The Chinese newspaper for Tibet has published a question-and-answer article on the search for the 11th incarnation of the Panchen Lama, the second most senior religious figure in Tibet. The article says that the central government took three decisions on the issue, one of which was to set up a search party for the reincarnation and fix- the procedures confirmation.

However, the Dalai Lama named his own candidate abroad, which act disrupted the normal search process and negated the supreme authority of the central government". The central government's search group was formed along with an "advisory group." The group held meetings in 1991 and 1993, at the second of which five principles were set out by the State Council: first, the principle of patriotism; second, the principle that the Zhaxi Lhunbo Lamasery is in charge; third, the principle that the search must be carried out in China; fourth, the principle of approval by the central authorities; and fifth the principle that the installation ceremony and training take place in Zhaxi Lhunbo Lamasery." These principles guarantee the authority of the central government. The article indicates that further instalments will be published. The following is the text of the article by Chinese regional newspaper from Tibet 'Xizang Ribao', entitled.' 'Questions and answers regarding the reincarnated child of the 10th Panchen" by t

he Religious and Nationality Affairs Commission of Tibet Autonomous Region,' dated October 1995"; boldface as published.

[The following two paragraphs are contained in a box at the head of the report]

The 10th Great Master Panchen was a great patriot noted statesman, a loyal friend of the Chinese Communist Party and an outstanding leader of Tibetan Buddhism in China'. Soon after his passing the central authorities adopted three decisions. One of the three decisions provides for the search for a "reincarnated child for the Panchen Lama" and the central authorities took the work very seriously and were very supportive. Huge efforts have been devoted to the search and major progress has been made in this work over the past six years. As the search efforts entered a crucial phase the Dalai Lama in disregard of fixed historical convention and religious rituals, openly named abroad a child as the "reincarnated child of the Panchen Lama". This is an act that disrupted the normal search process and negated the supreme authority of the central government in the matter concerning the reincarnation of the Panchen Lama, seriously undermining and disrupting the reincarnation process.

To help the broad masses of monks and laymen throughout the region get a profound understanding of the parry and government principles and policies on the "reincarnated child of the Panchen Lama" of the historical convention, religious rituals, and the proper procedures for confirming the "reincarnated child of the Panchen Lama" of the political scheme of the Dalai clique of using the reincarnation issue in continuing its activities aimed at splitting up the motherland and undermining Tibet's stability and unity; and to help uplift their consciousness in safeguarding the motherland's unity, opposing separatism, safeguarding stability and unity, and helping the Zhaxi Lhunbo [Tashi Lhunpo] Lamasery in successfully accomplishing this major event in Buddhism in accordance with the historical convention and religious rituals, we have compiled this.

"Questions and Answer Regarding the Reincarnated Child of the 10th Panchen Lama" for study and use by the broad masses of monks and laymen throughout the region.

Principles laid down by the party and government in regard to the reincarnated child of the 10th Panchen Lama" and the work that has been done in this regard

WHAT ARE THE DECISIONS ADOPTED BY THE STATE COUNCIL FOLLOWING THE PASSING OF THE 10TH GREAT MASTER PANCHEN?

Answer: Following the passing of the 10th Bainqen Panchen] Erdini Qoigyi Gyaincain in Deqingpozhang [Decheuphodrang] Xigaze on 28th January 1989, the State Council on 30th January 1989 adopted three decisions concerning the funeral arrangements and reincarnation of the 10th Great Master Panchen. The first is to build a soul tower for the 10th Panchen; the second is to conduct memorial activities and preserve his remains in accordance with Buddhist rituals; and third is to locate and confirm the reincarnated child of Panchen.

WHAT ARE THE PROVISIONS CONCERNING REINCARNATION OF THE 10TH PANCHEN ARE CONTAINED IN THE STATE COUNCIL'S THREE DECISIONS?

Answer: The third of the State Council S three decisions provides that the location and confirmation of the reincarnation of the 10th Bainqen Erdini Qoigyi Gyaincain should be handled by the Committee for Democratic Administration {CDA] at the Zhaxi Lhunbo Lamasery and be assisted by the Buddhist Association of China [BAC] and its Tibetan branch if necessary The result should be forwarded to the State Council for approval

What bodies have been set up for the search of the reincarnated child of the 10th Great Master Panchen?

Answer: A group in charge of search work' - led by Living Buddha Jiaya [0857 716l], who was a classics teacher for tile Great Master Panchen, and Qiazba [1874 2089], chairman of the CDA at the Zhaxi Lhunbo Lamasery - was formed on 18th October 1990 with the approval of the State Council. An advisory body composed of notables of China's Buddhist circles and with Pagbalha Geleg Namgyai, vice-chairman of the National People's Congress, and Zhao Puchu, president of the BAC as its chief advisers was also formed to help in the search work.

HOW MANY TIMES HAVE THE CENTRAL AUTHORITIES MET TO STUDY THE SEARCH EFFORTS AND WHAT ARE MAIN CONTENTS OF THESE MEETINGS?

Answer: The central authorities convened its first meeting on the search efforts between 6th and 8th April 1991 - The main purpose of this meeting was to smooth working relations, clearly specify responsibilities and exchange information.

On 20th July 1993, the central authorities convened their second meeting on the search efforts. On the basis of the actual conditions in the search efforts at that time, the meeting laid down requirements on accelerating the search efforts seeking unity in thinking, and gaining a better understanding of the work. The meeting also clearly spelled out principles for the search efforts.

WHAT ATE THE PRINCIPLES THE CENTRAL AUTHORITIES HAVE LAID DOWN FOR THE SEARCH WORK?

Answer: At the second meeting on the search efforts convened by the central authorities on 20th July 1993, on behalf of the State Council, Comrade Luo Gan, State Councillor and Secretary General of the State Council, set forth five principles that must be adhered to in the search efforts: first, the principle of patriotism; second, the principle that the Zhaxi Lhunbo Lamasery is in charge; third, the principle that the search must be carried out in China; fourth, the principle of approval by the central authorities; and fifth, the principle that the installation ceremony and training take place in Zhaxi Lhunbo Lamasery.

In short they can be summarized into the following two points: First, in regard to religion, the religious rituals and the historical convention must be respected; second, politically, it is essential to uphold patriotism and central leadership. (to be continued)

Source.' 'Xizang Ribao' Lhasa, in Chinese 1 Nov 95