You’re a living Buddha, huh? Let’s see some ID.

That’s the new policy of the Chinese government, which now says reincarnations of Tibetan living biddhas must “follow the rule of law.”

China’s official news agency, Xinhua, reports that Beijing has enacted a 14-article statute regulating the official recognition of reincarnated beings in Tibet. Unapproved living Buddhas will be deemed illegal and invalid.

The move is in response to recent comments made by the Dalia Lama indicating he may choose to be reincarnated outside Tibet, beyond the reach of Chinese law. In Tibetan tradition, the Dalai Lama is the embodiment of Avalokiteśvara, an important Bodhisattva (Buddha). As the leader of Tibet’s largest Buddhist sect, the Dalia Lama was also the de facto head of state prior to China’s occupation of the country.

With the present Dalai Lama now 72 years old, Beijing and the exiled Tibetan leadership are jockeying to manage his succession. China installed its choice for Panchen Lama in 1995. The Panchen Lama — who is also believed to be a reincarnated being — plays an important part in discerning the identity of the Dalai Lama.

Link: Xinhua