After being recognized by the 14^th Dalai Lama as the reincarnation of the 10^th Panchen Lama, he and his family disappeared. He is thought to be held under house arrest in Beijing. Since then the Chinese government has named their own "Panchen Lama." Historically, the role of the Panchen Lama has been quite significant in Tibet. The 10^th Panchen Lama decided not to leave Tibet during the cultural revolution, but to stay and help the Tibetans from the inside. 

Places You Can Direct Your Help:

Tibetan Nuns Project (founded 1987)

Since the Chinese occupation of Tibet many Tibetans have fled in search of freedom. Among the refugees are Tibetan Nuns. Women, who have chosen to live, work and study in accordance with their spiritual commitments. The Tibetan Nuns Project was created to assist these women to find food, shelter, medical care and education. It provides basic needs to over 500 Nuns. 

"Ranging in age from fourteen to eighty-four, the nuns come from all parts of Tibet, and are of many different backgrounds. Many have endured torture and imprisonment for speaking out against the continued Communist oppression in their homeland. Most have no other source of support."

For More Information: E mail tnpusa@igc.org, or write Tibetan Nuns Project P.O. box 374 San Geronimo, CA 94963.