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