China compiles database of ‘living Buddhas’ ... and guess who’s not on the list?
China’s communist government has compiled a database of 870 “verified” living Buddhas and left the Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama off the list.
The database of Tibetan holy men was launched by the government on Saturday, saying it was the first that could be accessed and searched by members of the public.
Anybody claiming to be a living Buddha who is not on the list should be considered a fake, according to a statement on the website of the State Administration for Religious Affairs.
READ MORE: China insists on right to approve next Dalai Lama in tussle over Tibetan spiritual leader’s reincarnation
China’s government considers the Dalai Lama a separatist intent on splitting the nation.
He rejects the allegation, saying he merely wants greater autonomy for the region.
Living Buddhas are worshipped by Tibetan Buddhists who believe in the reincarnation of their spiritual leaders.
People wishing to the search the database for a living Buddha have to provide a mobile phone number to receive a verification code.
A limit is set of five inquiries a day.
Information given includes the holy man’s secular name, religious name, date of birth, religious division, phone number, the location of his temple and his “living Buddha licence number”.
