Rules Governing the Reincarnation of Tibetan Living Buddhas

Rules Governing the Reincarnation of Tibetan Living Buddhas

The Rules Governing the Reincarnation of Tibetan Living Buddhas was adopted by the State Administration for Religious Affairs on July 13, 2007 and came into force the following September 1. Based on the Regulations on Religious Affairs, this document codifies reincarnation practices of Tibetan Buddhism, specifying the way in which the section of reincarnates is administered. The document, composed of 14 articles, explains its purposes, and lays out principles and conditions for reincarnation, review and approval procedures, duties and responsibilities of religious groups, and penalties for violations. It was enacted on the basis of respect for religious rituals and historical conventions, as a measure to ensure freedom of religion or belief. Its implementation facilitates the process of reincarnation, and accommodates the wishes of Tibetan Buddhist monks and worshippers. It represents an important effort to promote the rule of law in general and handle religious affairs according to the law in particular.

藏传佛教活佛转世管理办法

《藏传佛教活佛转世管理办法》于2007年7月13日经国家宗教事务局局务会议通过，自2007年9月1日起施行。《办法》以《宗教事务条例》为立法依据，将活佛转世管理具体化，标志着中国对藏传佛教活佛转世管理进一步法制化。《办法》共14条，包括立法目的、转世原则、转世条件、审批程序、佛教团体职责、违法处罚等方面内容。颁布实施《办法》是尊重宗教仪轨和历史定制的需要，是贯彻落实宗教信仰自由政策的具体措施。《办法》的颁布实施，规范了活佛转世事宜，满足了藏传佛教界的要求和信教群众的愿望，是依法治国、依法管理宗教事务的重要体现。