China uses Panchen Lama's Kalachakra to legitimise control over Tibetans

China is utilizing the Kalachakra empowerment, a significant Buddhist ritual, to reinforce its control over Tibetan Buddhism and promote its political agenda. The upcoming Kalachakra empowerment, scheduled from October 9 to 12, 2025, at the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery in Shigatse, Tibet, is being led by the 11th Panchen Lama, Gyaincain Norbu, who was appointed by the Chinese government. This event is part of China's broader strategy to assert its influence over Tibetan religious practices and align them with state objectives.

Kalachakra Empowerment: A Spiritual and Political Tool

The Kalachakra empowerment is a revered Buddhist ceremony intended to initiate practitioners into the path of enlightenment. Traditionally, it is a deeply spiritual event aimed at promoting peace and personal transformation. However, China's administration has redefined its purpose to include the prosperity of the nation and the well-being of its people, as stated in the official notice from the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery. This reorientation reflects the government's effort to intertwine religious rituals with nationalistic and political narratives.

Gyaincain Norbu, recognized by Beijing as the 11th Panchen Lama, is a central figure in this initiative. His position is contentious among Tibetans, as he was chosen by the Chinese government following the disappearance of the Dalai Lama's preferred candidate, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, in 1995. Many Tibetans view Gyaincain Norbu as a puppet of the state, lacking the spiritual authority traditionally associated with the Panchen Lama. Despite this, he has been actively involved in promoting the Sinicization of Tibetan Buddhism, aligning religious practices with Chinese Communist Party ideologies.

The Chinese government's involvement in religious affairs is evident in the strict regulations surrounding the Kalachakra empowerment. The official notice mandates silence during the ceremony, prohibits the bringing of items such as knives, flammable objects, and alcohol, and requires adherence to monastery rules. These measures underscore the state's desire to maintain control over religious expressions and ensure they conform to its policies.

International and Tibetan Reactions

The upcoming Kalachakra empowerment has drawn criticism from international human rights organizations and Tibetan exiles. They argue that the event is a state-sponsored attempt to legitimize Beijing's control over Tibetan Buddhism and suppress authentic religious practices. The emphasis on national prosperity and the well-being of the people in the empowerment's objectives is seen as a thinly veiled effort to promote Communist Party propaganda under the guise of religious ceremony.

China's orchestration of the Kalachakra empowerment highlights its ongoing efforts to integrate religious practices into its political framework. By controlling significant religious events and appointing state-approved religious leaders, China aims to reshape Tibetan Buddhism to align with its governance model. This strategy not only consolidates political power but also seeks to diminish the influence of traditional Tibetan religious figures and institutions.