "free media'is not ur free media,chinese official propaganda is UR chinese official propaganda.
u 'd better learn basic history about china,the history of UR ancestor to strengthen pride being a chinese.
low cost labor force,and out dated technologies??yes,there are lots of problems we face with on the way to development just as every developed countries did before!!we chinese should work together to find solutions.but not only critize! and why not turn ur blind eyes to the optistic sides, steady growth of GDP,better living standard.........
if mainland china remains in behind of the world,do u think only u taiwan PROVINCE can be sth on the earth!
i am not an unconditional supporter of communist government,but i unconditionally support cummunist government 's policy over tai wan,fighting taiwan back at all cost!!!

flower, shenzhen, china

I point and laugh at the Chinese government for trying to regulate reincarnation. You can't control who reincarnates any more than you can control the wind blowing. The current Dali Lama can ask and the Chinese government could refuse him permission. That would not stop him from reincarnating, according to Buddhist beliefs. That will happen regardless of what a bunch of burecrats say.

Cheryl, Rochester, New York, USA

(After reading a lot from the more than 200 posts.)

1. Pointing to the other is never an explanation. You cannot explain something bad you did with pointing to the other, saying "Hey ok, I did it, but look at him, what he did! That's even worse!" This has nothing to do with what you are doing, it doesn't make it better, nor worse. So telling about Iraq, or anything else has nothing to do with it.

2. An act of one state doesn't mean you have to think of it's all citizens based upon that thing. This very much applies to China which is a very big ciountry. Of course you can judge the specific leaders, who are responsible for that (i.e. occupying Tibet), but should not judge the rest!

China is not communism - actually communism never really existed. There were more communist states, and less communist states. There were leaders, groups calling themslef communists, but they were not communists really. China is even far from that because of the new economical changes.

Jee, Budapest, Hungary

I think Buddhas are laughing on this loud, at least I do. It is like trying to ban sun from shining without a permission - stupid and funny :-))))

"The so-called shining sun without government approval is illegal and invalid." - LOOOOOL!!

Alex, Mosocw, Russia.

We are not supporters of commumist,or any parties,we are supporters of any government that really care about people's welbeing,a government that can lead their people to a better future ,a government that make efforts in strengthening our nation as whole,a nation including People in Tibet and Tanwan.
the situation in tibet is complicated ,reglion is sometimes not merely about religion, for there are people tending to snatch tibet from china in the name of so called"free reglion"or "unique culture".all TRUE chinese shall not allow this happen.
territory integration is above all.if Buddha say tibet is not part of china,we will fight aginst so called Buddha,LET ALONE DISAPPEARANCES OF LAMAS (even i am not clear about if there is or how many lamas "disappeared")if God say Taiwan is an independent country, then go back to ur western,u are not our GOD. as for stupid and evil Chen-shui bian, any way i will go to spit on his grave wherever he is buried..LOL
WORLD PEACE .

flower, shenzhen, china

"Wow, that governemt never stops amazing me, as well as disgusting me.. Who do they think they are telling people how to live their lives.. pathetic" -David, Skogås, sweden

You obviously havent been to the UK lately.

Pete, Cov,

I think China's Increasingly Shrill Voice is like a Mad person, I think we should all Laugh at China, because it deserves nothing less than ridicule. So let us protest and laugh. I actually think this would shame the wealthy middle class the communists are trying to please.

vincent, London, UK

The reincarnation process has never been a pure spiritual matter. They were ridden with power struggles among interest groups within the high rank circles in Tibet. (Any current Dalai Lama can not appoint his successor; the process starts when he is dead). Each interest group tried to find the one particular "living Buddha" candidate that they could later manipulate or at least influence. The Chinese central government, played a key role in the process and kept the religion as an entity and prevented its splitting, potential fighting and killing among interest groups. As you all know, two Popes were established, and that was how the Catholic Church split. The Chinese central government, the emperors in imperial China, and Chiang Kaishek, then president of Republic of China, had THE final say on who was the real reincarnated "Buddha. Tenzin Gyatso was never born (in 1935) as the "living Buddha", he was appointed as one by Chiang Kaishek, then president of Republic of China in 1940

Yin Yang, Beijing , Communist China

i was appalled by the article, but even more horrified by the comments. first, we are talking about boycotting products from china because, in a capitalist democracy where the leaders currently don't listen to the people they represent, the only real power we have is where we spend our money.
second, chevron oil (a u.s. company) discovered oil in the sudan in 1978, which they were forced to leave and then sell because their people kept getting killed (http://www.hrw.org/reports/2003/sudan1103/8.htm)
also, the comments about the american civil war are just funny in this context. the confederacy attacked first on southern soil, so there wasn't exactly an 'invasion.' the generation that burned atlanta is long gone. people were lynched for being black and "not knowing their place;" it wasn't a religious issue at all. the chinese civil war, by contrast, was much more recent and lasted considerably longer.

beth, texas, usa

to Eli, Taipei,

if u are a taiwanese,before post ur comment,please make clear what's "our free media" and "chinese official propaganga",.u are CHINESE,west "free media'is not ur free media,chinese official propaganda is UR chinese official propaganda.
u 'd better learn basic history about china,the history of UR ancestor to strengthen pride being a chinese.
low cost labor force,and out dated technologies??yes,there are lots of problems we face with on the way to development just as every developed countriy did before!!we chinese should work together to find solutions.but not only critize! and why not turn ur blind eyes to the optistic sides, steady growth of GDP,better living standard.........
if mainland china remains in behind of the world,do u think only u taiwan PROVINCE can be sth on the earth!
i am not an unconditional supporter of communist government,but i unconditionally support cummunist government 's policy over tai wan,fighting taiwan back at all cost!!!

flower, shenzhen, china

Wow, a government so powerful it can control the afterlife. Seriously, though what are they going to do with those that break the law? Kill them? What about repeat offenders? Does that mean that if you die, you're still responsible for past crimes? Do you have to be tried again? This has got to create so much paperwork. Whatever they get out of this cannot possibly be worth the trouble.

Anne, Eau Claire,

This is absurd. No practicing Tibetan Buddhist would follow a Chinese-appointed lama! I can understand the Chinese wanting to control Tibet's land and resources, but why are they so intent on destroying Tibetan Buddhism and the Dalai Lama as well? I don't believe there will be a 15th Dalai Lama in any case... the 17th Karmapa, who leads the Kagyu sect of Tibetan Buddhism, will likely become the most visible Tibetan Buddhist leader when the Dalai Lama leaves us. I'm not sure who will head the Dalai Lama's Gelug sect, but it certainly won't be a Chinese puppet.

Robert Bullock, Binghamton, New York, US

I think cosideration of chinese people be taken into account with compassion, and not blame them for the chinese goverments actions. The chinese goverment is acting out of panic because they know they will not imprison the peoples hearts of their own country and tibet. The only way to deal with this situation is through compassion and wisdom. Blessings,( Karma samdrup)

john cattell., southampton, UK

To Yin Yang, Beijing Communist China

Yin Yang, just something that I take an issue with, only because I it is misinterpreted all over the world. Christianity IS peaceful. It was Catholicism which was the Roman regulated religion that resulted in what many wrongly describe as the Christian Crusades. Catholicism has many similarities of the Christian faith, but Christianity is what Christ and his apostles taught in the New Testament scriptures.

Any religion that advocates violence to convert is wrong. When Christ was betrayed and turned over to the Roman Guards in the Garden of Gethsemane, Peter drew his sword and cut off the ear of one of the soldiers, Christ stopped him and healed the ear of the soldier. Peter did not under stand the true nature of Christ's Kingdom which is a Spiritual kingdom not a Physical world kingdom. Christ taught and he expects people to teach His message not beat people to death to get believers. Christianity and Catholicism are not the same.

Justice, Eagle Pass, Texas

we are not saying that the west has never committed terrible atrocities; we only want to be a better people than we were, and keep history from repeating itself.

as for the iraq war, most people in america completely oppose it, but we as individuals have not been able to stop it.

beth, texas, usa

As Chinese, I feel ashamed if what this article said is true. but i'm really tired of hearing so many arrogant people talking about what "THE WEST" should do to boycott China. what do you think you are? why do you think you are happier people with more freedom than Chinese? you rule the world and tell the right from wrong because you are rich?

He Qiuling, Beijing, China

"The Chinese decimated Buddhism in Tibet" - Jennifer, New York, US

It is this kind of knee-jerk, emotional, ill-informed, imperialistic statement that does not contribute one bit to the Chinese human rights and Tibetan issue. Jennifer should know that Buddhism was decimated by the Communists, and not the Chinese per se. She should also know that a large large majority of the Chinese population are Buddhists, and during the cultural revolution, Chinese Buddhism was "decimated" as well.

I also find it infuriating that the British and Americans lecture the Chinese, when they invaded a sovereign country on false pretenses (WMDs, anyone?), and the Americans clearly violate the Geneva convention in the form of Guantanamo bay and the infamous 'military tribunal' (I guess a fair trial is only for American citizens, eh?). What about the extraordinary renditions?

The West must cease projecting your moral compass onto others. You dont fool anyone. We ALL know why you really went to Iraq.

Wong, Malaysia,

Boycott the Olympics. This is really heinous. China is barbaric.

Zeb, LA, USA/CA

To Vis Gora: Wan Le Soo is quoting from (Epistle To the) Hebrews 9:27. This is the passage Christians always point at in order to justify their rejection of the concept reincarnation, yet 1) it can be interpreted differently by saying that it refers to the temporary earthly personality rather than to the soul, and 2) other passages actually allude to reincarnation, as when Jesus himself says that the prophet Elijah has already returned and is now John the Baptist but no one has recognized him (Matthew 17:10-12 & Mark 9:11). Also, the early Christians, including Origen, one of the Church Fathers, believed in reincarnation, and so do some Jewish and Islamic groups (the Hasidim, who follow the Zohar, the main Cabbalistic source, as regards this matter, and the Sufis or Whirling Dervishes, respectively, and others). Two or three comments here have alluded to the idea that Hindus teach retrograde reincarnation (coming back as subhuman animals), but this is merely a superstition. ~~~

Daniel Rey, Bogota, Colombia

I have visited China several times. I've been to Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Shenzhen. I will tell you the truth. China was great a long time ago. Yes, they invented fire, the wheel, gunpowder, noodles... At that time, they were probably the greatest nation the world had every known. But China's Revolution killed all their artists, all their craftsman, all their thinkers, all their creative people, all their spiritual people. Since then, they have been a hollow people without any soul. They are materialistic to the core, and a lot of them would sell their mother just to make a buck. People in China are kept in the dark and force fed propaganda. They are blindly obedient and wholly passive. Their news coverage and internet is censored and severely limited. 90% of China's territory is at the hunter gatherer level with just a few incredibly rich international cities on the coast. Go inland just a few miles and there is nothing but third world poverty.

John, Seattle,

We are not supporters of commumist,or any parties,we are supporters of any government that really care about people's welbeing,a government that can lead their people to a better future ,a government that make efforts in strengthening our nation as whole,a nation including People in Tibet and Tanwan.
the situation in tibet is complicated ,reglion is sometimes not merely about religion, for there are people tending to snatch tibet from china in the name of so called"free reglion"or "unique culture".all TRUE chinese shall not allow this happen.
territory integration is above all.if Buddha say tibet is not part of china,we will fight aginst so called Buddha,LET ALONE DISAPPEARANCES OF LAMAS (even i am not clear about if there is or how many lamas "disappeared")if God say Taiwan is an independent country, then go back to ur western,u are not our GOD. as for stupid and evil Chen-shui bian, any way i will go to spit on his grave wherever he is buried..LOL WORLD PEACE .

flower, shenzhen, china

tebet is believed to have vast oil reserves.

beth, texas, usa

Homeland Security-Chinese-style. The tighter the grip of the Iron Fist the more will slip into the myst'

Rich, Bend, OR

One noted author and expert on Tibetan described his first visit to Tibet, in 1987, in this way: "It was a shattering experience for us to meet the Tibetans who had never made it into exile and had known unremitting and horrendous suffering for almost forty years by then. When they heard me speaking Tibetan, people would rush toward me to tell me their stories. Their parents, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, nephews, children had been arrested, tortured, imprisoned, beaten, maimed, and killed. Their temples had been dismantled, their family rosaries destroyed, their lamas clubbed to death in front of their eyes." (Thurman, "Inner Revolution").

Howard Burchfield, Hong Kong, China

To Jean Evans:

Does P.R. stand for public relations? If it does than I can sense a bit of misplaced interests here. If it doesn't, well than it's just hilarious. I understand your remarque where in you say that it's important to know a culture before you can make a judgement call. As a fact I to also posses some knowledge about China's history and culture and I can't deny the fact that it has a rich tradition and a big culture, though I cannot accept the fact that "Communist", or should I say Capitalist China is systematically trying to exterminate an ancient culture that posesses more wisdom than we, in the Western world, shall ever possibly achieve. So don't try to justify the acts of China on basis of their rich history culture and tradition, but judge them on their acts!

Yours Sincerely,

Jasper Vercruysse

Jasper Vercruysse, Gent, Belgium

First and foremost it must be remembered that the
Chinese Government/Military invaded Tibet without any authority, slaughtering many thousands of its people & specifically religous & spiritual leaders and others of influence & power. They have since progressively worked to destroy the foundation of the peoples spirit, beliefs and constitution not to mention their will and broader social cohesion. This is simply another policy in the same plan!! Lest we forget!!

geoff, Adelaide, Australia

To Yin Yang
By all accounts, our free media is more trustworthy than Chinese official propaganda and you know that. Roman from Moscow was absolutely right by saying that you provide only low cost labour force. Most of the modern technologies you use in your factories were developed in the West many years ago. Wake up and smell your coffee!

Eli, Taipei,

The "People's Republic" of China has an uncanny ability to contradict itself in the same breath. If there were no God, there would be no reincarnation. How does the Chinese government reconcile regulating something it says doesn't exist and retain the respect of its citizens? If it weren't so oppressive, this would be funny; it's laughable at the very least. Fortunately for the Dalai Lama and his people, they don't need China's permission to exist or its validation. If and when the Buddha decides to reincarnate, I'd imagine he'd be smart enough to return to whatever part of the world that would be most beneficial to the world, China notwithstanding. How about, instead of boycotting China's contaminated, sweat-shop products, we just point and laugh?

Tiffany, St. Louis, USA

Only a few days before, the Chinese government ordered Tibetans to wear animal furs just because the Dalai Lama said they shouldn't. This episode shows that the government doesn't have any philosophy. For them, it doesn't matter if the Dalai Lama is good or bad: it only matters that he is more influencial than the regime. Can we expect that this government is capable of making rational decisions for cracking down piracy and corruption, or improving food safety and human rights records?
I hope there still exist athletes with brain and businessmen with ethics who can make some differences. They would be real heroes.

By the way, English speaking urbanites with internet access are not good representatives of Chinese. We are not representing the west, either: we are speaking in behalf of the people inside the boundary--Hans, Tibetans, Mongolians, Uyghurs, whatever--whose voices are hardly heard.

In passing, I'm not Taiwanese.

Hiss, Taipei, Taiwan

This latest order from the Chinese Government is utter madness. Unbelievable! What I don't understand is, why does China want anything to do with Tibet anyway? Isn't most of Tibet very mountainous country? What resources does it have? Its population is destitute, the mountains make for very poor farmland, there's no oil, the terrain makes policing the place almost impossible, it is landlocked, the terrain makes for a very rugged trade route, there's no huge heards of livestock, nothing. Why bother? Surely the holding and ruling of Tibet has cost the Chinese much more than they could ever profit from this endeavor. It would seem that the financially smart thing to do would be to let Tibet go back to the Tibetans. The chances of Tibet then trying to declare war against China as an act of revenge are remote - even laughable! In addition, China would be able to answer all accusers that they *are* respectful of human rights. What a boost for their image!

Leah Huddleston, Austin, TX, USA

China has always incoporated other neighbouring cultures into its own. It may be harsh, but Tibet is experiencing what the Manchus, the Mongols, the Huns did as they stay within the cultural influence of China: cultural assimilation. To fight this change would be like to stop a wave of water with your hands.

Take a look at other minority groups in China, many of them are allowed to preserve a slice of their own culture, their way of life if they so wished. Do not be blinded to our violent past. The China of today is not the China of the Cultural Revolution.

Please, instead of antagonizing China and calling for immediate remedies which will surely plunge the country into chaos, give us time to gradually change. The US itself took a long time to abolish slavery and end segregation.

Lee, Hong Kong SAR, China

This is just silly... u cannot stop people from reincarnating... and for officials to interfere in a religion which is not their own is preposterous... The world has officially gone loopy....

Hakim, Singapore, Singapore

Hu Jintao, General Secretary of the Communist Party of China since 2002 (head of the Chinese government) was know as being particularly brutal to the Tibetans when he was Party Chief for the Tibet Autonomous Region from 1988-1982. This is just a continuation of Chinese policy to wipe out their minorities.
The Chinese decimated Buddhism in Tibet (destroyed over 6000, yes six thousand monasteries since the invasion) and what happened? It has spread throughout the world. The Dharma is much stronger than the communists.

Long life to His Holiness the Dalai Lama. May he soon return to the land of the snows.

Jennifer, New York, US

To Charlotte, Cambridge, UK,
You just showed the world your ignorance….Even the hardcore "Tibetan freedom fighters" acknowledge that the current dalai lama received NECESSARY approval from the Chinese Central Government. Here is a quote:
“Historical records show that the institution of the Dalai Lama as an 'incarnate' politico-religious supremo - recognised and empowered by the Chinese central government - began in the middle of the 17th century, when the Great Fifth received a formal title, a golden certificate of appointment, and a golden seal of authority from the Qing Emperor whom he visited, and paid homage to, in Beijing. Interestingly, on February 22, 1940, Tenzin Gyatso was enthroned as the 14th Dalai Lama at the Potala Palace after receiving the necessary certificates and seals of approval from the Chinese Nationalist government of Chiang Kai-shek, which in fact allocated 400,000 silver dollars to cover the expenses of the enthronement ceremony.”http://www.tibet.ca/en/wtn

Yin Yang, Beijing , Communist China

Binu, Atlanta, USA
My hope is that the good people in US get their conscience back in time. Take power from the generation who burnt down Atlanta. Dixie, independent, now and forever. Win Dixie!!

Yin Yang, Beijing , Communist China

The chinese government wants to gain it´s power like it seems. In my point of view it´s most dangerous to intervene into religious questions. It is an old method to nominate functions to gain control over disagreeable persons or movements but I am sure, that not a lot of people will accept this decision. Well, we have got to see how it is going to develop.

Manuel Stadler, Leipzig, Germany

Perhaps China could learn from it's own advice and cease to meddle in the religious affairs of other's. All nation's are cowardly in failing to speak out,. Likewise if they are going to meddle, we should never cease to confront non-violently. Through the boycott of Chinese product(s), the olympic games and diplomatic talk's.

Tashi, Sydney, Australia

The tighter China squeezes, the more slips through her fingers, like sand on the beach.. let them be warned.. how will they spend eternity? The universal law of casue & effect, or reap what you sow, will prove itself out in time.. rest assured china, all are judged beyond the grave,, and the "littel red book, will not be suited to wipe your behind,, let alone save you.. all empires are risen only to fall.. and this one brings shame on its once proud and spiritual people for the simple sake of power. I urge to to study the Maya.. they fell,, why? over population, no concen for the environment, inceasing affluence, no conern for the management of resources, a society driven by greed & a lust for power,, with no conern or care for human lives.. you now wait for the day you will strike out for lack of food, fuel, females.. but that war will be the end of your days oh china.. but those in tibet,, will come back in the next life to live in your homes and your land

Billy, toronto,

I really only read the other Chinese people but it seemed to laced with emotion to actually be informative. With few exceptions. So I don't really have an opinion on what it is doing for china. But I do not like the notion of it. I would change it, if I could. I don't, however, judge others.
However, I wonder if the supporters of communist China can explain the disappearances of the other lamas. Or why that one was jailed in the first place? What purpose did it serve? Are any of the supporters actually Tibetan Buddhists?

Rictus, Camdenton MO,

This is an attack straight on the very foundation of our belief system, culture and tradition. Would a true believer accept a Chinese puppet? Well, I am a Tibetan and i would never ever have faith in or trust anyone who is a Chinese appointed, leave aside accepting. First it was on the pope who has no say on appointing a Bishop in China and China appoints one with out the papal's approval and now its Tibetan Lamas.

Yanchen, Delhi, India

Wow, that governemt never stops amazing me, as well as disgusting me.. Who do they think they are telling people how to live their lives.. pathetic.

David, Skogås, sweden

To nora peels, Cleveland, USA,
If you don't spend your greens on Chinese goods, every problem will be solved...

cc, Houston, TX

To Andrew, Minnesota, USA,
I have mixed feelings toward people like you. On one hand, I know if people like you and a few other intelligent people here are influential in the States, the world would be in much better shape than today and US will remain to be powerful at least in the near future; on the other hand, It is people like you that keep American being No. 1 in the world thus giving grounds to some other Americans who don't have basic knowledge of the world to finger-point everybody else in the world. By the way, these latter are the people that get Americans into all sorts of trouble in the world.

Yin Yang, Beijing , Communist China

China is just begging for a revolution, here!

Robert, Los Angeles, Ca

If the Roman empire couldn't stop the spread of Christianity, then the communist Chinese aren't going to have much success against Bhuddhism. At best they will simply force the living Bhuddhas underground for a few years.

Thankfully, comminism has a limited shelf-life. It failed to last 100 years in Europe, and the way the Chinese are embracing capitalism it won't last that long there either. Bhuddism was around long before communism, and it will continue to be around long after communism is dead.

Chris Long, Thirsk, England

keep voting republican and we'll soon have a government just like Iran.

grow up seriously we only need to worry about electing extremist like with bush otherwise we should be fine

William, Chesterfield, MI

Karma - "act, action, performance" is the concept of "action" or "deed" in Dharmic religions understood as denoting the entire cycle of cause and effect described in Hindu, Jain, Sikh and Buddhist philosophies.

[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karma]

The issue of "getting permission to reincarnate" is not subjugate to American or Chinese policies regarding Iraq or Tibet. None of us need to loose any sleep over getting permission to reincarnate. LOL.

De Chen HlaMo, Thimphu, Bhutan

"on the other hand, they are not trying to control reincarnation, as is being claimed by many who mock. rather, they are trying to control people's ability in this world to claim that they have been reincarnated. and, as the various disappearances prove, the physical world is an area over which they can exert control through fear and nefarious deed. it doesn't make them right, but it certainly doesn't make them stupid."

No, it makes them monstrous. They are effectively silencing any and all that dare oppose Government Controlled Religion. The government's religion is Atheism, so any that refuse to fall in line with their stance must flee, hide, or die.

Jackie, Los Angeles, USA

Why does the government have to have a say in everything. Don't they have more pressuring issues at hand...like pollution and the Olympics? I don't see any harm in continuing a religious traditions (that hasn't hurt anyone) that has dated back to the 12th century.

renster, alhambra,

I have not had time to read all the responses to this story, but a few points come to mind based on those I have read. Buddha is not a "God". The term means 'awake' or 'awakened one'. Reincarnation occurs as a conscious choice to continue assisting other sentenient beings at a particular moment in time. This ability is considered to emmanate from a state of consciousness within which considerable effort and training has occured. Rebirth, on the other hand, is generated by cause and effect or "karma" and is considered to occur with all humans.If the term reincarnation is accurately translated in the Western press, the Chinese government ,cleverly , is not doubting or affirming reincarnation but is simply saying individuals who are capable of this must seek a license to do so. On the surface this seems a ridiculous bureaucratic and autocratic effort but it means that anyone identified as reincarnated and has no license,has violated Chinese law and might be subject to penalty.

Jangchub Dolma, San Diego, USA/California

To people who are about to post. Please read what OTHERS have said, and do some RESEARCH on the topic yourself before posting. Ask yourself how much you really know and understand before critising. There is no rush in posting an argument when the most accurate matters. Otherwise won't you be wasting your time?

Andrew, Minnesota, USA

What? We have been BRAINWASHED? So you think the Chinese people are all fools? Are you sure you are not misled by your "free media" which is aimed at demolishing the Chinese government? How can you know that we are under "oppression" without listening to any ordinary Chinese people like me, a student from countryside in China that had once been impoverished by your greedy plunderage all in the name of your GOD?

BTW, Does Beijing Olympics have anything to do with this article? Boycott Olympics? That's the most chidish and babyish thing I have ever heard. Well, you can refuse to watch any Olympic games but you CAN NOT stop at least 1/4 of the world population from enjoying this great event.

Suily, Sichuan, China

China could just sell their low quality, tainted food products to the Dalai Lama and the issue will whither away. Or maybe give the buddha boys some lead-painted toys.

nora peels, Cleveland, USA

we should learn from history. unfortunately, at least three of your correspondents have decided that canute believed the waves would recede if he ordered them to.

this is precisely the opposite of what he believed.

he was demonstrating to his sycophantic courtiers that there are limits to the powers of even the greatest king. it is precisely this wisdom that the chinese government would appear to lack.

on the other hand, they are not trying to control reincarnation, as is being claimed by many who mock. rather, they are trying to control people's ability in this world to claim that they have been reincarnated. and, as the various disappearances prove, the physical world is an area over which they can exert control through fear and nefarious deed. it doesn't make them right, but it certainly doesn't make them stupid.

jem, london, uk

To Charlotte, Cambridge, UK,
You just showed the world your ignorance...Even the hardcore "Tibetan freedom fighters" acknowledge that the current dalai lama received NECESSARY approval from the Chinese Central Government. Here is a quota:
"Historical records show that the institution of the Dalai Lama as an 'incarnate' politico-religious supremo - recognised and empowered by the Chinese central government - began in the middle of the 17th century, when the Great Fifth received a formal title, a golden certificate of appointment, and a golden seal of authority from the Qing Emperor whom he visited, and paid homage to, in Beijing. Interestingly, on February 22, 1940, Tenzin Gyatso was enthroned as the 14th Dalai Lama at the Potala Palace after receiving the necessary certificates and seals of approval from the Chinese Nationalist government of Chiang Kai-shek, which in fact allocated 400,000 silver dollars to cover the expenses of the enthronement ceremony." http://www.tibet.ca/en/

Yin Yang, Beijing , Communist China

As long as I can have an orgasm without permission...er, or did homeland security regulate that too...?

Dusty Reed, Abu Dhabi, UAE

As an old man I love this discussion from everywhere in the world. I was so sorry whenBush entered Iraq because i knew what would and subsequently did happen. Now the egotism of Bush and the Chinese leaders are pushing genuine people beyond reality. China is a restive land and the leaers are seeking to dam it. My only hope is that they do not push their people to revolution for it will be horrible. How will the rest of the world feed ten million refugees? We can only pray to God that they open their eyes to God before the deluge. God is the source of authority.
Recently we have seen attempts by my US government to put a radar station in Poland. Hitler and Napoleon both throught the Russian bear was asleep. In both cases US and China they have forgotten that to not read history is to repeat it with terrible consequences for us all! I love all your comments and love this forum. I don't want to see ten million refugees from turmoil.

Jimm, Houston, USA

I cant beleive what im reading. The Dalia Lama was in Australia not long ago and listening to him, he was speaking of his recognition of the Chinese govt and how he would work with them for the greater god. And then you have the chinese doing this... I cant beleive it.

Anthony Moxham, Sydney, Australia

Tibet has long suffered the suffocating, murderous oppression brought by Chinese communist rule. Despite the Chinese laws and the Chinese government's efforts to scatter, disorganize, enslave, or otherwise abuse or injure the people of Tibet, the Tibetan Buddhists have maintained their identity as a people and as members of their religion. They have maintained their ceremonies, rituals, and beliefs despite thousands and thousands being exiled to India, including their religious leader and king, His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama.
I support the freedom of Tibet and it is another cause to which I will devote energy and time and money whenever I can. I have faith in the Dalai Lama and in the people of Tibet and who support Tibet that these ridiculous laws allowing ATHEISTS to approve the reincarnation of a RELIGIOUS leader will not persist for long. Any person with logic can argue successfully to that fact. Atheists know nothing of religion or its leaders, because they're closed to it.

Abigail Carter, Iowa Park, Texas

This is typical behavior for an atheist regime. The Communist state is all powerful and any challenge to the state' authority is crushed. The absurdity of it all is evident as an aethist state has a department that regulates religion - it is an oxymoron. A government that does not believe in God is regulating spiritual life? How can that be as one would question its jurisdiction, not just egally but practically. Although I am not a Christian, if Christ were placed up on the cross in China today, the Chinese State Administration of Religious Affairs would issue an order prohibiting his ressurection without prior approval.

Roy Smith, Tampa, Florida

Don't the Chinese understand that this very behavior is one of the main reasons that noone will ever warm up to them, when they try to get their way only through conquest. They have completely destroyed and trashed Tibet out of fear of the lack of complete subservience on the part of the people they always try to subjugate. They will take whatever they want, and will do it by waiting, which is what they've done with Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan in the future. There is no promise for the people that are subjugated either, except for a demand for blind subservience to the Chinese way and laws. This attempt to destroy a religion by killing off its head is no different than what Herod tried to do to Jesus at an early age; a cultural equivant of the Taliban's destruction of Buddhist world heritage sites, only on a GRANDER scale. Any self-respecting country's participation in the Beijing Olympics should only occur following a Chinese reversal on this culturally destructive pogrom.

David Jones, Los Angeles, California, USA

Ok China, I'm just about to impregnate my wife with the reincarnation of the Ringpa Lama. Where do I apply for the visa?

David, Saughtree, Scotland

Who said China must permit living Buddhas to reincarnate only because West has already permited them to?

Hengxin Gao, Beijing, China

In response to this the Monster Raving Loony party now pledges to ban high tide.

Michael, Lincoln, UK

This isn't just a religious issue but also cultural. For the Tibetans the Buddhas are an integral part of their culture. By finding a way to stop them from choosing a Buddha, it also is a way to destroy apart of their culture. It is silly to say you dont believe in it or compare it to anything else for that fact alone.

For the Chinese school student who got lost in all the messages. I love the Chinese people but I dont agree with their government on many issues. I hope others around the world do not judge us Americans based on our government as well.

Felicia, Branson , Missouri

Beyond the absurdity of their claim to authority over reincarnation within Tibet and China now the Chinese government is pronouncing edicts which the entire world must obey. I am wondering from whom they received official permission to be reborn as amoral, megalomaniacal atheists. The icing on this cake is that the very thing they are seeking to ban never occurs. Buddhas do not reincarnate, beings do. That is one reason Buddhists are working towards the realization of Buddhahood.

Tim, Eugene, Oregon, USA

Thank God for the United States of America!!

David , Bristol, UK

It is without meaning. Our precious living Buddhas and Bodhisattvas will make their own choices subject to the eternal rules of karma. If they choose to be reborn in this world, it will be their choice. Their rebirth may be in Tibet, China, or New Jersey. The statements of the transient and temporary government of the China have no relevance.

Ronald Heft, Canton, Michigan

Having read through a lot of these comments I am reminded how we all love to hate each other. Can we find some issues we all have in common and start to build some bridges? That's how we stop our governments from driving wedges between us and using 'us' to kill 'them'. The west is no different here. Free your minds!

Jeremy Gardner, Bristol, UK

Yin Yang, Beijing -- As far as I am aware, the current Dalai Lama, the 14th, was found in 1935 when there was no Chinese presence in Tibet, until the Chinese invasion and occupation in 1950. The process of finding a reincarnation has always until present times (with the exception of brief periods of occupation) been carried out by Tibetan lamas. It is indeed true that there was a short-lived British invasion in 1904 where hundreds, maybe thousands of Tibetans were killed but one atrocity cannot be used to justify another. It is important to consider that history could be rewritten by a government for its own interest.

Charlotte, Cambridge, UK

Appears that Yin Yang of Beijing, Communist China, in adding his/her comments to this thread is well versed in Chinese propaganda. Wake up my friend and stop looking to the past! The future has yet to be written and the approach of the Chinese Communist Party is condemming your own people to more atrocities. Whilst I acknowledge Europe's interference in Chinese history and don't condone it, it appears that very similar outcomes are currently being secured with the support of your government. Are your people free now?

Jeremy Gardner, Bristol,

When I read about the reality of China today I think "what depths is this state prepared to sink to before the western world wakes up and starts taking their offences to humanity seriously"? Then I remind myself that so much of our global economy depends upon chinese slavery and our wetsren governments aren't going to upset that. Only when we, as consumers, start to boycott goods made in China will the despicable Chinese Communist Party start to listen. We are all to blame for this!

Jeremy Gardner, Bristol,

Save Tibet !
And ignore the Chinese government Propaganda Bloggers...
They keep saying that the government helps the people, but just look at the recent slavery cases...

JD, Ireland,

Laura,

China is easily the oldest continuously organized civilization on Earth. They are hardly a "developing country" in any sense but economically.
Because of this, they should have figured out democracy a long time ago. They should be ashamed of themselves

Paulo, Castaic, Ca. USA

What can you expect from a government that has imprisoned, tortured, and even killed its citizens who practice another non-violent spiritual philosophy called Falun Gong? The government of China has been hiding in its rather large corner of the world for centuries, afraid of contamination from the outside world. Now they are apparently even more paranoid about contamination from their own people.

Mike Schwaba, Los Osos, CA

a lot of the comments reminds me of the old black and white films such as Dr. / Evil Fu Manchu and the likes. China is the big bogeyman enemy because she's still communist. Get real and look at the big picture.

Julian Kay, Seychelles,

Frank (USA), has your nation withdrawn from Alaska? Have you forgotten the interventions in Nicaragua etc? Britain occupies the Falklands and France 'owns' dozens of islands. Stop such hypocrisy now!

Ben, York,

It is amazing that all these liberals and democrat activists wave the communist flags and want a more "socialist" world like China, but at the same time, their bumper stickers proclaim "Free Tibet." Here is an example that freedom in a socialist or communist society is a misnomer. They don't get.

Don, San Diego, California

i think that the chinese authorities must reconsider this decision. but then again nothing that comes out of beijing can really surprise enyone, i mean that everybody knows how it`s works in china. they are soon to host the olympic games, i believe it`s time to boycott products that comes out of china. it is a regime that will fall, the question is how long it would take before the people is free.

conny blom, ojebyn, sweden

One of those times you want to slap someone on the back of their head and ask them "Do you hear yourself?".

Reminds me of some ancient tale where some king was so full of himself that he stood on the beach and ordered the tide not to come in. Or something like that.

Tom, W. Haverstraw, NY, USA

The real reason for this law is to prevent the subversion by the most agressive nation on earth today to make use of these so call reincarnation thing to gain world domination. It the chinese are not careful, we will all find a reincarnate dalai lama under the CIA sponsorship.

Rich Low, Penang, Malaysia

Those taking China to task for bullying, invading sovereign states, 'disappearing' those opposing their agenda, stamping out ancient cultures, exerting control by terrorising people, chasing material wealth above all else, etc, etc, had better take a long hard look in the mirror. It's no different at all to how the West behaves, up to and including what the US and UK have been doing in Afghanistan/Iraq and to their own people.

Human beings, wherever they are, have an unfortunate trait of believing that the limited view they have on the world is the only valid one; in fact, the 'best' possible one, and hence one that should be held -- for their own 'good' you understand -- by everyone else.

Perhaps only when we realise that unity is the fundamental substrate of limitless creative diversity, and that we ALL have a piece of the truth, will we realise that there is no need to worship uniformity. Paradoxically, religions (of spirit OR science) will then no longer be so necessary.

Wendy, Scottish Borders, UK

I don't condone the actions of the Chinese government, but before we go on about the atrocities there let's first take a look at ourselves. Both the U.S. and the U.K. are in it up to their noses in Iraq (an occupied sovereign nation?). The U.S. also has a long history of shady deeds (in South America, towards Native Americans) that we nicely forget when we talk about China.

And, don't forget, China's not communist. I know, I live there. I say this because a lot gets batted around just because we hate an idea (the idea of communism) without looking at the actual situation. Calling Chinese communist is extremely inaccurate.

My point being: let's take care of our own house before we go looking into the affairs of our neighbors. And, let's not be taken up in the rhetoric and propaganda of EITHER side of the equation (and YES, the West is full of propaganda).

Peace for all

Paul Swift, Beijing, China

Nothing to worry about: if Budda lose to comunists, then he/she/it is a useless God or a fake, and many people would see how they were fooled by so called God(or those, who abuse trust and naivity of people in his name), otherwise if Budda would be still present and well we would get another proof of stupidity of comunists. Let the religious Olimpics 2007 begin! ''Sudden Death/Reincarnation'' rule is not for soccer only! Ultimate entertainment! Don't forget your popcorn!

Alex Pinskevich, Pinsk, Belarus

Isn't it amazing that there are a FEW that actually understand the Spirit realm and are prepared to act accordingly.

tcm, paris , france

keep voting democrat and we'll soon have a government just like China.

drknows, Camdenton, Mo

To the Chinese Primary Student. I'm glad you are learning english- and you did a very nice job on your post. When people say they don't like a country- it is mostly the government of that country that they don't like. I am sure that the chinese people like yourself are wonderful. In most western countries people have freedom of religion. They can worship in any way they want with little government regulation. This is important because religious belief is part of our thoughts and our feelings. No one wants to be told what to think or feel.

Kathy, Crofton, Maryland, USA

Rob, you're right my statement about Chinese imports was a little Canute-like. However, whereas King Canute believed the waters would recede I "know " that people are not going to stop (unfortunately) purchasing Chinese goods. So, it looks like the Chinese authoritarian government will stifle religious freedom no matter what the rest of the world thinks.

Jeff, San Francisco, California

China can no more regulate reincarnation than a sand bar can stop the ocean.

As well, I figure atheists would simply refuse to acknowledge reincarnation. Their new totalitarian law suggests they are afraid of, and thus have some belief in, the reincarnation of the masters.

Governments and religions that subvert self-realization are doomed to pass into obscurity.

rob, freeport, me

Well, it is a communist gov't...of course they are gonna start mandating things about a church in their midst.

It disgusts me and I thought it was a joke at first.

As far as rights go, communism doesn't view personal rights as a democracy does.

Jim, gig harbor , WA USA

I suppose there's some sort of form?

Ryan, Edson, Alberta

China first controls the weather, and now attempts to control other religions. This isn't the last of what China is going to attempt to control.

leslie edens, seaside, California, USA

To Ben M, Paris, France,
Can you tell me how many Tibetans were killed, under "blatant human rights abuse and a clear invasion of a foreign nation"? Give me some real reports, photos, evidence not just dry accusations.
Then answer me, how many people were killed daily in Iraq?
The US invasion is legitimated, because it is inspired from the GOD although not approved by the UN security council. Chinese ruling in Tibet is not legal, because Tibet is part of China on all world maps, and China had ruled this territory for centuries.

Yin Yang, Beijing , Communist China

The illusion of control still holds power over weak minds. As master Lao said, "Therefore the Sage sees things as they are, without trying to control them. He lets them go their own way, and resides at the center of the circle."

John, Philadelphia, Penn, USA

The chinese have a lot to learn, more than just mysticism.
They should just allow unlimited freedom to the private t.v networks and they will do most efficiently the job of keeping whole nations ignorant, stupid and submissive to any government.
That's how it's done!
Just look around a little more...

Pablo Narvaez, New York, United States

People think that Americans are imperialistic and arrogant. As an American who has lived in China on and off for over 20 years, I can sincerely say that the Americans can't hold a candle to the Chinese. The Chinese are intensely nationalistic, woefully ignorant of the rest of the world, and convinced that historically they have been (and soon again will be) the greatest nation on the face of the earth. Worse, the current generation of Chinese youth, raised as only children, are spoiled beyojnd belief. The scariest thing is that the Chinese have a sense of national purpose that no free country can ever hope to match. They will outlaw rain if they think it serves their country's goals. Killing a few tulkus is nothing to them. Burning down every Japanese establishment in the country is nothing to them. Slaughtering dissident students, harvesting organs from political prisoners, is nothing to them. (Now if only they'd take offense at the radical Islamicists.)

Howard Burchfield, Hong Kong, China

Only solution is FREE TIBET and let it live in its own destiny like other nations. SIMPLE!

simon gill, nottingham, england/ U.K.

This reminds me of the time a county in California outlawed rain, due to heavy flooding in the area. How can the government say "you cannot reincarnate!"? That's like telling the world that it can't rotate, or telling someone not to breathe - you simply cannot stop the natural order of things. Poor China, poor communism, let go of the paranoid need for micro-managing and let the people live! Tibet is a microcosm that can't be broken down, and that is the beauty of Buddhism ^_^

Ali, Portland, OR, USA

I can see this sort of thing happening in the US with the socialist direction we are heading. Form government controlled health care to government controlled god.

R. Brown, Pensacola, Fl

they might as well say you need permission and a certificate to die or else .........

emeka, lagos, Nigeria

To all who comment on China:

Have you ever stayed in China? Do you know Chinese? As a person who studied Chinese for several years and living in China for 3 months, I can say all of you are very piteous for you comment on China so subjectively only because you know little about China, its history,its development and its contribution to the civilization of the world and human being. Although there are some porblems in the society, but how can you understand the difficulty to maintain the culture and religion of the most populated country. Please listen to those who understand China better! You have not right to pointing your fingers to a nation you don't know at all. Lear from the Chinese people and culture and be modesty but arrogant! You will feel ashamed when you know China more like what I did before!

Jean Evans, Beijing, P. R. China

Hey Malcolm (Chicago, IL):

clearing up a misconception here: you can't "ban reincarnation". hahahaha.. it is not something literally physical that you can ban. Reincarnation is one of the fundamental roots of Buddhism and all Buddhists believe in reincarnation, it is not something that can be controlled. For us, it is something as basic as what Westerners understand as "the law of nature". It is as simple and natural as the sun rising in the east and setting in the west. The only way we believe we can put an end to reincarnation is to follow the Middle Path and the 8 Noble Truths and seek enlightenment. When you have attained this Truth, you are relieved from the realms of reincarnation and enter the state of Nirvana.

Of course, this belief only remains with Buddhist. I doubt you'd find another religion, for example Christianity, agreeing with what I've just typed.

Hope I cleared this up for you. :)

Cheers!

Vanessa, Singapore

Vanessa, Singapore,

To He Zhen Ya, Shaoxin, PRC:

To complicate this matter as "territorial integrity" is uncalled for. You say it is up to the "government to take every measure to fight for the integrity and dignity of its people". Do you really think the Tibetans need the Communist to fight for their own integrity and dignity? China's clearly in fear that the Dalai Lama and the wisdom that Tibet has to offer may prove to be a potential threat. As we know, religious powers and wars often turn out to be a battle about politics. So please, do not have the illusion that your beloved government is "trying to protect its people". The Tibetans are a society of mild-mannered and hospitable nationality. They have no need for "your government's protection", much less pretending to "fight for their integrity". Where was China in "protecting the Tibetans" before they China is hailed as the "next big power"? Nowhere to be found! & the Tibetans & its rich religion and culture still survived.

vanessa, Singapore

Vanessa, Singapore,

Taking into account that until the current century Tibet was an independent country, whose popularly supported government was backed by 100% of its citizenry. What gave China any authority over the Tibetan people? Considering that China choses to control and regulate religion like it does its banking system...not just for Tibetan buddhists but for Cathlics, etc... is not just worrying but delusional, self-absorbed and unrealistic.

Bill Granger, Melbourne, Victoria/AU

This is the latest in an innumerable list of repressive Chinese policies. Again, why are western--especially American--corporations so excited about the prospect of saving a buck while propping up these autocrats? Clearly, they care nothing about freedom and everything about maximizing profits. Shame on China, and shame on the American companies whose trade supports these policies.

Bill Hedrick, Corona, CA USA

the chinese government is rather evil. no more so than russia or the us or the uk, but still... don't bother yourselves with making sure you use your votes wisely and force your own governments to live up to your glorious standards. none of them would ever stoop to assassination or interference in other countries, eh? although they'd be in trouble for not interfering in places like darfur and zimbabwe. and when you don't have the political idealogues trying to control religion, you've got religious zealots trying to control eathly politics (but none of you would complain about sharia law, for example, would you?).

we are all guilty of allowing our lives to be run by people who have no interest in the greater good and are only concerned with their personal aggrandisement. why not start voting for people who genuinely care about other people? the less governments and religion interfere in all of our lives, the better. but they should act for all peoples, if at all.

jem, london, uk

China's oppression of Tibetan people, culture and religion goes on and on and this ridiculous intervention - which will not be respected by any Tibetan Buddhist - is just the latest example. Tibetan monks and nuns are among China's thousands of political prisoners. They are often tortured. Those who speak up for human rights within China, do so at their considerable peril.

And yet we - or rather our western governments - continue to ignore this.

This government, this state of China is not fit to host the Olympic Games. If democratic countries will not do as they should and boycott the event - in the name of human rights, in the name of freedom for the Tibetan people, in the name of freedom of religion, in the name of freedom of expression - then we, the people, will have to do what we can.

We can stage our own individual boycotts - refuse to buy Chinese goods. Boycott the multinational companies that sponsor the Beijing Olympics - and tell them what we are doing and why.

Paul Davies, Madrid, Spain

I think the Chinese know the things happening in this country better foreigners. Most Chinese are happy with the way they are living. Why you living thousands of miles away from China bother worrying for us? And you'd better have some knowledge about China's history--even a little--before criticizing China.

Zhen Jie, Beijing,

To Yin Yang, Beijing , Communist China Thank you very much for your kind advice! In fact, I've never bought and used anything designed and made in China so far. I just don't want to waste my money on this kind of stuffs made by your prisoners or enslaved people. As an English saying goes, The cheapest is the dearest.

Roman, Moscow,

Strange that the terrible plight of Tibet hardly ever makes it into the news. Why does the media focus so much attention on some conflicts while little attention is given to Tibet, Burma/Myanmar and others.

There is either a political bias in the media or perhaps Tibet's story does not spin enough cash?

Andrew, Cape Town,

TO John, Chengdu, Having been travelling around China for a while now it seems to me there are three places that just arent Chinese. Inner Mongolia needs to be given back to the Mongolians, Tibet should be independent and Xinjiang is just a different country. You make me sick! What’s wrong with you?You eat with that mouth? You'd better to die! now!

frank, zhengzhou, china

NO INVESTIGATION ADN STUDY ,NO SAYING, ---------------IT IS BY OUR GREAT CHAIRMAN MAO ZEDONG. I found in some of ur comments full of misunderstanding and abjective words.as a chinese minority,TUJIA ,also as a ordinary chinese people, i think i may at lest have more right then those never came to china ,or those hold prejudice aginst communist party. people of different religions live peacefully with each other,and it is up to chinese people to have a belief or not. for historical and geographical reasons,most ethnic groups live in rural or mountain area,but that 's not the faults of communist party,and communist governtment give alot of supports to them. there is policy that student of ethnic group can have 20 scores more when they take university entrance exam. and as there is one child policy in china,but it is stipulated that if either the mother or the father is a ethnic group,the couple can have 2 children. and what i said here is of my own wish,hahaha

flower, shenzhen, china

To Yin Yang, Beijing , Communist China
Come to your sense, Yin Yang! The West would never use regular army and tanks to put down peaceful demonstration of its own unarmed students like the Chinese goverment did in 1989. What kind of protection you're speaking about if Beijing called in the regular army to supress the uprising of the Uigurs in Xinjiang in 90s? China is an internal empire, it fell apart and reunited many times in its history, btw, only by force. I hope one day Tibet and Xinjiang will be free and independent countries. What was acceptable in the past may be unacceptable today.

Egor, Moscow,

Joke of the millenium!!! May be to make Beijing 2008 Olympics little more hilarious for all to see. Communist China decided to regulate if Tibetan lamas can reincarnate or not!!! What a farce and hypocrisy. China destroyed over 6200 Tibetan monasteries, China killed or jailed prominent Tibetan Lamas. Delek Rinpoche is languishing in jail on fabricated charges. China abducted 11th Panchen Lama of Tibet at the age of five in 1995. No international agency has heard from him or seen him since then. Is he still alive? Now the brutal foreign regime of Communist China in Tibet wants to eliminate reincarnate lamas through sterilization of the soon to be mom of the reincarnate or through abortion. Else, why the need of the approval of the communists to reincarnate?

Namtse, ANOKA, USA

To Mike, Bangkok, Thailand
Buddha are simply human beings that gain the wisdom, people are simply “lost” Buddha.
Tibetan Buddhism has lot of sacred temples over China, for example, Mount Wutai in central China. ShanXi Province and YongHe Palace in Beijing.
The most prominent difference between Buddhism and Christianity is that Buddhism is a peaceful religion, while Christianity is very aggressive. Throughout the history, Buddhist never kill people to spread their believes and do not kill people that don’t share the same believes. While historical and modern Christian crusaders are famous( or notorious, should I say). The Nazis used the Christian belief that Jews killed their GOD to prosecute Jews.

Yin Yang, Beijing , Communist China

NO INVESTIGATION ADN STUDY ,NO SAYING,

---------------IT IS BY OUR GREAT CHAIRMAN MAO ZEDONG.

I found in some of ur comments full of misunderstanding and abjective words.as a chinese minority,TUJIA ,also as a ordinary chinese people, i think i may at lest have more right then those never came to china ,or those hold prejudice aginst communist party to state my view here.

people of different religions live peacefully with each other,and it is up to chinese people to have a belif or not.
for historical and geographical reasons,most ethnic groups live in rural or mountain area,but that 's not the faults of communist party,and communist governtment give alot of supports to them.
there is policy that student of ethnic group can have 20 scores more when they take university entrance exam.
and as there is one child policy in china,but it is stipulated that if either the mother or the father is a ethnic group,the couple can have 2 children.
blalala,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

flower, shenzhen, people's republic of china

To Andrew, Seattle, WA, USA,
Yin Yang has been brainwashed. I'm surprised you can even access this site with the government's disgusting blocking and extensive censorship of your internet.
Andrew, Seattle, WA, USA

Who has been brainwashed? Then in face of reality, you need to think about the truth. Think about what your "free media" are telling you. Wise enough, you should not be surprised twice.

Yin Yang, Beijing , Communist China

Just want to point out that China USE to be a great country, Inventor of many things we consider ours . . .
But sadly enough just like centuries ago the country got in a spiral of decline just because a few mans greed or ambition.
Now day's it's just the same but with a stupid politic statement with it . . .
Communism is " SO OVER " (even in it's founding country, say's enough, don't you think ?)

Xavier


PS: Try google in china, very funny ;-)

Xavier Van Hee, Ghent, Belgium

Only solution is FREE TIBET and let it live in its own destiny like other nations. SIMPLE!

simon gill, nottingham, england

To Yin Yang, Beijing , Communist China
China's economy will be on the rise as long as the West needs it as a source of low cost labour force. You provide low cost labout force, the West provides you with modern technologies. It's a two-way street. Do you realise that you've been well brainwashed by Chinese official propaganda? Your arrogance is ridiculous.

Roman, Moscow,

To DLee, Boston,
When your Yankee army invaded the Dixie land, The Confederate state of America, how many southerns did you kill? Tell me about the genocide in Atlanta, after southerners fought for their independence. That was not that long ago, only your memory is bad.
When you accuse that Chinese did this and did that, please provide some evidence not just accusations. Provide some evidence of the 1/6 number? Where did you get it? From your intelligence office that accused that Iraq had Mass destructive weapons?

Yin Yang, Beijing , Communist China

I have not read one grain of informed sensible comment on here from outside China. What I have read is a load of red toothed, typically bullish nonsense from people who glanced at a brief newspaper article and immediately started into the defensive xenophobic hysteria that we have come to expect from the USA and UK with their right wing racist Governments.

When you allow your countries to disintegrate because of local secessionists, come back and start to tell us how to conduct our affairs. Can one imagine the outcry in the southern states of America if someone started parading around telling everyone that there's three new Jesus's down at Birmingham, Alabama, Wal-Mart?? It's only sixty years since lynchings were commonplace for such stunts.

Pu Li, Guangxi,

First of all, this current Dalai Lama was chosen (from three candidates) and appointed by Chinese government, although not the current communist government, but the Republic of China government. This process has been there for several centuries since the imperial China times long before communist came into being in Europe (mostly in France, where a lot of righteous hypocrites live). What is wrong with what the Chinese government is saying or doing now?
To you western people including Ben M, Paris, France,
It is only natural that you hate Chinese communists. Before the communist government was established in 1949, you did whatever you wanted in China without being punished. For example, the British massacre of thousands of Tibetans in 1904; the burning of the Royal Summer Palace; the looting of Chinese treasures into England and France. Now, the Chinese including all ethic minorities are protected by the government, you are not happy! What a loss!

Yin Yang, Beijing , Communist China

to DLee of Boston,
the article was about the issuance of permits for reincarnation - whether if you believe in this or not is a matter of faith and if so it doesn't really matter because the act of reincarnation will occur regardless if permits are issued or otherwise. Then there's the whole issue of about China's rights and wrongs being debated here. A lot of this is to do with ignorance and how Hollywood perceived China to be, but that's another topic altogether. If you look back to Tibet's history, I am sure you will find it's been invaded by other foreign powers other than it's neighbouring one.

RT, Hong Kong,

Why do we people in US cry about the government not doing anything about this with China. Do you have the courage to stop buying all the cheap plastics from China? If you don't China would do this and more. Remember US agree to China's takeover of Tibet when there were less than 500 chinese in the whole of western china. Tibet was not part of China at any time in history. The Chinese text books made up their own history. Dalai Lama is the most respected public figure of all time. If chinese can do this to him, what's next in store?. My hope is that the good people in China get their conscience back in time. Take power from the generation who beheaded their own parents.

Binu, Atlanta, USA

Yin Yang has been brainwashed. I'm surprised you can even access this site with the government's disgusting blocking and extensive censorship of your internet.

Andrew, Seattle, WA, USA

The Chinese Communist Party is an evil regime!!! I truly feel sorry for the people of China who have to put up with this garbage!!! This will not last as someday the people will demand basic human rights, and throw out these power hungry scoundrels!!!

Mike, Tacoma, USA/Washington

This is another disgusting display of the total lack of regard for the beautiful Tibetan culture. What the Chinese are doing in Tibet is demonic. The slow and steady distruction of the Tibetan culture and murder of the Tibetan people with forced sterilizations and abortions, even in the third trimester, is a horrific crime against humanity. May the Chinese responsible for this be reborn as Tibetans in Tibet.

Bob Miller, Freehold, NY Usa

First of all, this current Dalai Lama was chosen (from three candidates) and appointed by Chinese government, although not the current communist government, but the Republic of China government. This process has been there for several centuries since the imperial China times long before communist came into being in Europe (mostly in France, where a lot of righteous hypocrites live). What is wrong with what the Chinese government is saying or doing now?
To you western people including Ben M, Paris, France,
It is only natural that you hate Chinese communists. Before the communist government was established in 1949, you did whatever you wanted in China without being punished. For example, the British massacre of thousands of Tibetans in 1904; the burning of the Royal Summer Palace; the looting of Chinese treasures into England and France. Now, the Chinese including all ethic minorities are protected by the government, you are not happy! What a loss!

Yin Yang, Beijing , Communist China

Malafry of Canada, you are right that the chinese goverment has a selfish agenda, but the agenda is a good one. They bring millions of people out from the poor according to the UN study. And they are giving good examples to other third world countries on how to escape from the grip of western exploiters. Of course selfish people in the west will not like to see unity in any third world countries, it is against their ineterest. But then they are the one to suffer. They get what they sow. Just look at Iraq you will see the connection of their ambition and the price they have to pay.

Rich Low, Penang, Malaysia

Yin Yang,

How does the fact that the chinese had culture and a civilzation negate anyones belief in their GOD. Sounds like commie beliefs have made you arrogrant. Since when as the RIGHT to belief in whatever God you wish been classified as brainwashed! Communism is the ultimate form of brainwashing. The rest of us are just fine the way we are. Better dead then red.

Jim, Dover, DE

According to my understanding, there are many Buddhas.
Anyone who teaches the truth according to their understanding
and brings light where there is darkness can consider themselves a Buddha. Even a parent teaching his children can be considered a Buddha.

So, you can see that being the Buddha is not about being a certain elected person, it is about a state of mind. No government that exists or ever existed has the ability to restrict people's thoughts and hide thuths. Governments, by definition, exist to protect the status quo, by force, if necessary. Hiding truths from the masses is their mainstay. By extension, every individual who cherishes their own freedom, and acts in a way meant to expand freedom to other individuals may qualify to call themselves a Buddha. Them who seek truth, will find truth, and the truth shall make them free. That is why I am a Buddhist.

Mike, Bangkok, Thailand

The corporations and their world media ignore Chinese atrocities, cultural depredations, torture, murder, and their attempt to destroy Tibet's heart and soul to turn it into a Chinese outpost. Where are the strident leftists both in the US and in Europe? While they inveigh against tiny Israel trying to keep back a sea of Islamic extremists there is virtual silence on Beijing. Having the Olympics in Beijing is an outrage that says we approve their policies. This will come back to haunt the West, since the Chinese government considers the US their number one enemy, as they continue to stock up on weapons with the money and technology we hand them. They are arming our enemies to bog us down and weaken us so we will no longer have the wherewithal to protect Taiwan. One of their top generals has already said they will nuke American cities if we even touch one of their ships at sea. The US gov't uses cut-rate Chinese imports to artificially control inflation due to profligate govt debts.

Edwin, chicago, USA

The Chinese and thier goods killed my dog, now they will try and kill my god!

Boycott CHINA and their irresponsible mess.

TsingTao, Beijing, China

to Josh, Houston, TX,
You are totally ignorant of the oil bussiness, although you are in Houston. Western geologists declared that there was no oil in China in the early 1900s. The US foreign policy toward China in the 1930-1940s was to supply China with enough oil. Chinese geologists found big oil fields one by one in the 1950s to 1960s under Communist rule established in 1949. Chinese oil companies found oil in Sudan, where bunch of western oil companies had failed. That is where the Dafur problem come from, although the problem has been long there when the British still ruled.
the problem you have is that you can have whatever you have, you will not allow other people have it.

Yin Yang, Beijing , Communist China

First of all, this current Dalai Lama was chosen (from three candidates) and appointed by Chinese government, although not the current communist government, but the Republic of China government. This process has been there for several centuries since the imperial China times long before communist came into being in Europe (mostly in France, where a lot of righteous hypocrites live). What is wrong with what the Chinese government is saying or doing now?
To you western people including Ben M, Paris, France,
It is only natural that you hate Chinese communists. Before the communist government was established in 1949, you did whatever you wanted in China without being punished. For example, the British massacre of thousands of Tibetans in 1904; the burning of the Royal Summer Palace; the looting of Chinese treasures into England and France. Now, the Chinese including all ethic minorities are protected by the government, you are not happy! What a loss!

Yin Yang, Beijing , Communist China

I hope people around the world who hate China to boycott Chinese goods. I feel deeply sad that China pollutes its land to satisfy the greed of these evil people. Please, act up! why still buying Chinese goods, since the Chinese communists are so evil and you are so righteous! You GOD will damn you if you buy Chinese goods! If you watch the 2008 Olympics, what are you going to say to your savior and lord when you face your final Judgment??
(a kind reminder, worms are actually eating your body at that time). The West robbed and occupied China using military forces for the last several centuries; now they are exploiting us using the economic power. and they are pretending to love Chinese people and caring about human rights in China! How shameless!!
In the 19th century, Catholic missionaries took rice land from Chinese locals to build churches; killed Chinese people who won't surrender. Your religion is fulled with bloodshed in China. How righteous your religions is!

Yin Yang, Beijing , Communist China

To Rich Low, Penang, Malaysia
Your personal attack was baseless and groundless. What we're discussing here is the state of religious freedom in China. It's rather worrisome and has nothing to do with the Iraq war. China has always abused and oppressed not only its ordinary citizens, especially the ethnic minorities but all the religions there. You have missed no chance to attack your opponent although all your arguments are just nonsense.
To Wan Le Soo, Taipei, Taiwan
I wonder how ignorant you're about your own culture and history. Buddhism came to China almost two thousand years ago in Han dynasty and it is one of the major religions in China along with Taoism, Confucianism, Christianity and Islam. If you have any personal reason to hate Buddhism you cannot deny the role Buddhism has played in Chinese culture. Just pay a visit to Shaolin and you will see what influence Buddhism has over Chinese culture.

Egor, Moscow,

Laura, how exactly do you suppose that the people of China will eventually conduct a revolution when they have no right to assemble, to have free speech (online or otherwise), or to own weapons (and certainly not tanks/warplanes/nuclear weapons)? They cannot overthrow the government or even challenge it in a meaningful way.

Capitalists, however, can coerce the communist government into acting certain ways to improve or secure businesses/labor; Chinese businessmen do this on a regular basis with mixed levels of success. Why would you not suggest matching that pressure with boycotts or trade agreements on our side?

Slavery ended in the U.S. largely due to the political and moral? pressure put on U.S. leaders and individual citizens prior to the civil war by European nations that had long rejected the practice.

Carl G, Levittown, NY, USA

To all advocates boycotting Beijing Olympics,
When you talk about democracy and human rights in China; I assumed that you at least meant to let the 1.3 billion ordinary Chinese’s voice be heard. While every Chinese citizen is working in their hardest way to prepare the country for the Olympics, to show their hospitality to the world, you want to shatter their dreams so that your voice can be heard. Oh…your opinions and voices are so important that you can shut down 1.3 billion Chinese people’s will. Oh…you are after all white and superior than Chinese. Isn’t this your democracy principle? Have you listen to any ordinary Chinese’s opinion? It turned out that you never cared about democracy and human rights in China, what you care is your only political agenda. Or the essence of your democracy is that only your opinion matters, while those different from yours are a load of garbage! (by Paul, Pittsburgh, USA) How selfish and how sick can you people be?

Yin Yang, Beijing , Communist China

In 1949 there where about 700,000 Christians in China, now due to repression and persecution, China has any where from 10 to 60 million. No body knows the exact number of Christians in China for the sheep have scattered and spread Christianity where ever they went. Any government that tries to set itself up as God is in for a rude awakening.

http://www.china-embassy.org/eng/zt/zjxy/t36493.htm

http://news.sky.com/skynews/article/0,,30200-13547575,00.html

Justin, lubbock, tx

Being Christian, (and not being familiar with the Buddhist religion), I don't think I'm qualified to comment on the beliefs of Buddhists. However, it would appear the Chinese officials involved know even less than myself regarding those beliefs. Seems the only result is Chinese officials making themselves look extremely silly.

michael, Williamsburg, Virginia, USA

Seems to me they could solve a whole bunch of problems by banning reincarnation altogether.

Malcolm, Chicago, IL

To RT in HK: It's very easy to poohpooh this as extraneous, since 1 out of 6 Tibetans were killled during the violent and illegal annexation nearly 50 years ago. This is a continuation of that atrocity.

This "tiny kingdom" as SC of London puts it, certainly wasn't. Nepal by comparison, is a tiny kingdom.

The interesting thing here is that China abhors religion, yet is attempting to manage Buddhism as if it is a State Religion. How ridiculous.

DLee, Boston,

To John, Nashville, TN, USA,
If your 401K money were ripped off by these "miracles", you would pray to GOD that Feds banned these "miracles".

Yin Yang, Beijing , Communist China

To: DooDah, Irvine, USA All philosophies are ultimately advanced and are protected by weapons. Right, well not so much in Buddhism. Be well,

Richie, Boston,

More typical mind-control tactics from the Government of China.
So far reaching and calculating it is both ridiculous and sublimely clever.How dare they? I can tell you how they dare, they simply do not care about the TIbetan people and persist in their cruelty primitive fears and dangerous attitudes.They do it because we also let them,or how else would it be possible.We all have responsibility for the out moded dinosaur like and brutish culture of super powers like these.I am moved to tears by this frightful and desecrating poison attitude. Life after death is sure in my personal opinion, sometimes I also believe demons walk the earth and suck up any love light and joy on this planet, China the world IS watching you, STOP this continuous genocide and human rights abuse NOW.Show the world an alternative view,that is- you are able to be warm cultured and expansive not narrow minded,backward and power mad, SHAME ON THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT!!

Chloe, Leicester, England

China is a developing country, as it develops it's going to make mistakes.The UK and USA were developing a century ago and commited worse mistakes. Or have you guys forgotten the way you treated the working class during the industrial revolution? The way you treated slaves in southern plantations? How long did it take black people to gain equality in the USA? Or the thoursands of missionaries that pumped into traditionally non-christian countries because christianity is obviously so superior to other religions. It is flattering that you guys think other 3rd world countries are capable of developing economies and morals overnight when you guys couldn't.

China will become a democracy when its people see fit. There are so many of them that they'll overthrow the government when they eventually want to. Any meddling other countries do will cause chaos, or do you people now forget the dire conditions Afghanistan and Iraq are in despite their 'liberation'?

Laura, London,

The Chinese government is just paranoid at the influence these tulkus yield.

They don't understand Buddhism, and they don't understand that by working with these tulkus, they can rein in the Tibetans and prevent them from turning violent.

The tibetan culture is already on the retreat, as places throughout the world become "modern" and change.

The Chinese government needs not fear it.

I hate to think Tibet becoming the second Xinjiang.

Julian, Horsham,

Hey Ben From France. Don't assume you know how "all" Americans are! I do believe all people should be free and especially in the arena of religeon. No government should have authority over a person's right to worship their God. And No It is not our desire to police the world.

But, because other nations ask for our help and our desire to protect freedom even your freedom in your country which when Hitler came along your government didn't seem to object to us coming over there and helping to protect Your home and Your family at the cost of our American blood, We have never imposed our values upon Any Nation, the fact that other people desire to have the freedoms we have should not be misrepresented as our imposition of our own morals.

Your assumption would be the same as if I believed that all the people of France were spineless and whiners. But the reality is, there were great men from France who even we Americans who know our history have respect for what they stood for.

Dana, Eagle Pass, Texas

First you take their freedoms, Then you Isolate them from the world, then you take their religion. Then they become sheep before the slaughter.

Dana, Eagle Pass, Texas

Are you sure this wasn't lifted from "The Onion", America's Finest News Source...?

jf, new york, ny, usa

Thank God for the United States of America!

Lenore, Bristol, UK

the government has always been a part of the process... since Gotama's time. "China tells living Buddhas to obtain permission before they reincarnate"? ... sounds like an Onion article title to me...

Richard, NM, US

Why should we be surprised? To a government that let Tiannem Square happen this is small fry. Some day the world will wake up and say "enough is enoughj" - until we do we deserve to keep getting more of the same.

Geoff, Brisbane, Australia

Meanwhile China, who murders its citizens, occupies Tibet, and tries to enslave its people, is *rewarded* by the Western World with the 2008 Olympics, and all the money and influence that goes along with it.

The West (mostly Europe) just LOVES a good bad guy and murderously evil regime. What's next, Saudi Arabia?

These countries should be shunned and cut off. Liberals will say "we mustn't do that because it will hurt the people." Bull! What hurts the people is feeding money into these despotic regimes and enabling them to continue. It would be better if they collapsed in their isolation and were rebuilt from the ground up by their own people.

That's what the Western world went through and they not only survived, but thrived. Who was here to pull Europe out of the dark ages? Nobody! Yet they still stand. Who saved the United States after the civil war (among other things) no one, and now they lead the world.

China and the Arab nations should be no different!

LDShae, Nashua, NH

It seems to me like CHI-COM grandstanding on something that isn't worth anything, except to her inhabitants. Then Why? Because the Chinese are NOT our friends and they see Tibet as a win waiting to happen. What would really happen RIGHT NOW if China stormed Tibet? They'd take it over in a day and we wouldn't help (at least not in time, or properly). Than China would put it in our faces all day that they beat us. Things would continue to get worse between us until the propaganda seems cold war era-isc. Yes, they are commies, but economically they have been good partners of ours, the last few years especially. We have to be prepared with a decision at the congressional and executive levels in order to properly deal with this diplomatic debacle. Somehow, I know that the Spanish/American War can somehow be traced back to this. Maybe our Foreign Relations in SE Asia started off on wrong foot. Let's try again...Hello, We are America. ;) Nice to meet you (bow respectfully)

RoughRider1, Mgtn. WV, USA

Sir,
" Much as I reject the mumbo jumbo of religion for the most part I have no wish to be associated with the acts of this 'atheist' regime. This has nothing to do with atheism and everything to do with power and influence in this tiny kingdom."

Well said.

All dogmas taken to the extreme by blind fanatics, or abused by leaders in order to achieve power & influence playing with the mob's emotions, become in effect religions.
Unfortunately we are often stuck in a state of torpor when it comes to nationalist tribalism's "my country right or wrong," materialist hedonism "how dare they stop us enjoying our freedom to race 4x4s," & a myriad of ideologies inspired by Social Darwinism e.g. Racism "they are not as intelligent as us, so they are worth less" ad nauseum.

SC, London, United Kingdom

All this China bashing and 'speaking up for the Tibetans'. Who's going to speak up for the Iraqis? Or how about showing solidarity against the imperialist invaders to Iraq. The world is not always a nice place to live in, but this latest China-Tibet thing, on the scale of things is really bagatelle. Let's free the innocents held captive without trial in Guantanmo first.

RT, HK,

To Ben M, Paris, France,
Can you tell me how many Tibetans were killed, under "blatant human rights abuse and a clear invasion of a foreign nation"? Give me some real reports, photos, evidence not just dry accusations.
Then answer me, how many people were killed daily in Iraq?
The US invasion is legitimated, because it is inspired from the GOD although not approved by the UN security council. Chinese ruling in Tibet is not legal, because Tibet is part of China on all world maps, and China had ruled this territory for centuries.

Yin Yang, Beijing , Communist China

If the Chinese are sincere enough, they should abolish the feudal system of the lamas, rather than try and exercise such control through regulation over the Tibetan religious affairs. That they should resort of such intervention and meddle in a concept that is a relic of the feudal past of Tibet, doesn't surprise anybody they aren't interested in resolving problems for the Tibetan people, but to demonstrate their desire to control.

Rahul, Bangalore, India

Wendy - what a load of garbage!

Paul, Pittsburgh, USA

It's sad that our government leaders don't have the balls to stand up to these thugs. China is run by totalitarian bullies and with their growing economy, they know we won't say a thing.

The world bemoans the US being imperialistic, but you haven't seen anything yet. The Chinese play by their own rules and those rules have no boundaries.

Ken, San Francisco, CA

To: Suresh Chandra Gupta, New Delhi, India and MB, San Antonio, USA
You poor GOD is dead and will never wake up!
We Chinese had history and civilization before your GOD was born and before your GOD created your earth and your people 4000 years ago.
How sad I feel about these people from christian right... Brainwashed, what else can I say?

Yin Yang, Beijing , Communist China

Can any government be more absurd? With this and other human rights abuses in China, yes we should boycott Olympics! Two initiatives are already ongoing. One is Human Rights Torch Relay (http://cipfg.org/en/news/588.html) that calls for rights before games. Another one is a US House resolution that has been initiated by Dana Rohrabacher—the resolution calls for China to improve on human rights before the Olympics—you can call your representatives to support it.

Swan G., Honolulu,

This just in: China outlaws unapproved miracles. God must now seek permission from the Chinese government before performing miracles. No comment yet on what the penalties for defying this ban might be, but the Chinese authorities are said to have taken a break from seeding clouds for the Olympics and are now working on a God-proof jail cell. Developing...

John, Nashville, TN, USA

It is no stranger that China can ask that it's government be a part of the process than it is for a human, albeit proclaimed Lama, can tell us that he has identified a successor. Organize any religion and create rules that say, "I know, you don't," and you have started the dominos falling against you.

Marc, Atlanta, USA

First of all, I'm very glad that this issue has drawn so much attention. Is it still not enough for politicians and businessmen in rich countries to take some actions? If so, ordinary people like us should take the law into our own hands. Let's boycott Chinese goods, Olympics, and the companies that operate in China. There are plenty of reasons to justify such punishment. Besides Tibet, there are problems like child labour, piracy, toxic toothpaste and toys, cardbox dumplings and media hoax, and so on.
For some people writing from China who believe we are intervening in domestic matters, you should know that what the regime told you are not always true, and they may distort the history. I can tell this because my country (Japan) had ever brainwashed its people and lead them and to the disastrous war, and still try to glorify the past. We are condemning your government exactly in the same way we condemn our own governments. I hope someday we work together to fight against any injustice.

Hiss, Taipei, Taiwan

hypocrisy rules OK when the dollar shouts!
Stop all Chinese imports - withdraw the Olympics from Beijing until China withdraws from Tibet and stops threatening Taiwan. Of all countries to clear up its own mess it is China!
Pollution from coal and manufacturing crap to sell to stupid Americans - as well as human rights issues
Stupid religions aside - for Communists to forbid reincarnation is the biggest joke of the new century- do they realise what clowns they look?

Frank, Wilmington , DE US

It is going too far to hurt religious feelings of other human beings. Chinese think that God needs permission from them to appear in this world. Thety sure will be punished.

Suresh Chandra Gupta, New Delhi, India

Wake Up West!

We seem to have so easily accepted two very dangerous notions almost without question: (1) that the former Soviet Union is no longer a threat to the West, and (2) that Communism is dead. This article concerns COMMUNIST CHINA, so enough said about the former USSR, but consider the possibility that they remain the #1 nuclear threat to mankind.

Like Russia, COMMUNIST CHINA has so far successfully lulled the consumer West, especially the citizens of the USA, into a false sense of security. With the encouragement of an unlimited number of self-serving politicians, we seem to be willing to ignore so much--COMMUNIST CHINA'S clamp down on religion, the latest example contained in this article--being only another tale of abuse by a totalitarian regime with unbridled power.

Sadly, their being a "trading partner" that is willing to supply a keen thirst for cheap products seems to hold primary importance to those who live by a philosophy of "IN WAL-MART WE TRUST."

Glenn Lowe, Fort Mill , South Carolina/USA

Ben, it's about their freedom to believe in whatever they want to. Just because you are a Christian/Atheist/Whatever, doesn't mean they have to be. I am sad that there are people in this world that think like you, and sympathize with anyone faced with such ignorance and intolerance.

Pedro, Weslaco, TX, USA

Boycott Olympics

Tom, Dallas, Texas

Well, well, so there we have it. China is going to be known as the first actual Government to recognise the fact that there IS life after death. Bureaucracy is getting madder by the minute. In truth, Laws are only passed because something has happened that the Status Quo disagree with, therefore, pass a law against it!
We now know by this one action alone by the Chinese Government, that reincarnation is a fact, and can be acheived by ANYONE....though China does not want this known publicly!........I wonder which Government will be next??

Bluey Morgan, Cairns, Qld/Australia

It feels like this is an argument where one side is speaking with their heart and the other side is spouting China propaganda while trying to pretend they are not living in China . Its obvious they don't belive "people" have a right to their own opinions.

Looks like the Communuists want to have influence even outside of China.

Lauren, New York, NY

Manyt people here wrote their comments with least knowledge of Tibet's reincarnation. Did Dalai Lama play an important role in the process, yes, did Dalai Lama has the final say, no. Historically, it always needs the central government's recognition to candidate reincarnates.

Paul, OH, U.S

to zeus, Tsingtao, China, you mentioned "You americans always like impose your value on other countrise"
The Times is a UK newspaper, not US. I am French and countless nationalities are supporting a Free Tibet because of blatant human righs abuse and a clear invasion of a foreign nation (Tibet).. understand that you are being censored by your goverment, you are living in an Orweilian reality. All Tibetans really want independence from China, many thousands have been tortured and killed by the Chinese.

Ben M, Paris, France

he zhenya, I think you miss the point. Nobody is disputing that maintaining the territorial integrity of such a large country is a demanding task. The point that your government seems to miss is that religious and political power can be kept seperate and have completely different spheres of control. If governments worry too much about split loyalties and try to suppress religion then they force people to make a choice, and whilst communism is a powerful idealology it isn't about to dominate people's hearts and minds in the same way that thousands of years of religion and culture does. Perhaps they should be encouraged to be free to be Buddhist AND Chinese.

Alex Hawdon, Yorkshire, UK

Those taking China to task for bullying, invading sovereign states, 'disappearing' those opposing their agenda, stamping out ancient cultures, exerting control by terrorising people, chasing material wealth above all else, etc, etc, had better take a long hard look in the mirror. It's no different to how the West behaves, up to and including what the US and UK have been doing in Afghanistan and Iraq on the basis of a lie.

Human beings, wherever they are, have an unfortunate trait of believing that the limited view they have on the world is the only valid one; in fact, the 'best' possible one, and hence one that should be held -- for their own 'good' you understand -- by everyone else.

Only when we realise that unity is the fundamental substrate of limitless creative diversity, and that we all have a piece of the truth, will we realise that there is no need to strive for uniformity. Paradoxically, when that happens, religions (of spirit OR science) will no longer be necessary.

Wendy, Scottish Borders, UK

Miss May of chatoonoga, althought the chinese will welcome you to the 2008 olympic, you must understand that you actually are not qualify to witness the game unless US and UK soldiers that do the slaugtering in iraq is back home before the summer of 2008. Read the olympic charter and you will realized that all parties must put down their weapon for this auspicious game.

Rich Low, Penang, Malaysia

To Paul Judge of UK, you have been brainwashed by your governent like many in the west all these years. Look at other history books and not just those printed in english. There are lots of evidence that british government in the past after conquering India, continued to invade Tibet with brutal forces or cheating the local through false promise and trreaty. Ever heard of the great game in central asia. It is still on today. Some people in the west and CIA as usual will made use of whatever weakness in China so that they will have their world domination unchallenge. You should focus your simpathy to the real tragedy in Iraq, Palestine. Remember those who do not learn from history will repeat their mistake, and suffer.

Rich Low, Penang, Malaysia

Reincarnation? It appears to be making a comeback...

Ed Zuiderwijk, Cambridge, UK

China will be punished by God. To disavow the will of God bring his will. Egypt learned and so did the Israelites.
Wrath shall come to the non-believers.

MB, San Antonio, USA

If anything at all, China has made law within it's own borders. It doesn't hide behind some "Born again Christian" nonsense, lie to it's people and invade another country all in the name of freedom. I tell those Americans who've called China this and that to sort out their own problems first rather than - again - meddling into another country's affair.

Richard, Hong Kong,

To shuzhiyi, HangZhou, China
We like China and the Chinese people and we admire your success and progress. However, we don't like the way the Chinese government treats its citizens, especially the ethnic minorities and religions, no matter Christianity or Buddhism. Our attitude towards the Chinese government has nothing to do with our sympathy towards China, the Chinese people and its culture, history...

Egor, Moscow,

All philosophies are ultimately advanced and are protected by weapons. Communism claimed to be a political philosophy, but was only advanced at gunpoint. It's the only reason why it will continue unless the people finally decide it's not worth dying for. Hang in there Buddhists! Mohammedans and Christians take a clue!

DooDah, Irvine, USA

Having recently returned from a visit to TIbet and China I can say that it is so sad how the Chinese treat the Tibetans. Inside their own country, the Tibetans are given the lowest jobs of cleaning public toilets and sweeping streets with staw brooms, while the Chinese give the good jobs to the Chinese. Through all of this the Tibetans still manage to keep a gentle, calm, charm about them. China is a horrible place, polluted, arrogant, selfish. I have never been so thankful to leave a country. These people are out enemies.

Brad, San Diego, CA USA

There is a news parody called "The Onion". Are you sure this story is not from that, because I am laughing my ass off. "Permission to reincarnate???. Too funny!

Turtle, Talent, USA Oregon

For a substantiative background, please read Peter Matthiessen's "The Snow Leopard". And you will see the loss.

Klatz, Baton Rouge,

Why doesn't Wal-Mart have a representative in this process?

Chris, edinburgh, IN USA

How can an atheist recognize God? The Chinese governments of the past were Buddhist in nature. The present government in China is asking to participate in a system they don't believe in! How will they see the Buddha?

karly, albuquerque, New Mexico

In the name of religious freedom lets make China into a Christian slave country the likes of South Amercia and big Catholic in Asia that is Philippines, via religious coercion, proselytizing through dogma and incentives, as long as big brother Uncle Sam finances it, why not make the whole world into Christians, after all we are bombing the Muslim heathens into extinction, sub-versing the Hindu pagans and now our last hurdle China needs to be sorted out as well. If all this don't work, there is always the US army and the nuke to bomb out these non believer heathens anyways like we did at Nagasaki and Hiroshima.

Arup Roy Chowdhury, Mohali, Punjab.

to kevin ,Phonix:
I can forgive what you said,because you didn't have any basic learning on China at all.You americans always like impose your value on other countrise and nations without considering others' feeling.Maybe you should rethink your actions and foreign policy.

zeus, Tsingtao, China

When are we going to wake up from this dream we are all in. We need to stand up to all the injustice in the world. And, we don't have to do it alone. There are other countries that are waking up too. Let's all speak up for the crazy behavior including our crazy politicians that are just as rediculous as the Chinese. And, then there's the people here that are in denial that we are in a war -- We got bombed on 9-11 remember. And, they still threaten us every week, if not every day. Let's speak up for Tibet and then let's look at our mess here and become the UNITED States again.

Barbara Harris Whitfield, Atlanta, GA, USA

Jeff, I agree with the sentiment, but I have to say there's something a bit Canute-like in your statement about Chinese imports.

Rob, London,

If you indoctrinate young boys into the idea that they are chosen to take over when the Dahli Lama passes, they will be able to remember their past lives as a preparation for the role, but so can anyone else. If you want to remember your past life as Christopher Columbus, you can do it if you give it enough effort, even though you couldn't have possibly been Christopher Columbus, because two other boys also remember being him.
If you believe you can come back as a misquito carrying the East Nile virus, that is a personal problem. Give us a break. Everyone can't be a Dhali Lama, just be glad you're who you are. Smile.

Dennis Servaes, French Camp, CA

Wow - this reads like an article from The Onion. What's next - will one have to obtain permission from the authorities to attain Nirvana?

Ken, Kalispell, USA

Aren't they also trying to clear Beijing of Christians so the city will look really nice for the upcoming Olympic Games? Hubris...

Darwin Godwin, Alcala de Henares, Spain

Some here have tried to justify this "ceremony" as acceptable simply because it has always been done this way. I would argue that everything in the world is in constant change, and as we mature and become thinkers we need to question what we know and what we do. This tradition may be one of the things to question. Example: "What value is added with this ceremony?"

kevin, Phoenix, Arizona

Sounds like the Communist authorities in Beijing are cowards! Scared that religous freedom might usurp the power of a bunch of aging government fools. How can anyone participate in Olympic games held in a country where people "disappear" as a result of their religious beliefs? Let's try to make Chinese imports "disappear"!

Jeff, San Francisco, California

If the Chinese government spends so much time trying to capture the living Buddhas it is apparent that they are themselves are giving great validation to the power of these individuals. I live in Canada and now I know of this story because the government's own action has brought this issue to the attention of the world.
Trying to capture the movements of a soul is as futile as trying to capture water with a net. It is illogical to do it. How much money, time and efforts will be wasted in this and for what purpose? Too much ego, not enough brains.

Louisette Lanteigne, Waterloo Ontario, Canada

is it really posible for someone to ban reincarnation??!!!

DM, Belegrade, Serbia

John and Joyce,
Two things to understand.
#1 Commies are all about control.
They must have it because no one really wants to live under their system.
#2 They never give anything back.

Jim, Dumas, USA/Texas

Religious people and atheists alike should ask their clerical and political leaders to loudly denounce this cowardly act-a blantant attack on a precious freedom.

The Chinese bigshots must be very frightened of thought they cannot control. It is only Buddhist teaching they are afraid of here- Tibet doesn't have an army!

john g., new york, usa

How sad. The Tibetans offer no threat to the Chinese.

Ian, Bristol,

It is not just a matter of religious appointment ,it concerns the territorial integrity. anyone who attempts to make any part of our country break away from its motherland should be seriously punished.
it's the same wherever you live ,say ,in Poland. it is up to the government to take every measuer to fight for the integrity and dignity of its people.
]so you have no right and aren't in any position to comment on China's affairs have you not yet konw anything about the history and reality of our country.

he zhenya , ShaoXin, China

part of an unequal treaty tian, only recognize because benefit is to PRC. If keep unequal treaties from Qing for Tibet, keep ones to Europe, give treaty ports back to Europeans

mei lan, TC,

If the Dalai Lama would stop playing politics and stick to religion then he wouldn't have much of a problem with the Chinese authorities.

mark, Minn, USA/MN

I don't know if it is absolutely stupid or absolutely evil but t helps us understand how perverse China is and how dangerous it is for the survival of humanity.

Frank Lane, Columbus,

I have just received a response from the UK Foreign Office following a Freedom of Information request on the 'Tibet issue'. Sadly, the information they have sent is extremely limited because they are maintaining the stance that they do not wish to upset the Chinese Government despite decades of brutality, torture, cultural and environmental destruction. How can our Government not challenge the Chinese more robustly as we approach the Beijing Olympics ? I thought we were against terror ? Seemingly not, where big business is profiting from trade with this hideous regime.

Paul Judges, York, England

Beijing thinks it can take over the world yet Mongolia has already said it will display nuclear weapons if China gets out of control.

Daniel Rey, Bogota, Colombia

I am sad that people believe in such nonsense, and I sympathise with any progressive government faced with such ignorance and superstition.

Ben, Bristol, UK

Why do you want to impose 'real power' on a government and a country in a political stand point which has no relevance to Europe? To me this is akin to the Great Power of the US extolling their influence in the Middle East. China and Tibet whether unilaterally or on their own should influence and control this situation. Why should other countries compete in this battle? The question is what rights do China have for extending their control over another people. And therefore your comments could be regarded as the same.

Yul, Ulanbator, Mongolia

I'm a chinses primary-school student. I put my heart into studying English because my teachers taught me how gentle UK is,how wise Canada is, and USA is bountiful that give China so many help ,ang Germany is a thorough country. We chinese also like other countries in the world. So I want to make friends with these countries' students.I didn't konw you all dislike China . I feel sorry for it. China is a developing country. We produce cheap goods not only because we don't have so many advenced technology and science but also because China has a large population. Can't you see we have made a big progress?

shuzhiyi, HangZhou, China

Absurd & Ridiculous....The Chinese Gov. has way overstepped their bounds & will pay for the Meddeling with a loss of World Power * Who Are they Anyway???? What a Complete Mess - almost as funny as Catch - 22........Whew this has completely Baffled me ...are the Chinese people such Brain washed Hypnotized Monkeys that they ACTUALLY Believe this CARP????? Will some body please enlighten the people - so that we may Progress as a Whole Human Race onto PEACE & Prosperity & I'm not even a Buddist.

Debra, overland park , USA

Look, gentlemen, ladies, if you don't want the PRC to become more powerful, make your own goods more cheaply, or find alternative suppliers.

The people of China, like those of almost everywhere else, are in the main quite splendid.

The bureaucrats in the PRC may issue these decrees, but there are many, many slips twixt cup and lip.

If reincarnation takes place, then it will take place irregardless of government policy. If reincarnation does not take place, then it doesn't matter.

May I respectfully suggest that this subject - particularly - is not an issue that we should become excited over. If a philosophy has value, it cannot disappear.

Steve, Hong Kong,

Historically it has not been the business of a central Chinese government to have a hand in the search for a reincarnate lama of Tibetan Buddhism. That exercise was carried out according to traditional practices, some of which are mentioned in the report. Tibetans should respond by ignoring the new Chinese rules and go ahead with their time-honoured method. They are on much firmer ground if they proceed to look for a new reincarnate lama under the supervision of the Dalai Lama and for a reincarnate Dalai Lama under the supervision of a group of senior lamas from Tibetan Buddhist monasteries.
Clearly, China wants to acquire control over the next Dalai Lama. For the same reason, Tibetans should look for the next Dalai Lama from among those living outside China. They should remember the fate of the new Panchen Lama candidate selected - and announced - by Dalai Lama XIV. The candidate, as you say, disappeared and the Chinese foisted their own choice. Tibetans should proceed with care.

V. C. Bhutani, Delhi, India

This plain Bullying by a greedy disgusting regime that believes that it can get away with whatever it choses. It knows this as the West has abandoned any efforts to fight against it. The greed of getting chinese customers is far more alluring to the westrn companies and governments.
Whrn companies like Googe and Yahoo allow this restrictive govenrment to censor searches and give up individuals email contents, you know the mighty dollar/yuan renminbi is more powerful than anything else. All the car companies that are dying to get into China are doing so at the expense of Tibet and the people of China who value freedom (Tianemen Sq.???). Why a peaceful religion requires a licence to practice is beyond any sane person, but then again these Chinese are not sane, just power corrupted, greedy, mean and plain STUPID!
I think after this I will make a concious effort to avoid Chinese made products. Countries with a concience should avoid the Olympic Games in protest! Disgusting bullies!

James Hunter, Hayes, Middlesex

Reading this makes me so sad. The Chinese government's lust for control will bring about the end to this peaceful, enlightened religion. Living in the United States, it is easy to take for granted the freedom we enjoy.

Sharon, North Hollywood, California

As a Christian, I know that the one constructive thing we can all do is pray for the people of China. I'll always remember the Statue of Liberty they built in Tienanmin Square. By God's grace, China may one day revere the leaders of the 1989 protests, just as the Czechs and Hungarians now revere the leaders of those who resisted communism in the 1950s and 1960s.

David, San Diego, California USA

China's new law is laughable at first, but on deeper consideration it's simply horrifying. They are literally putting in place the infrastructure that gives them the future "right" to "disappear" (i.e., execute) anyone who is identified as a reincarnated Buddha.

You think that's an extreme point? What about the several white-collar Chinese executives whom the Chinese regime recently *executed* for alleged business fraud? This same regime wouldn't blink an eye at kidnapping and executing a so-called reincarnated Buddha.

TJ, Escondido, California, USA

I think China should stay out of Tibet's affairs and stop being a bully. I would be embarrassed to be a part of Chinese government.

Rob, San Diego, CA

Does not the Prime Minister of the UK select the "Archbishop of Canterbury"?

Michael, London, UK

Why do we (the west) put up with this? We need to condemn China for its human rights abuses and more generally for its vague sense of morality that leads to dog fur being used on coats and poison put into childrens toys. LETS ALL WAKE UP AND DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS. It is pretty clear that the government there make almost no effort to conceal their abuses because they believe they will never have to change or answer for their behavior. I am writing my congressmen and encourage all ofg you to do the same.

Peter, New York, NY

If you ever read a book on Tibet history, you would know that it was been the tradition to have them approved by the emperors. The 6th Dalai Lama was even deprived of the title by the Chinese emperor. So it is not a surprise at all.

Mark, Seattle, USA

For all you believers in MMGW ( man made global warming ) and all other adherents with religious-like believe in the validity of government: Let this story serve as an example of what government action really is. Government action is all about coercion. From the alpha to the omega that is all it can ever be because it is based on enforcing dogmatic rules. No matter if it is **For the Children** or other feel good excuses. This situation would be absolutely hysterically funny were it not for it being so sad a comment on those stupid enough to believe in government.

fred, phoenix Arizona , arizona usa

Of course this law is designed to intimidate the seekers of the next Dalai Lama. If the child is revealed, he will be imprisoned or killed for breaking the law against reincarnation.
China is killing the most spiritual nation on earth, and eradicating Tibetan culture. It will end in a loss infinitely greater than that of the Great Buddhas in Afganistan.
CHINA OUT OF TIBET NOW

ronald catt, Van Nuys, CA

Francesco, Actually, China's oil reserves are quite lucrative. However, like many countries with lots of oil (read: most of the middle east) they lack the infrastructure, technology, and capital to exploit it. With respect to the story... just another showcase on why communism is idiotic.

Josh, Houston, TX

I hope that aliens in flying saucers come with death rays and kill everyone in the chinese government and force a natural reincarnation for their souls back on this planet.

Merky, Brandywine, MD

This regulation is obviously targeting the 14th Dalai Lama, who tried to kill the Tibetan tradition by claiming he can decide not to reincarnation. However, these reports from the West are intentionally misleading to fool its own people. The problem for reincarnation for hundred years is always that two or three boys claiming to be the real one. The rule is about who is the real one, not can or can not. The West has been doing a good propangada about the real/fake Tibetan living budda number 2. They never tried to tell the world there are so many competing living buddas, including the famous real/fake Tibetan living budda number 3, who will be the most important living budda after the death of 14th dalai lama. The reason is quite simple. This number 3 is recoginized by both the Chinese Gov and 14th dalai lama, and the "fake" one is recognized by the Indian gov. His temple is in the occupied land, Tibetan land occupied by India. India gov does not allow him to travel there.

xie, NY,

Several posters have questioned the concept of reincarnation and the worlds population growth - how are the two reconciled. In Bhuddism, a soul can be reincarnated as an animal, as a demon of sorts, as a human, or as hevanly beings of differing levels. So in this faith, population growth of humanity is a non-factor when taking their doctrine into consideration.

Truly a weak nation keeps close tabs on the faith of individuals or larger groups for that matter. China curiously shakes at the prospect of religious faith. I supposed despite the wholehearted embracement of western capitalism and all the wealth it has brought the Chinese people, the government cannot shake all the long since discredited philosophies of Marx.

Brian Kenny, Closter, NJ, USA

Wan Le Soo's unwarranted attack on Hinduism is unfortunate. He/She claims that certain Hindu beliefs are not "rational". In summary he/she tells us: "It is appointed unto man ONCE to die, after that the judgement." I say this is equally irrational unless you tell me hat you personally experienced it. Please don't tell us that you read it in some holy book or heard it from someone holy. Because that is what the Hindus say about their beleifs too.

So, stop telling us that your religion is better than other religions. Just remember this: If one wants to go to New York, one may take a bus, a ship, a plane, a car or just walk. As long as one stays to the chosen path, one gets there. If you waste your time mocking others because you think your path is better than theirs, you may find that the Mayor of New York forbids you to enter the city because he considers you an undesirable.

Vis Gora, Holmdel, USA/NJ

Wow. They're acting like it's a political appointment. How, exactly, do they expect to keep somebody from reincarnating?

Also, there is the problem of all of these disappearances. The Punchen Lama and the abbot disappeared, and I heard recently that a Catholic bishop who was going to be made a cardinal also disappeared. We need to watch China carefully.

Ignacio, New York, New York

What's the penalty for failing to comply? Death?

Kevin Good, Mechanicsville,

Religious freedom!

Curtis Gomez, Burbank, USA / Ca

With the economic control China has over the US, a war in the future is inevitable. The day we go to war with the chinese, I'll be the first in line at the recruitment office.

daniel, California, USA

There is a lot more solid evidence for reincarnation than there is global warming, but the world's socialists have not figured out a way to tax it so they focus on carbon. When they can tax a second life, etc. they'll believe in it.

Adrian Vance, Lakeport,, USA, California

As much as I o the communist system of government and the Chinese regime in particular, it is intervening on the side of sanity in taking steps to eliminate this nonsensical superstiion, which diverts so much energy from constructive endeavors.

Johnson, USA,

I don't know what's more ridiculous, re-incarnation or government regulation of re-incarnation.

Ralph, Los Angeles, CA

For those who know nothing
Chinese gov is very nice to 14th Dalai lama. Hundred years ago, Chinese gov sent troops to arrest one Dalai Lama when he was considered fake by Chinese gov.

xie, NY,

om tao its perfect
one of the living buddhas is living in San DIego
the commies can't regulate the tao.... it just is

dale rostamo, carlsbad, ca USA

Dumb!

Another human, Killeen, TX

Isnt there any oil in China?
Must not be..

Francesco, Sydney, Australia

BOYCOTTChinese goods... until the government there reincarnates into humans. If it's not labeled ask is it made in China?

marco51, O.S., Idaho

There is a saying, "Everyday I Want To Walk With God, Brightly, Fearlessly Like The Morning Sun". I loved it so much I carved it on a rock and put it in a place where I could look at it everyday. When I die someone someday will find that rock and the spirit will move again as it moved on the face of the waters in the beginning. So, there is no law against good, love, joy and mercy. So, the spirit of man will war against the spirit that is God. Until IT has come to an end IT will continue to live that's the way IT is. Get on with IT.

wetcloud, San Manuel, AZ

I'm very glad to see that the free peoples of Europe, Canada, New Zealand, and the United States can all agree that China's impending influence is something to be wary of. If only our democracies can do a better job of working together on the goals of spreading economic and political freedom by isolating totalitarian bullies. It's so sad that a stupid war in the desert did so much to strain our alliance, a moral alliance.

Kyle, San Jose, California, United States

I appreciate the "View from an Insider" and knowing that different religions live peacefully within China. It has been a slow proces but China is indeed becoming more humnaitarian. With their long & proud history that is not something that develops overnight yet they are on course with being a more humanitarian and friend of the globe. They hold strongly, proudly, and dearly to their long past ideals and that should be respected. However, the comment that "the current Chinese government is just carrying out a political practice stemed out of its history" concerns me the most because it seems mainland China is trying to change and exert their control over a culture that dates back before the 14th century. China should view its Tibet culture as an asset to their diversity of their own and allow it to pursue its ideals.

Gilbert Van Deventer, Midland TX, TX

I understand many others point of views. On the other hand, the world is full of evil and sinister motive. Government to government, countries to countries, nation to nations, basicly it is all about geostrategic. In a process it is kind a like devide and swallow. Well i wait and see what happen in the year 2026.

john smith, rockville, md

Steven Seagal is not going to appreciate Beijing's enthusiasm of finger-flipping the Buddhist religion. I wonder what he will have to say about it?

Animalaura, Sherman, U.S.A.

Well, this is just goofy. Somewhat akin to attempting to stifle thought. I would give anything to sit down with one of these people and just ask them what in the world it is that they are so afraid of, and what sets them apart from the very people they tyrannize. And, also, I guess, what it is that is so threatening about Tibet. I just don't get it. It smacks of unnecessary bullying and a certain pleasure in bullying to me.

Mary Ellen Bryan, Kansas City, Missouri

i ahve never heard of anything so ridiculous in all my life! soon theylly be charging trees taxes and banning birds from their airspace...

curtis anxderson , gloucester, UK

What an incredible meditation on karma (the law of cause and effect) this all is! Whether you are a believer in karmic action or not, how can any nation in this day and age so willfully, arrogantly, and ignorantly annihilate an entire culture, for the sake of a bizarre land grab? As anyone who has had the priviledge of hearing the Dalai Lama speak, he would of course ask the Chinese to stop their actions, but to also ask the world to have compassion for them-for actions have repercussions, and this evil will not bde well for China. I believe this is understood by aethists as well as any permutation of "believer" in whatever religion. Whether it is lead paint on children's toys, Chinese farmer's dying of AIDS from faulty blood transfusions, the eating of every endangered species on the planet as an aphrodisiac- the list goes on and on- China needs to think clearly about what it is doing on the planet. This is true for everyone, of course, regardless of location.

Laurel, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA

You don't expect anything sensible from China, but you wouldn't expect anything so totally STUPID as that!!!

Why don't they ban dying if you a communist party member too? Or ban diseases and birth defects.

China should get out of Tibet and leave the poor Dalai Lama and tibetan people alone.

I support His Holiness the true 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet. Not the stupid, greedy, immoral Chinese who have no conscience or respect for true values (they only value money and power).

Jason, London, UK

As with most all governments of the world of nations, China desires persons living within borders to worship the government and government's leaders. The threat of self thought angers government. Fear that a nation of people would or could worship someone in exile shows the self worship of government leadership, just like so many other nations. Driving a religion underground will not shop the religion or its purpose. Wow, a nation like China is certainly ruled by Dumb and Dumber.

Bob, Piedmont, USA/Oklahoma

This adds more evidence that the non enlightened brain is shrinking. It won't be long before the power mongers of the world will be too busy legislating the finest detail of our lives to notice anything about the world around them, and as a result the world will walk right past them.

TK3, Calgary, Canada

The whole notion of reincarnation is absurd in the 21st. century. The Lamas want to return Tibet to a Theocracy - and thus preserve the suffocating mediaeval nature of a religious dictatorship, which is the "Tibetan Culture " which Luo Ge speaks about.

I have just returned from Tibet. There is no brutal occupation or stomping. There are, however, abundant signs of economic progress. All over the Tibetan plateau new stone and brick houses are replacing mud huts, new roads and other infrastructure are being installed. These are being paid for by massive (as much as 90%) grants from the Beijing Government.

In the monasteries, on the other hand, you can see young boys who are to all intents and purposes kidnapped and buried in an unnatural environment for the rest of their lives. You can also see abundance of gold and other expensive trappings which would have done a lot to relieve the poverty of the Tibetan people long ago.

Bill McCann, Suzhou, China

Being a long-time Buddhist, and not of the Nichiren garden variety, I can tell you it does not matter what anyone does to Tibetan Buddhism. These actions by the Chinese are based in ignorance of reality. Their actions are similar to attacking the air. Buddhism will never die, because it based on firsthand experience, and not faith. It is based ENTIRELY in reality. You cannot attack reality. It is a waste of time. Concealing truth is futile because you are made of truth.

Boris, Seattle, WA, USA

This sounds like a natural for the UK government to consider - perhaps with the added attraction of a Reincarnation Environmental Impact Pack together with a modest licence fee. All administrated by a new department, cabinet minister and possibly a regulator, OFFWORLD. Then they could create a few new criminal offences attached to incorrect reincarnation procedures on this side and the other. Maybe the introduction of some kind of spiritual ID would allow them to monitor everyone in the afterlife. From cradle to grave - and beyond!

David Masu, Zürich,

Catholic priests, nuns, and other religious are also being martyred on a regular basis. They apparently haven't figured out that crushing religion only makes it stronger. The church was built on the blood of the martyrs.

When will the world wake up and see China for what it is. A murderous thug nation. Do we need the cheap garbage they export so badly that we're willing to sit by and allow this to happen? As long as we continue to support them, the process of change will take a very long time. Very sad. We must pray very hard for them. It's the only chance a communist regime has.

Tanya, Kansas, USA

Look on the bright side. We can indulge our new carbon (and taxable) religion and should thank China for our ability to worship it. Without a China that brutally suppresses its people (even farcically banning their right to reincarnate) and encouraging polluting factories that turn out cheap goods for us, we'd have to spoil our own environment or make expensive goods for our own use. If a UK-made TV cost £2,000 in Currys we'll quickly lose our carbon zeal. Fascism, doesn't capitalism just love it! Doesn't the government chose the Archbishop of Canterbury and more?

ian, bristol,

Poor little boy.

Alicia Geromel, Swartz Creek, MI,

I've never heard anything ridiculous like that before. Is the Chinese communist government in Beijing going to take control over the uncontrollable? Belief in Buddha is a state of mind and Buddhists don't need any permission issued by Beijing. A Buddha appointed or approved by China is a faked Buddha and he won't be recognised by anyone but Beijing.

Egor, Moscow,

first "ä½™å æ´‹, Suzhou, China" if your grammy is a buddhist
then you should learn respect to spell it correctly....i'm with "meh,cape cod" i will boycott anything chinese made.
the US already is having a problem with product from china
tainted dog & cat food, fisher price toys with lead in them ? it won't be hard to boycott chinese items..though i might miss
take-out...to think they can control reincarnation is absurd, to
think they can control the loving heart and soul of the BUDDHA is so ridiculous ..i have no words to even finish the sentence.

kap dale, stbg, pa

Lamas, as any reglious heads anywhere in the world, have never been absolute religious leaders - they always have a political agenda under their ropes. Those who are amazed/amused by the regulation of incarnation of lamas in China seem to have forgotten the Archbishop of Canterbury has to be nominated by PM.

To add a bit history here, the regulation of lamas in China dates back to Yuan Dynasty in 12th Century. Over the last 900 years, an incarnating lamas is always nominated by a group of monks according to some mystical rules and is susequently approved by Central government of China. The on-going regulation is just a codification of this convention. Even Dalai Lama himself got his current status upon the approval of the then Chinese government.

Above all, let's don't forget regions are not only spirital, but also political.

Kevin Young, Edinburgh,

chinese also like other countries in the world. So I want to make friends with these countries' students.I didn't konw you all dislike China . I feel sorry for it.

China is a developing country. We produce cheap goods not only because we don't have so many advenced technology and science but also because China has a large population.
Can't you see we have made a big progress?

shuzhiyi, HangZhou, China

To ask the question "Is it possible or appropriate for the Chinese Communist government to determne the reincarnation of 'living Buddhas'?" is to answer it. What an absurd proposition! One can only pity captive Tibet.

Jack, New York, USA

The argument that a growing human population logically negates reincarnation is invalid when one considers the fact that the concept of souls and life are not limited to the human population. The amount of life on Earth, relatively speaking, has remained constant--therefore it follows that it is sufficient that souls and life continue with or without humanity.

Young God, Tulsa, OK

Government paid mass migration of Han Chinese for the last 30 years, atomic weapons in the mountains, high tech Army satellite phones in every village and the continual disappearance of monks and abbots into unknown graves and jails means that the few Tibetans left there are overwhelmingly burdened with grinding rural poverty and the loss of their spiritual and cultural leaders. The struggle for Tibetan freedom can only be won with political and economic moves against China from outside as well as those brave souls left or who return to teach.

Emerald O'Leary, San Francisco, USA

I wonder how long it will be before the Chinese government demands to have a say on when the Sun will shine?

Harrison Bergeron, New York, USA, NY

Reincarnation is the cruelest lie of Hinduism that has spread into Asian culture. It is not Asian in the sense of China, Tibet, Japan, Korea, etc, it comes from India where it has kept that country and its people in total poverty and squalor. Chinese people originally worshipped the One God Shang Ti (Heavenly Emperor) with sacrifices like the Hebrews. Hinduism crept in later. Any rational thinking person would reason - since the population is steadily increasing, how could reincarnation be true, where are all the new souls coming from? And why are people becoming more ungodly, shouldn't it be the other way around? Of course in India the original reincarnation is that people come back as bugs or rats, so they lose a high percentage of their crops to vermin they won't kill. This belief is a form of bondage, the Truth shall set you free. "It is appointed unto man ONCE to die, after that the judgement."

Wan Le Soo, Taiwan

Wan Le Soo, Taipei, Taiwan

thank you China for stopping that religious mambo jambo,
they should do the same with the pope in Europe!!!!

duke_widin, Shanghai , Peoples Repulik of China

If you look back in history, back in Qing dynasty, Tibet still needs Manchurian government to approve their selection of the reincarnated buddha. Actually this interaction is more like a traditional pact between the Beijing and Lhasa heads. Before there were two separately reincarnated buddhas, one decided in a temple in Beijing, another in Lhasa. (I may be wrong, you should look up in the early Qing history) There are more complexities here but what I wanted to say is: this is not something invented by Communists. It's been there for a historic reason. Communists were not quite fair towards religious people but today this thing did happen for a reason. Westerners can say communists don't know religion, but they can't say they know Tibetan better than Chinese -- these two races have been living together for a much longer time than western even came to know them.

Tian, Sunnyvale, CA

In totalitarian societies what is not banned is compulsory .

Mladen Andriajsevic , Be'er Sheva , Israel

Freedom of religion, that sounds like a human right. Requiring permission from China for Buddhas in Tibet to reincarnate sounds like a restriction on that freedom. China is suppossedly making concrete steps to address human rights issues in the build up to the Olympics. This sounds like the exact opposite of that aim.

Kipling Milton, Auckland, New Zealand

"A country ripe for a revolution" - I'm afraid that's not even close. The government has this country locked down tight. No , the fact that the government feels itself in the position to make these kind of decisions is more a sign of confidence on their part.

FOARP, Shenzhen, PR China

This has to be the funniest headline I"ve read in this life.
Permission to reincarnate, Sir¡

Eugene, Heidelberg, germany

Those who concern for the future of the world's power distribution and subsequent 'fate' should stop to consider China's behaviour here. The Buddhist oppression is effectively moving China towards authoritarianism; now ATHEIST officials must legislate REINCARNATION? Is there anything more hypocritical? Since none of China's actions makes any logical or humanitarian sense, we have to question their controlling motivation. What concerns me more is seeming 'disappearence' of the Panchen Lama.

Since China is deemed to be the nest superpower and its grasp on global economic strings is likely to increase, we should be taking careful regard of this - where will they stop in their quest for power?

Victoria, London,

This is the most ridiculous, if not hilarious thing I have ever seen in my life. If there is reincarnation, how can a government really seek to regulate it? Do they believe they are in control of the uncontrollable? Imagine a government trying to wrestle control of God! What's next? "China outlaws angels?"

I decided to boycott anything made in China long ago. They are a wretched Government who, with their absolutely disgusting record of human rights, does not deserve to host the olympics. Shame on anyone who supports them.

MEH, Cape Cod,

*VIEW FROM AN INSIDER*

In China, people enjoys real freedom on religion. My Grammy is a Buddist, my uncle is a Christian. Further more, Christianity and Islam is living peacefully together. All the religions enjoy the same support from government.

The tradition that the incarnation of Dalai Lama and Banchen Lama should be approved by the central government is not a new institution in People's Republic of China. It can be traced back to 14th century. This institution is called Golden Urn Lotting Ceremony. Fisrtly, a few
soul boys will be selected via a series of mystical process. Then the name of these boys will be inscribed on ivory sticks and put into a Golden Urn. With the witness of the envoy sent by Central goverment, A high rank abbot will then draw a lot from the Golden Urn. This institution has a very long history.
Most Dalai Lama was selected with this ceremony. So the current Chinese government is just carrying out a polotical practice stemed out of its history.

余占洋, Suzhou, China

Is this different to the manner in which our masters appoint what seems like an endless strea, of atheists, timeservers, PC conformists and perverts to bishoprics, tho? Whoever heard of a bishop being appointed for any qualification but pliability or hostility to Christianity?

Roger Pearse, Ipswich,

Beijing should be more worried about what the Christians are up to. David Aikman's Jesus in Beijing: How Christianity is Transforming China and Changing the Global Balance of Power sees China becoming a largely Christian domain over the next few decades. It happened in South Korea and as Mao Zedong effectively wiped out religion with his particular brand of atheism (still practised by those in Zhongnanhai), he allowed Christianity to gets its foot firmly in the door. The Chinese have an increasing appetite for religion because their leaders are not only heathens but they give nothing but stale directives to their people. China is rediscovering its soul and it could well be Christianity with Chinese characteristics. When I visit China I am increasingly approached by Chinese proselytisers (who speak English) and who are often pro-American and pro-Israeli.

Donald Smith, London, UK

A country ripe for a revolution

John, London, UK

China has no spiritual authority . A sad and crazy initiative by the insane Chinese government which will not, I hope, lead to persecution of reincarnated lamas who embody Buddhist teachings and spiritual authority.

Alanna Morgan, Toronto, Canada

The west with its uninhibited trade with China is complicit in the ethnic cleansing that is taking place in Tibet.
As long as the pursuit of profit is held above morality,mankind has alot to answer for.
How we can turn a blind eye to the atrocities the Chinese have carried out in Tibet, is nothing short of disgraceful.
Until we boycott China,including the Beijing Olympics,the Chinese Communist government will carry on literally getting away with murder.
The atheists that run China are systematically destroying Tibet and its culture.
The worst part is the west are letting them get away with it!
The Communist Chinese have no regards for Human life.

James, London,

As it was with Prince Siddhartha, the Buddha will incarnate where the Buddha chooses to incarnate. Or, if you wish, any great and visionary spirit will manifest without regard to human will in the matter into meager circumstance or into the house of the powerful. Wherever it manifests it will bring change. What China fears is change. What it should have learned over almost two thousand years of Buddhist teachings, is that the only thing permanent is change - a fact of life and something, like it or not, the shapers of China are going to have to get used to. The Buddha put it best, "all compounds grow old and perish, wherefore diligently seek your own salvation." The need for meaning in existence isn't going away because the human ego tries to legislate reality. I'm not Buddhist, but the truths of life as Buddha presented them are among the wisest things ever said on this planet, and will prevail despite the arbitrary efforts of grasping ideologues to imprint their selfish agendas.

Hugh Malafry, Victoria, Canada

Having been travelling around China for a while now it seems to me there are three places that just arent Chinese. Inner Mongolia needs to be given back to the Mongolians, Tibet should be independent and Xinjiang is just a different country.

John, Chengdu,

wow...those Commies really like to have control! Telling people when they are allowed to reincarnate. LOL, that's hilarious.

joyce, Los Angeles, CA- USA

It's 100% Monty Python. You must first obtain a govt license before you may reincarnate.
What happens if you reincarnate while you're waiting in a long, slow moving line at the Post Office?

Max Reeder, Reading.,

Beijing is a bully. Besides demolishing 1.5 million homes to make way for the Olympics, now here they are trying to change Tibetan Buddhism. I am not a Buddhist, but by golly, I know a damn bully when I see one. If I EVER had a plan to attend the 2008 Olympics, I have changed my mind as of now. Any self respecting athlete interested in human rights would not go either. Imagine, 1.5 million people out of house and home because of this. It is beyond pitiful.

Miss May, Chattanooga, Tennessee

This is just one issue that has caught the eye of the news media. Thousands of tibetan protestors are jailed and executed without any trial and are lost and forgotton. United Nation should intercept on this China's decision. Tibet is an independent nation occupied illegally by China. Tibetan have their own language, culture and religion which is totally different from the Chinese. This cowardly decision of China will only boost more energy into struggle of tibetan people to have their country free from the evil China.

thupten, toronto, canada

Tsering, i quite agree. As Alexander Soltszenyitsen (?) observed,
`the only thing the powerful fear is the powerless`. This comes from a man who spent 20 years ( i think) inside a soviet gulag.

jas, gifu,

Do your part for freedom. Try not to buy cheap goods from China.

Bruce, Kentucky, USA

Maybe this will work out as well as their plan to eliminate birds from the cities.

Laurie Boese, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada

Communism has always held itself higher than mankind, religion and self-will.

And it has always attempted to destroy the idea that man possesses an eternal soul. And here is a typical example of their refusal to accept that man wishes to rely upon God rather than a corrupt and horribly flawed political system.

China has not changed regardless of their thinly veiled attempt to make the world see them as something other than the desecrators of the human spirit that they are.

Brian L. Carter, Ambridge, Pa, USA

It shows the insecurity and absurdity to which the power mongering communist party leaders can go to. The fundamental principle underlying all these diktat is the fear of loosing power. The next one would be - "Only communist party members are eligible for reincarnation.

Tsering, Toronto, Canada

How can the Chinese government say they are doing good for Tibet when they stomp so brutally on Tibetan culture?

Luo Ge, Auckland, New Zealand

Much as I reject the mumbo jumbo of religion for the most part I have no wish to be associated with the acts of this 'atheist' regime. This has nothing to do with atheism and everything to do with power and influence in this tiny kingdom. This act and the 'disappearance' of these men and boys is despicable and evil.

I often wonder why we indulge the Chinese regime as we do. This totalitarian state is being allowed to become rich whilst continuing to brutalise its people. It is already starting to flex its international muscles and this will only increase as its wealth increases. Are our leaders demanding a quid pro quo or are they too busy competing with each other to get their share of the action? Take a good hard look at what the Chinese leaders are capable of and start imposing some real politik. We have real power over them now they have tasted the delights of capitalism without any of its consequences. Let's give them some consequences before its too late and we can't go back

Paul Owen, Birmingham, UK

It is very sad that The Communists still want to have influence even on the religion of occupied Tibet. Maybe in the future they will try to forbid the Christ to resurrect?
There was the old joke in wchich the Soviets issued the Bible in Soviets Union and it begun " There was nothing only comrade God walks through the streets of Moscow". Some people think they know everything better....

marcin, zielona góra, Poland