BEIJING (Oct 8) — Gyaltsen Norbu, the China-appointed Panchen Lama widely rejected by Tibetans as a political appointee, is set to lead the Kalachakra empowerment and teachings at Tashi Lhunpo Monastery in Shigatse, Tibet, from October 9 to 12, according to Tibetan news outlet Phayul.
The monastery, which serves as the traditional seat of the Panchen Lamas, said the event will be held for “world peace, the prosperity of the motherland, and the welfare of all sentient beings.”
The announcement described Gyaltsen Norbu as “His Holiness the All-Knowing Panchen Lama”, saying he would bestow the sacred Kalachakra teachings “out of his boundless compassion.”
However, Tibetan groups in exile have dismissed the ceremony as a political exercise meant to bolster Beijing’s control over Tibetan Buddhism.
Strict directives for participants
The monastery issued detailed guidelines for attendees, urging monks and laypeople to follow strict security instructions, maintain silence during the rituals, and avoid bringing prohibited items such as knives, alcohol, or flammable materials.
This will not be Norbu’s first Kalachakra ceremony. In 2016, he led a similar event near Tashi Lhunpo, where reports suggested that authorities coerced Tibetan participation and offered payments to inflate attendance figures.
Political overtones and Beijing’s agenda
Over the past several months, Gyaltsen Norbu has toured extensively across Tibetan regions, promoting the Chinese government’s campaign to “Sinicise” Tibetan Buddhism — aligning religious practice with Communist Party ideology.
His increased visibility follows a private meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping earlier this year, during which he reportedly reaffirmed loyalty to the Party’s religious policy. The meeting took place around the 30th anniversary of the disappearance of Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, the boy recognised by the Dalai Lama as the legitimate 11th Panchen Lama in 1995.
Despite Beijing’s repeated claims that Gedhun Choekyi Nyima is “living a normal life,” no independent verification has ever been provided.
Contested legitimacy
For most Tibetans, both inside Tibet and in exile, Gyaltsen Norbu remains an emblem of Beijing’s interference in Tibetan religion. They continue to recognise Gedhun Choekyi Nyima — who vanished at age six and has not been seen since — as the true Panchen Lama.
Tibetan activists view Norbu’s public ceremonies as attempts to normalise his position and strengthen China’s control over monastic institutions in Tibet.