Editing Dalai Lama (section)

=== 9th to 12th Dalai Lamas ===
Hugh Richardson's summary of the period covering the four short-lived, 19th-century Dalai Lamas:
{{blockquote|After him [the [[8th Dalai Lama]], Jamphel Gyatso], the [[9th Dalai Lama|9th]] and [[10th Dalai Lama]]s died before attaining their majority: one of them is credibly stated to have been murdered and strong suspicion attaches to the other. The [[11th Dalai Lama|11th]] and [[12th Dalai Lama|12th]] were each enthroned but died soon after being invested with power. For 113 years, therefore, supreme authority in Tibet was in the hands of a Lama Regent, except for about two years when a lay noble held office and for short periods of nominal rule by the 11th and 12th Dalai Lamas.{{NoteTag|According to Mullin, Smith and Shakabpa, however, the 12th Dalai Lama's Regent, Reting Rinpoche, was deposed in 1862 in a coup by Gyalpo Shetra and Tibet was ruled by despots or assemblies of abbots and ministers for the next eleven years, that is until 1873 when the 12th Dalai Lama assumed power.}}<br />It has sometimes been suggested that this state of affairs was brought about by the Ambans—the Imperial Residents in Tibet—because it would be easier to control the Tibet through a Regent than when a Dalai Lama, with his absolute power, was at the head of the government. That is not true. The regular ebb and flow of events followed its set course. The Imperial Residents in Tibet, after the first flush of zeal in 1750, grew less and less interested and efficient. Tibet was, to them, exile from the urbanity and culture of Peking; and so far from dominating the Regents, the Ambans allowed themselves to be dominated. It was the ambition and greed for power of Tibetans that led to five successive Dalai Lamas being subjected to continuous tutelage.{{sfn|Richardson|1984|pp=59–60}}}}

[[Thubten Jigme Norbu]], the elder brother of the 14th Dalai Lama, described these unfortunate events as follows, although there are few, if any, indications that any of the four were said to be 'Chinese-appointed imposters':
{{blockquote|It is perhaps more than a coincidence that between the seventh and the thirteenth holders of that office, only one reached his majority. The eighth, Gyampal Gyatso, died when he was in his thirties, Lungtog Gyatso when he was eleven, Tsultrim Gyatso at eighteen, Khadrup Gyatso when he was eighteen also, and Krinla Gyatso at about the same age. The circumstances are such that it is very likely that some, if not all, were poisoned, either by loyal Tibetans for being Chinese-appointed impostors, or by the Chinese for not being properly manageable. Many Tibetans think that this was done at the time when the young [Dalai Lama] made his ritual visit to the Lake Lhamtso. ... Each of the four [Dalai Lamas] to die young expired shortly after his visit to the lake. Many said it was because they were not the true reincarnations, but imposters imposed by the Chinese. Others tell stories of how the cooks of the retinue, which in those days included many Chinese, were bribed to put poison in the [Dalai Lama's] food. The 13th [Dalai Lama] did not visit Lhamtso until he was 25 years old. He was adequately prepared by spiritual exercise and he also had faithful cooks. The Chinese were disappointed when he did not die like his predecessors, and he was to live long enough to give them much more cause for regret.{{sfn|Norbu|Turnbull|1968|pp=311–312}}{{NoteTag|According to their biographies, the [[8th Dalai Lama|Eighth, Jamphel Gyatso]] lived to 46 years old, the [[9th Dalai Lama|Ninth, Lungtok Gyatso]] to 9 years, the [[10th Dalai Lama|Tenth, Tsultrim Gyatso]] to 21, the [[Khedrup Gyatso|Eleventh, Khedrup Gyatso]] to 17 and the [[Trinley Gyatso|Twelfth, Trinley Gyatso]] to 18.}}}}

According to Mullin, on the other hand, it is improbable that the [[Manchus]] would have murdered any of these four for being 'unmanageable' since it would have been in their best interests to have strong Dalai Lamas ruling in Lhasa, he argues, agreeing with [[Hugh Edward Richardson|Richardson]] that it was rather "the ambition and greed for power of Tibetans" that might have caused the Lamas' early deaths.{{NoteTag|Considering what occurred in Lhasa after the Chinese ''ambans'' murdered [[Gyurme Namgyal]] in 1750, however, the Manchus would have been particularly reluctant to murder a Dalai Lama.}} Further, if Tibetan nobles murdered any of them, it would more likely have been in order to protect or enhance their family interests rather than out of suspicion that the Dalai Lamas were seen as Chinese-appointed imposters as suggested by Norbu. They could also have died from illnesses, possibly contracted from diseases to which they had no immunity, carried to Lhasa by the multitudes of pilgrims visiting from nearby countries for blessings. Finally, from the Buddhist point of view, Mullin says, "Simply stated, these four Dalai Lamas died young because the world did not have enough good karma to deserve their presence".<ref>Mullin 2001, pp. 343–6.</ref>

Tibetan historian K. Dhondup, however, in his history ''The Water-Bird and Other Years'', based on the Tibetan minister Surkhang Sawang Chenmo's historical manuscripts,<ref>Dhondup 1986, p. iv.</ref> disagrees with Mullin's opinion that having strong Dalai Lamas in power in Tibet would have been in China's best interests. He notes that many historians are compelled to suspect Manchu foul play in these serial early deaths because the Ambans had such latitude to interfere; the Manchu, he says, "''to perpetuate their domination over Tibetan affairs, did not desire a Dalai Lama who will ascend the throne and become a strong and capable ruler over his own country and people''". The life and deeds of the 13th Dalai Lama [in successfully upholding ''de facto'' Tibetan independence from China from 1912 to 1950] serve as the living proof of this argument, he points out.<ref>Dhondup 1986, p. 3.</ref> This account also corresponds with TJ Norbu's observations above.

Finally, while acknowledging the possibility, the [[14th Dalai Lama]] himself doubts they were poisoned. He ascribes the probable cause of these early deaths to negligence, foolishness and lack of proper medical knowledge and attention. "''Even today''" he is quoted as saying, "''when people get sick, some [Tibetans] will say: 'Just do your prayers, you don't need medical treatment.'''"<ref>Laird 2006, p. 197.</ref>

==== 9th Dalai Lama ====
{{Main|9th Dalai Lama}}

Born in Kham in 1805–6 amidst the usual miraculous signs the [[9th Dalai Lama|Ninth Dalai Lama, Lungtok Gyatso]] was appointed by the [[7th Panchen Lama]]'s search team at the age of two and enthroned in the Potala in 1808 at an impressive ceremony attended by representatives from China, Mongolia, Nepal and Bhutan. Exemption from using [[Golden Urn]] was approved by the Emperor.<ref>Mullin 2001, pp. 346–8.</ref><ref>Shakabpa 1984, p. 172.</ref> Tibetan historian Nyima Gyaincain and Wang Jiawei point out that the 9th Dalai Lama was allowed to use the seal of authority given to the late 8th Dalai Lama by the Emperor of China<ref name="Wang尼玛坚赞1997_p71">{{cite book |first1 = Jiawei |last1 = Wang |author2 = 尼玛坚赞 |title = The Historical Status of China's Tibet |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=ak3SQTVS7acC&pg=PA71 |year = 1997 |publisher=五洲传播出版社 |isbn = 978-7-80113-304-5 |pages=71– }}</ref>

His second Regent Demo Tulku was the biographer of the 8th and 9th Dalai Lamas and though the 9th died at the age of 9, his biography is as lengthy as those of many of the early Dalai Lamas.<ref>Mullin 2001, p. 348.</ref> In 1793 under Manchu pressure, Tibet had closed its borders to foreigners.<ref>Shakabpa 1984, p. 173.</ref><ref>Richardson 1984, p. 71.</ref> In 1811, a British Sinologist, [[Thomas Manning (sinologist)|Thomas Manning]] became the first Englishman to visit Lhasa. Considered to be 'the first Chinese scholar in Europe'<ref>{{acad|id=MNN790T|name=Manning, Thomas}}</ref> he stayed five months and gave enthusiastic accounts in his journal of his regular meetings with the Ninth Dalai Lama whom he found fascinating: "beautiful, elegant, refined, intelligent, and entirely self-possessed, even at the age of six".<ref>Mullin 2001, 349–351.</ref> Three years later in March 1815 the young Lungtok Gyatso caught a severe cold and, leaving the [[Potala Palace]] to preside over the [[Monlam Prayer Festival]], he contracted pneumonia from which he soon died.<ref>Shakabpa 1984, p. 174.</ref><ref>Mullin 2001, p. 352.</ref>

==== 10th Dalai Lama ====
{{Main|10th Dalai Lama}}

Like the [[Seventh Dalai Lama]], the [[10th Dalai Lama|Tenth, Tsultrim Gyatso]], was born in [[Litang County|Lithang]], [[Kham]], where the Third Dalai Lama had built a monastery. It was 1816 and Regent Demo Tulku and the [[Seventh Panchen Lama]] followed indications from [[Nechung]], the 'state oracle' which led them to appoint him at the age of two. He passed all the tests and was brought to Lhasa but official recognition was delayed until 1822 when he was enthroned and ordained by the Seventh Panchen Lama. There are conflicting reports about whether the Chinese '[[Golden Urn]]' was utilised by drawing lots to choose him, but lot-drawing result was reported and approved by emperor.<ref name="S138">Smith 1996, p. 138.</ref> The 10th Dalai Lama mentioned in his biography that he was allowed to use the golden seal of authority based on the convention set up by the late Dalai Lama. At the investiture, decree of the Emperor of China was issued and read out.<ref name="陈庆英2005_p85">{{cite book |author = 陈庆英 (Chen Qingying) |title = 达赖喇嘛转世及历史定制英 |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=haMIsdC3iZwC&pg=PA85 |year=2005 |publisher=五洲传播出版社 |isbn=978-7-5085-0745-3 |pages=85– }}</ref>

After 15 years of intensive studies and failing health he died, in 1837, at the age of 20 or 21.<ref>Mullin 2001, pp. 353–360.</ref><ref>Shakabpa 1984, pp. 174–6.</ref> He identified with ordinary people rather than the court officials and often sat on his verandah in the sunshine with the office clerks. Intending to empower the common people he planned to institute political and economic reforms to share the nation's wealth more equitably. Over this period his health had deteriorated, the implication being that he may have suffered from slow poisoning by Tibetan aristocrats whose interests these reforms were threatening.<ref>Mullin 2001, 360.</ref> He was also dissatisfied with his Regent and the [[Kashag]] and scolded them for not alleviating the condition of the common people, who had suffered much in small ongoing regional civil wars waged in [[Qinghai|Kokonor]] between Mongols, local Tibetans and the government over territory, and in [[Kham]] to extract unpaid taxes from rebellious Tibetan communities.<ref name="S138" /><ref>Shakabpa 1984, pp. 175–6.</ref>

==== 11th Dalai Lama ====
{{Main|11th Dalai Lama}}

Born in Gathar, [[Kham]] in 1838 and soon discovered by the official search committee with the help of the [[Nechung Oracle]], the [[11th Dalai Lama|Eleventh Dalai Lama]] was brought to Lhasa in 1841 and recognised, enthroned and named [[Khedrup Gyatso]] by the [[Panchen Lama]] on April 16, 1842, seal of authority and golden sheets were granted on the same date.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.tibetology.ac.cn/2021-10/28/content_41720536.htm | title=道光皇帝册封十一世达赖喇嘛之金册 }}</ref> [[Sitting-in-the-bed]] ceremony was held in July 1844.<ref>{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=haMIsdC3iZwC&pg=PA80 | title=The System of the Dalai Lama Reincarnation | isbn=9787508507453 | author1=陈庆英 | date=30 October 2023 | publisher=五洲传播出版社 }}</ref> After that he was immersed in religious studies under the Panchen Lama, amongst other great masters. Meanwhile, there were court intrigues and ongoing power struggles taking place between the various Lhasa factions, the Regent, the [[Kashag]], the powerful nobles and the abbots and monks of the three great monasteries. The Tsemonling Regent<ref>{{cite web |url = http://treasuryoflives.org/biographies/view/Trichen-73-Ngawang-Jampel-Tsultrim-Gyatso/6979 |title = The Second Tsemonling, Ngawang Jampel Tsultrim Gyatso |website = The Treasury of Lives |access-date = 23 July 2015 |archive-date = 23 July 2015 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150723222940/http://treasuryoflives.org/biographies/view/Trichen-73-Ngawang-Jampel-Tsultrim-Gyatso/6979 |url-status = live }}</ref> became mistrusted and was forcibly deposed, there were machinations, plots, beatings and kidnappings of ministers and so forth, resulting at last in the Panchen Lama being appointed as interim Regent to keep the peace.

Eventually the Third Reting Rinpoche was made Regent, and in 1855, Khedrup Gyatso, appearing to be an extremely promising prospect, was requested to take the reins of power at the age of 17. He was enthroned as ruler of Tibet in 1855,<ref name=M361-7>Mullin 2001, pp. 361–7.</ref><ref name=S176-81>Shakabpa 1984, pp. 176–181.</ref> on orders of the [[Xianfeng Emperor]].<ref name="陈庆英2005_p91">{{cite book |author=陈庆英 (Chen Qingying) |title = 达赖喇嘛转世及历史定制英 |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=haMIsdC3iZwC&pg=PA91 |year = 2005 |publisher=五洲传播出版社 |isbn = 978-7-5085-0745-3 |pages = 91– }}</ref> He died after just 11 months, no reason for his sudden and premature death being given in these accounts, Shakabpa and Mullin's histories both being based on untranslated Tibetan chronicles. The respected Reting Rinpoche was recalled once again to act as Regent and requested to lead the search for the next incarnation, the twelfth.<ref name="M361-7" /><ref name="S176-81" />

==== 12th Dalai Lama ====
{{Main|12th Dalai Lama}}

In 1856, a child was born in south [[central Tibet]] with all the usual extraordinary signs. He came to the notice of the search team, was investigated, passed the traditional tests and was recognised as the [[12th Dalai Lama]] in 1858. The use of the Chinese [[Golden Urn]] at the insistence of the regent, who was later accused of being a Chinese lackey, confirmed this choice to everyone's satisfaction. He was renamed [[Trinley Gyatso]] and enthroned on July 3, 1860, after the emperor's edict from [[Amban]] was announced.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.tibetology.ac.cn/2022-08/29/content_42086423.htm | title=【活佛转世】陈庆英等：认定十一世、十二世达赖喇嘛的经过 }}</ref> He underwent 13 years of intensive tutelage and training before becoming Tibet's ruler at age 17.<ref name="M367">Mullin 2001, pp. 367–373.</ref>

His minority seems to have been a time of even deeper Lhasan political intrigue and power struggles than his predecessor's. In 1862 Wangchuk Shetra, a minister the regent had banished for conspiring against him, led a coup. Shetra contrived to return, deposed the regent, who fled to China, and seized power, appointing himself "Desi", or Prime Minister.<ref name="M367" /> He then ruled with "absolute power" for three years,<ref name="S188">Shakabpa 1984, pp. 188–9.</ref> quelling a major rebellion in northern Kham in 1863 and reestablishing Tibetan control over significant [[Qing]]-held territory there.<ref name=Sm140>Smith 1997, p. 140.</ref> Shetra died in 1864 and the [[Kashag]] reassumed power. The retired 76th [[Ganden Tripa]], Khyenrab Wangchuk, was appointed regent but his role was limited to supervising and mentoring Trinley Gyatso.<ref name="M367" /><ref name="S188" />

In 1868 Shetra's coup organiser, a semi-literate [[Ganden]] monk named Palden Dondrup, seized power in another coup and ruled as a cruel despot for three years, putting opponents to death by having them "sewn into fresh animal skins and thrown in the river".<ref name="S188" /> In 1871, at the request of officials outraged after Dondrup had done that to one minister and imprisoned several others, he was ousted and committed suicide after a counter-coup coordinated by the supposedly powerless regent Khyenrab Wangchuk.<ref name="S188" /> As a result, Tibetans fondly remember Khyenrab Wangchuk, who died the next year, as saviour of the Dalai Lama and the nation. The Kashag and the Tsongdu or National Assembly were reinstated, and, presided over by a Dalai Lama or his regent, ruled without further interruption until 1959.<ref name="M367" />

But according to Smith, during Trinley Gyatso's minority, an alliance of monks and officials called ''Gandre Drungche'' (Ganden and Drepung Monks Assembly) deposed the regent in 1862 for abuse of authority and closeness with China; this body then ruled Tibet for ten years until it dissolved when a National Assembly of monks and officials called the ''Tsongdu'' was created and took over. Smith makes no mention of Shetra or Dondrup acting as usurpers and despots in this period.<ref name="Sm140" />

In any case, Trinley Gyatso died within three years of assuming power. In 1873, at age 20, "he suddenly became ill and passed away".<ref name="M367" /> Accounts of his cause of death diverge. Mullin relates an interesting theory, based on Tibetan sources: out of concern for the monastic tradition, Trinley Gyatso chose to die and reincarnate as the [[13th Dalai Lama]] rather than marry a woman called Rigma Tsomo from Kokonor and leaving an heir to "oversee Tibet's future".<ref>Mullin 2001, pp. 373–375.</ref> On the other hand, without citing sources, Shakabpa notes that Trinley Gyatso was influenced and manipulated by two close acquaintances who were subsequently accused of having a hand in his fatal illness and imprisoned, tortured, and exiled as a result.<ref>Shakabpa 1984, p. 191.</ref>