Gedhun Choekyi Nyima is Panchen Lama Recognized by the Dalai Lama

Short answer: The 14th Dalai Lama recognizes Gedhun Choekyi Nyima as the 11th Panchen Lama.

Background

The Panchen Lama is the second-highest spiritual figure in the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism and traditionally plays a role in recognizing the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama and vice versa. On 14 May 1995 the 14th Dalai Lama publicly named six-year-old Gedhun Choekyi Nyima as the 11th Panchen Lama.

What happened after the recognition

Days after the Dalai Lama's announcement, Chinese authorities took Gedhun Choekyi Nyima and his family into custody. The Chinese government rejected the Dalai Lama's choice and later promoted a different candidate, Gyaincain (Gyaltsen) Norbu, as the state-approved Panchen Lama. Gedhun Choekyi Nyima has not been seen in public since his detention.

Current status and recognition

The Dalai Lama and the Tibetan exile community continue to recognize Gedhun Choekyi Nyima as the legitimate 11th Panchen Lama. The People’s Republic of China recognizes its own appointee, Gyaincain Norbu, creating two competing claims to the title.

Why this matters

• Religious legitimacy vs. political control: The Dalai Lama’s recognition follows traditional Tibetan religious procedure; China’s appointment reflects state control over religious institutions.
• Succession implications: The Panchen Lama traditionally helps identify the next Dalai Lama, so control over the Panchen institution affects future leadership.
• Human rights concerns: Gedhun Choekyi Nyima’s disappearance has drawn international attention and concern about religious freedom and transparency.

Key facts

Name recognized by the Dalai Lama: Gedhun Choekyi Nyima

Date of recognition: 14 May 1995

China’s appointee: Gyaincain (Gyaltsen) Norbu

Status since recognition: Detained/removed from public view; whereabouts not independently verified

Bottom line: The Dalai Lama recognizes Gedhun Choekyi Nyima as the 11th Panchen Lama, but that recognition is disputed by the Chinese government, which installed its own candidate.