Imagine you're only 6 years old and you've been chosen as your country's second most important religious leader. Then another 6-year-old is brought in to take your spot. Something similar is happening in Tibet, a beautiful, mountainous land ruled by China.
Tibetans are religious Buddhists with unique beliefs. Their leader is called the Dalai Lama. Their second leader is the Panchen Lama. When one of the Lamas dies, Tibetans believe his spirit enters a newborn boy.
After the Panchen Lama died in 1989, the Dalai Lama chose Gedhun Choekyi Nyima (Gey-dun Choo-key Nee-ma) to be trained as the next Panchen Lama.
Tibetans welcomed the choice, but China's leaders did not. They do not want the Dalai Lama to lead his people. They have barred him from Tibet. Now they've chosen their own Panchen Lama, Gyaincain Norbu (Gi-yan-cane Nor-boo). Last Friday China rushed small, frightened Norbu to the throne, declaring him the Panchen Lama. China hopes to control his education.
The Dalai Lama is upset that his choice was set aside. "My people have been deeply hurt," he said. Many Tibetans are worried that Norbu will be taught the wrong things. Said one: "If he is not taught properly by Tibetan monks, our culture is destroyed."