Sacred Authority and State Power-Developments in Mongolia

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Sacred Authority and State Power-Developments in Mongolia

The Bogd Jebtsundamba Khutughtu from the Gelugpa school has traditionally led Buddhists in Mongolia, just as the Dalai Lama and Panchen Lamas have in Tibet. The lineage is symbolic of the rich heritage and history of Tibetan Buddhism and of independent Mongolian nationhood.

Ever since the Ninth Bogd Jebtsundamba - who was born in Tibet - died in 2012, there had been fears that China would seek to interfere in his reincarnation and even try to impose their own candidate. China wanted to retain control over a new incarnation linked to Dharamsala and the Dalai Lama, given that this could become a powerful Pan-Mongolian figure for Buddhists across Mongolia, including in Southern (Inner) Inner Mongolia and Russian Buddhist areas, as well as commanding attention globally. Beijing is also aware that the Tenth Bogd Lama might play a role in any future succession process of the Dalai Lama, given the strong connection between the lineages and the current historic circumstances.

Beijing had warned Mongolia publicly that they “hoped” it would handle the reincarnation of the Mongolian spiritual leader “autonomously”, in other words, without Dharamsala’s involvement. Nevertheless in 2016, following a visit to Mongolia, the Dalai Lama, who has strong connections with the Jebtsundamba lineage and had been close to the Ninth Bogd, announced that a reincarnation had been found.