Ingenious?

China has banned Buddhist monks in Tibet from reincarnating without government permission!

My first reaction to this was how pretentious are we getting?! Reincarnation, in itself, is just a belief. It is not exactly a scientific process. And to try and regulate something like that!! Its like a George Bush idea! And since when does a communist government start worrying about monks and reincarnations!!

But on second thought, is it really that ridiculous an idea? The motive behind the regulation is to cut off the influence of the Dalai Lama. He is 72 now and planning his succession. Per beliefs, the Dalai Lama's soul is reborn as another human to continue his work. As a spiritual leader, he holds a lot of respect among the people of Tibet (and all over the world). And with respect comes some amount of power too.

The regulation is almost like imposing the power of the government and the law above religion and spirituality. It is very difficult to question religion and beliefs of the common man. These are very deep rooted. Years and years of conditioning make them unquestioningly following these beliefs. [And it’s not just about the Dalai Lama. It is true of all religions.] The subset of people who question these beliefs is minimal. Rather than question their beliefs, the government is opting to accept it. They are taking it a step further, infact. They are projecting themselves as a higher power by trying to regulate and thus rule over this religion.

If that intent fails, the government still has the right to tell the people who the new reincarnate of the Lama is. The Lama would have informed the government!! They could position anyone they want in this role. Even if the monastery claims someone else as the true incarnate, it will kind of split the people into two sections depending on who they choose to believe.

The regulation is truly multipotent. Divide and rule. It works!

On a lighter note, I am waiting to hear Hollywood’s reaction to this?