China tells living Buddhas to obtain permission before they reincarnate – Times Online

quote from the above article, by Jane Macartney Times Online

Tibet’s living Buddhas have been banned from reincarnation without permission from China’s atheist leaders. The ban is included in new rules intended to assert Beijing’s authority over Tibet’s restive and deeply Buddhist people.

“The so-called reincarnated living Buddha without government approval is illegal and invalid,” according to the order, which comes into effect on September 1

HUH!

I would think this is one of those things that can’t be regulated.
Having read the article I understand that there are signs, portents and visions to consider, but I mean really. How can they even really think they can put a limit on this.
Perhaps it is as the article says and China just wants to flex its bully muscles even more at Tibet and their belief systems. Could the 2008 Olympics have anything to do with this?
Also considering its an atheistic Government to boot. Does the Chinese government really believe any spiritual body in Tibet will accept them making this kind of choice? I think not, but only time will tell how the Lama’s and other devout Buddhist of the country, deal with this latest bit of mockery by the Chinese Government.


More can be found here