Great 13th Visits China
In 1908 His Holiness paid a short visit to China in order to bring an understanding between Tibet and China regarding the growing border tensions.
He was received with great respect and ceremony and he stayed at the Yellow Palace, originally built for the Great Fifth (Dalai lama). The Mayor of Peking and the Internal and External Ministers of the Chinese Court were there to receive him at the railway station.
During His stay,he visited various places and monasteries of importance in Peking. His Holiness met the Empress Dowager Tzu-hsi, and had talks with her on the relations between the two countries. In 1908 the young Emperor passed away, and after the proper rituals were performed a cousin was enthroned.The Dalai Lama was present at the enthronement.





























































Nice blog- fun read
Have you seen the new research that was recently published in Kapstein’s (ed.) new book? Really good stuff on the late Qing 13th DL’s visit to Beijing. HH gave the Empress Dowager a Tsepame tsewang- funny story that one. Apparently they didn’t have a super-great relationship though. I’m really interested in and been researching and lecturing on Qianlong period Tibetan Buddhist art and Qianlong’s relationship with Rolpai Dorje- theres so much unresearched material- the whole Heruka/VY cult especially. I’m sure you know the places associated with RD in Amdo are also closely linked to Dorje Naljorma. Some fantastic VY statues and temples as well- I’d attach a photo but have no idea how. It’s just fascinating how deep the Dharma links were with some of the Qing rulers. If only it was still like that!
I find it very good that the thirteenth Dalai Lama has tried a peaceful way to negotiate friendship between the two country. He was treated with great respect during that period of time. Imagine that! Just a century and the Dalai Lama is now in exile. I find that horribly disturbing. It is like backstabbing your best friends at the time. Is that not just plainly wrong as I bet the Chinese do have a conscience, right? We should treat people with respect regardless of who they are. Especially if they are a monk, super especially is they are such a high monk such as the Dalai Lama!