Aug.5, 2016 -- "The Living Buddha reincarnation system has never changed over 700 years, which is a historic choice of the Tibetan society, Tibetan Buddhism and its believers,”"said Zhou Wei, director of the religion institute of China Tibetology Research Center (CTRC) on the 6th Beijing International Seminar on Tibetan Studies.

 

Zhou gave an introduction of the Living Buddha reincarnation system and its history at the seminar. “In the 15th century, in order to consolidate its religious position, the Gelug sect introduced the system composed of both the Dalai and Panchen systems. In the early 18th century, the 5th Dalai and the 4th Panchen controlled the local government and they established relations with the Qing court (1636-1912) which recognized them and granted them titles to make them legal,” said Zhou.

 

"Since then, the Chinese central governments have recognized the reincarnation system," said Zhou.

 

"The system must be in accordance with historical conventions and religious rituals and must be approved and designated by the central government," added Zhou.

 

The theme exhibition on Living Buddha reincarnation was also held in CTRC’s museum at the sideline of the seminar.