作者：陈婷

编辑：李聪玲 责任编辑：胡丽莉 翻译：何兴强

   近日，联合国五位人权专家联合发布通报，对中国当局涉嫌严重干涉西藏精神领袖第十四世达赖喇嘛尊者的转世事宜，以及对第十一世班禅喇嘛根敦确吉尼玛长达三十年的强迫失踪表示严重关切。这份通报让我深受触动，也引发了许多思考。

   首先，作为一名藏传佛教的修行者，我清楚地知道，达赖喇嘛转世问题并不仅仅是一个宗教仪式，而是西藏文化与身份的核心。达赖喇嘛不仅是宗教领袖，更是西藏人民精神上的依靠。转世制度千百年来依靠藏传佛教自身的传统与仪轨延续，绝非世俗政权能够干涉的范围。中国政府通过法律将转世纳入政治掌控，实质上是对西藏宗教信仰自由的彻底剥夺。这种做法不仅伤害了藏人，也挑战了人类社会普遍认同的宗教自由原则。

   联合国专家特别提到，中国的《藏传佛教活佛转世管理办法》和《宗教事务条例》，要求所有转世都需经过政府批准。这种赤裸裸的控制，完全背离了宗教的本质。佛法讲究的是清净传承，依靠上师与弟子之间的信任与誓愿。如果转世被政治化，失去了宗教的真实性，那对于信众来说，不仅是信仰的打击，更是文化的断裂。

   其次，关于第十一世班禅喇嘛根敦确吉尼玛的遭遇，更是让人痛心。他在六岁时被中国政府带走，从此三十年下落不明。作为一名佛弟子，我常常在法会上为他祈愿，愿他安好。但现实是，他的失踪不仅是个人和家庭的巨大悲剧，更是整个藏人群体的集体创伤。一个六岁的孩子，因其被认定为宗教领袖，就被剥夺了最基本的人身自由，这是人类社会无法接受的严重侵犯。联合国专家在通报中明确指出，这一强迫失踪违反了国际法的绝对禁止性规范。这样的表述，不仅是对中国政府的警告，也是对世界各国的提醒——不能对这种长期的人权侵害保持沉默。三十年的等待太久了，国际社会必须持续发声。

   我尤其感受到，这份联合通报不仅是人权层面的文件，更是对藏人信仰尊严的一次支持。藏传佛教徒在国内面临极其恶劣的宗教环境，寺庙被严密监控，僧侣被强制“爱国教育”，法会受到严格限制。很多修行人被迫隐秘修行，甚至因为信仰而失去自由。在这样的背景下，联合国的声音无疑是一种国际道义的支持。

   作为一个在自由环境下修行的佛弟子，我尤其体会到宗教信仰自由的珍贵。能够自由参加法会、自由阅读佛经、自由表达信仰，这些在海外显得平常的权利，在中国却可能付出巨大的代价。因此，我更加理解到，联合国专家强调的“宗教自由是一项基本人权”，不仅是一句原则性的宣言，而是真实关系到千万藏人日常生活的现实。

   这份通报也让我想到达赖喇嘛尊者的最新声明。尊者明确指出，未来的转世认证将由甘丹颇章信托基金董事会负责，除此之外的任何认证都不具备合法性。这不仅是宗教上的规定，更是对藏人自主权的坚守。尊者已经九十高龄，但仍然心系信众的未来，这让我深感感恩与敬佩。

   在我看来，中国政府对达赖喇嘛转世的干涉，以及对班禅喇嘛的强迫失踪，实质上反映了其对西藏宗教和文化的深层次不安全感。一个真正自信的政权，不会害怕宗教领袖的存在。正是因为他们明白，信仰代表着精神的力量，而这种力量是不可能通过压制来消灭的。

   未来的道路必然艰难，但联合国的通报让我看到了一线希望。国际社会的关注虽然不能立刻改变西藏的现状，但它至少为藏人争取到了一种国际舆论的支持。只要这种支持持续存在，就会成为推动改变的力量。任何为自由与真理发声的努力，必将种下善的种子。愿这份联合国通报成为更多人关注西藏、支持宗教自由的契机。愿第十一世班禅喇嘛早日重获自由，愿达赖喇嘛尊者长久住世，为更多的藏传佛教徒带来光明的指引。

Written by a Buddhist Disciple on the Occasion of International Human Rights Concern for Tibet

Abstract:

UN human rights experts have raised concerns about the Dalai Lama’s reincarnation and the disappearance of the Panchen Lama, highlighting the Chinese government’s severe violations of religious freedom and human rights, prompting profound reflection on Tibetan faith, dignity, and international support.

Author: Chen Ting

Editor: Li Congling

Chief Editor: Hu Lili

Translator:He XingQiang

Recently, five United Nations human rights experts jointly issued a communication expressing grave concern over the Chinese authorities’ alleged interference in the reincarnation process of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, and the enforced disappearance of the 11th Panchen Lama, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, for thirty years. This communication deeply moved me and sparked many reflections.

First, as a practitioner of Tibetan Buddhism, I know clearly that the issue of the Dalai Lama’s reincarnation is not merely a religious ritual, but lies at the core of Tibetan culture and identity. The Dalai Lama is not only a religious leader but also the spiritual anchor of the Tibetan people. For centuries, the reincarnation system has been maintained through the traditions and rituals of Tibetan Buddhism itself, and it is absolutely beyond the jurisdiction of any secular government. By codifying reincarnation into political control, the Chinese government has in essence stripped Tibetans of their religious freedom. This practice not only harms Tibetans but also challenges the universally recognized principle of religious freedom.

The UN experts specifically highlighted that China’s Measures on the Management of the Reincarnation of Living Buddhas in Tibetan Buddhism and the Regulations on Religious Affairs require all reincarnations to be approved by the government. Such naked control completely contradicts the essence of religion. The Dharma emphasizes pure transmission, grounded in the trust and vows between teacher and disciple. If reincarnation is politicized, stripped of its religious authenticity, then for the faithful it means not only a blow to belief but also a rupture in culture.

Second, the case of the 11th Panchen Lama, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, is particularly heartbreaking. At the age of six, he was taken away by the Chinese government, and since then he has been missing for thirty years. As a Buddhist disciple, I often pray for him during Dharma assemblies, wishing him safety and well-being. Yet the reality is that his disappearance is not only a personal and family tragedy but also a collective trauma for the entire Tibetan community. A six-year-old child, deprived of the most basic human freedom simply because he was recognized as a religious leader—this is an egregious violation unacceptable to human society. The UN experts made clear that this enforced disappearance violates jus cogens, the absolute prohibitions of international law. Such a statement is not only a warning to the Chinese government but also a reminder to the world that it must not remain silent in the face of long-term human rights abuses. Thirty years is too long to wait— the international community must continue to speak out.

I particularly feel that this communication is not just a human rights document but also an affirmation of the dignity of Tibetan faith. Tibetan Buddhists face an extremely harsh religious environment inside China: monasteries are tightly monitored, monks are forced into “patriotic education,” and religious gatherings are severely restricted. Many practitioners are forced into secret practice, and some even lose their freedom because of their beliefs. Against this backdrop, the UN’s voice is undoubtedly a form of moral support from the international community.

As a Buddhist disciple practicing in a free environment, I especially cherish religious freedom. The ability to freely attend Dharma assemblies, freely read scriptures, and freely express faith—rights that seem ordinary abroad—may require tremendous sacrifice in China. Thus, I understand more deeply that the UN experts’ statement that “freedom of religion is a fundamental human right” is not just a principle but a reality affecting the daily lives of millions of Tibetans.

This communication also reminded me of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s latest declaration. He has made it clear that the future recognition of his reincarnation will be decided by the Gaden Phodrang Trust, and any recognition outside of this will be invalid. This is not only a religious directive but also a defense of Tibetan self-determination. Despite being in his nineties, His Holiness still cares deeply about the future of his followers, which fills me with gratitude and admiration.

In my view, the Chinese government’s interference in the Dalai Lama’s reincarnation and the enforced disappearance of the Panchen Lama reflect a deep insecurity about Tibetan religion and culture. A truly confident government would not fear the existence of religious leaders. They understand that faith represents spiritual power, and such power cannot be extinguished through suppression.

The road ahead will surely be difficult, but the UN communication gives me a glimmer of hope. International concern may not immediately change Tibet’s reality, but at least it provides Tibetans with international moral support. As long as such support continues, it will become a force for change. Every effort to speak for freedom and truth will plant the seeds of goodness. May this UN communication inspire more people to pay attention to Tibet and support religious freedom. May the 11th Panchen Lama regain his freedom soon, and may His Holiness the Dalai Lama live long and continue to guide countless Tibetan Buddhists with light.