Religious Freedom and Support in China's Xizang Autonomous Region

The Chinese government emphasizes the protection of lawful religious activities and strives to meet the religious needs of believers in the Xizang Autonomous Region. This commitment is detailed in a recent white paper released by the State Council Information Office.

The region is home to a diverse religious population, including approximately 46,000 Buddhist monks and nuns, 12,000 native Muslims, and over 700 Catholics. The white paper highlights the prevalence of religious practice within the community, noting that many ordinary believers maintain scripture rooms or Buddhist shrines in their homes.

Traditional religious practices are actively maintained in Tibetan Buddhist monasteries. These include the study of scriptures, debates, the ordination of monks and nuns, empowerment ceremonies, and self-cultivation. Regular examinations on scriptures are also conducted, leading to academic degrees within the monastic system.

Furthermore, the white paper acknowledges the continuation of religious and folk festivals and activities. These include the Shoton Festival, the Butter Lamp Festival, the Saga Dawa Festival, and religious walks around lakes and mountains. The government also respects the tradition of reincarnation of living Buddhas, adhering to legal procedures in managing the process.

Significant infrastructure development has been implemented to support religious communities. Over 98 percent of monasteries and temples now have access to essential services such as roads, telecommunications, electricity, water, radio, and television. The government also provides financial support, allocating over 26 million yuan annually to cover medical insurance, pension schemes, subsistence allowances, accident injury insurance, and health check expenses for all registered monks and nuns.

Investment in religious education is also evident. Nine Tibetan Buddhism colleges have been established across China, including the High-level Tibetan Buddhism College of China and the Xizang Tibetan Buddhist Institute, with a total investment of 920 million yuan.