A Tibetan proverb states, “The sun and moon in the sky, the Dalai and Panchen Lamas on earth.” These two great Living Buddhas are the Gelug school’s religious leaders. They hold supreme positions in Tibet. However, the early 20th century saw the 13th Dalai Lama flee twice. Also, the 9th Panchen Lama fled to Qinghai for over 20 years. He never returned to Tibet before his death. What caused this conflict?
The Shifting Landscape of Early 20th Century Tibet
To understand this, we must look at the early 20th century. The Qing Dynasty was facing major changes. Even remote Tibet felt the impact. The system of reincarnated Living Buddhas started in the 12th century. In 1193 AD, Dusum Khyenpa, from the Karma Kagyu school, said he would be reincarnated. His followers searched for his next life. Thus, the practice of reincarnated Living Buddhas began.
This system spread to other Tibetan Buddhist sects. Over time, a detailed process for finding, identifying, and educating these Living Buddhas developed. This resulted in many Living Buddha lineages across the Tibetan Plateau. By 1949, there were around 10,000 Living Buddhas in Tibetan Buddhism.
The Different Schools of Tibetan Buddhism
There are several schools of Tibetan Buddhism. The main ones include the Yellow, Red, Sakya, and Kagyu schools. The Gelug school is known as the Yellow school due to their yellow hats. Similarly, the Nyingma school is called the Red school because of their red hats. The Sakya school has red, white, and black stripes on its monastery walls. The Kagyu school is called the White school due to their white robes.
The Gelug school rose to prominence in the 15th century. It became the dominant school in Tibetan Buddhism, influencing Tibetan society more than other schools.
The Roles of the Dalai Lama and Panchen Lama
Both the Panchen Lama and the Dalai Lama are the most important Living Buddhas within the Gelug school. They are also the highest political leaders of Tibet. They receive the highest respect. People bow to them, and after death, they receive stupa interments. “Dalai” means “ocean” in Mongolian, and “Lama” means “superior being” in Tibetan. The full title of the Panchen Lama is “Panchen Erdeni.” “Panchen” is from Sanskrit and Tibetan, meaning “great scholar.” “Erdeni” means “pearl” in Manchu.
In religious terms, the Panchen Lama is ranked higher than the Dalai Lama. However, the Dalai Lama has held secular power since the Ming and Qing dynasties. Thus, the Dalai Lama has greater prestige in the Buddhist world. The Tibetan people viewed the Panchen Lama as the “Dharma King,” in charge of teachings. On the other hand, the Dalai Lama is seen as the “Buddha Lord,” controlling secular power.
Reincarnation and the Teacher-Student Dynamic
Both the Dalai Lama and Panchen Lama are “reincarnated” Living Buddhas, reborn in a cycle. However, they don’t remember their past lives. The teacher-student relationship between them can become complicated. Sometimes, one is the teacher in one life. Then, the roles can switch in the next. For example, the 13th Dalai Lama was the teacher of the 9th Panchen Lama.
The Seeds of Conflict
Normally, the relationship between the Panchen Lama and the Dalai Lama is harmonious. However, the 9th Panchen Lama and the 13th Dalai Lama had serious conflicts. Great Britain also played a role in their conflict.
Great Britain expanded its influence after taking control of India. They began encroaching on areas near the Himalayas. However, in the mid-18th century, the Qing army defeated a Gurkha invasion of Tibet. Then, the Qing emperor strengthened his control over Tibet.
British Intrusion and the Dalai Lama’s Exile
Great Britain never forgot about Tibet. Over the next century, they annexed neighboring regions to create pathways to invade Tibet. In 1903, the British Indian Army invaded Tibet. They defeated the Tibetan army by deception. By 1904, they reached Lhasa. Consequently, the 13th Dalai Lama fled, seeking support from Tsarist Russia.
Great Britain attempted to control Tibet further with the “Treaty of Lhasa.” However, the Dalai Lama had already fled. The Qing Amban also refused to sign. Then, the British got representatives of three monasteries to sign the treaty. The Qing court did not recognize this treaty. However, the court thought the 13th Dalai Lama authorized it. Thus, they removed his title and gave the role to the 9th Panchen Lama. The Panchen Lama refused. Nevertheless, this incident marked the beginning of their conflict.
The Dalai Lama’s Return and Continued Conflicts
Russia provided some support to the 13th Dalai Lama. However, they could not offer much help due to their own issues. The Qing court restored his title to keep him away from Russia. The 13th Dalai Lama returned to Qinghai.
In 1908, he traveled to Beijing. He sought direct communication with the imperial court. However, Cixi rejected this request. He also refused to perform the “three kneelings and nine prostrations” ceremony. Eventually, he compromised with a single kneeling bow. This experience left him feeling humiliated and dissatisfied.
The 13th Dalai Lama returned to Lhasa in 1910. The Qing Amban accused him of importing Russian military equipment, further escalating tensions. The Qing army then entered Lhasa, which led to the 13th Dalai Lama fleeing again.
The 13th Dalai Lama Seeks British Support
The 13th Dalai Lama then turned to Great Britain for support. He received political asylum and began training troops. Following the fall of the Qing Dynasty, his title was restored. The Dalai Lama returned to Tibet, this time with a greater understanding of power. He began to suppress other forces, including the 9th Panchen Lama.
The 9th Panchen Lama’s Flight
The 13th Dalai Lama started to limit the 9th Panchen Lama’s privileges. In 1923, the 9th Panchen Lama fled Tibet. He sought support from the central government. He proposed the idea of dividing Tibet into two sections, with the central government placing officials in both. He also requested military support and the return of confiscated properties.
The 13th Dalai Lama, in response, demanded the removal of the Panchen Lama’s title. He also asked for the Panchen Lama’s arrest. The 9th Panchen Lama then publicly accused the Dalai Lama of “Ten Great Crimes.”
The Nationalist government, facing internal challenges, avoided taking sides. They delayed making a decision on the matter.
The Death of the 13th Dalai Lama and the Panchen Lama’s Unfulfilled Return
The 13th Dalai Lama’s death in 1933 removed a major obstacle. In 1935, the 9th Panchen Lama prepared to return to Tibet through Qinghai. However, Great Britain again intervened, preventing his return. The outbreak of war with Japan further complicated the situation. The Panchen Lama died in Qinghai in 1937, never realizing his dream of returning to Tibet.
After the death of the 9th Panchen Lama, his organization began searching for his reincarnation. They chose Gonpo Tseten, who became the 10th Panchen Lama. However, the 10th Panchen Lama had to wait in Qinghai.
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