Recent reports indicate increased military presence and heightened restrictions at the Larung Gar Buddhist Academy, the world's largest Tibetan Buddhist study center, situated in Serthar County, Sichuan Province, China. On December 20, 2024, approximately 400 Chinese military personnel from neighboring Drakgo and other counties arrived at the academy, effectively intensifying the monitoring activities within this revered institution, which was founded in 1980.
This latest military deployment, which included helicopter surveillance, suggests the Chinese government’s intent to enforce stringent new regulations beginning 2025. These regulations are set to drastically alter the fabric of Larung Gar by limiting residency for monks and nuns to just 15 years, mandatorily registering all practitioners, and imposing stricter population caps, potentially reducing the number of active monks and nuns across the province to as low as 1,000. This is significant as Larung Gar previously hosted about 10,000 officially registered residents before undergoing severe regulations and crackdowns on religious practices.
The continued pressures on Larung Gar fit within the broader pattern of Chinese governmental strategy aimed at controlling religious expression and limiting the influence of traditional Buddhist institutions, which have seen increased restrictions over the years. The academy has already endured substantial crackdowns, particularly during incidents in 2001 and 2016-2017, which saw the destruction of residential structures and the forceful eviction of many monks and nuns.
This situation has prompted reactions and concerns from the international community, particularly from Tibet advocacy groups and governments concerned about human rights abuses. The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) has labeled the recent military buildup and accompanying regulations as another chapter in China’s campaign against religious freedom, stating, "The latest measures represent an escalation in China’s broader campaign to restrict religious freedom in Tibet." This has fueled fears among the local Buddhist population, who see these acts as systematic efforts to diminish their way of life and cultural heritage.
The Larung Gar Buddhist Academy consists of expansive buildings and study areas, sprawling over the scenic mountainside of Serthar County. It has long served as a prominent destination for those wishing to deepen their Buddhist studies. The academy was established by revered Buddhist teacher Khenchen Jigme Phuntsok, with sustenance from the 10th Panchen Lama, and has been considered one of the keystones of modern Tibetan Buddhism.
With the academy facing yet another wave of military enforcement, sources reveal unsettling signs indicating not just increased regulations, but targeted measures expected to significantly force out Chinese students currently enrolled at the academy. This policy shift has raised serious questions about religious freedom, academic autonomy, and the future of Buddhist education within Tibet, where numerous traditional practices are constantly under surveillance.
Historically, there has been considerable unrest concerning the Chinese government's control over Tibetan religious sites, which continues to impact the daily lives of practitioners. Scholars and human rights activists argue these measures signal not only a challenge to religious practices but also indicate systematic attempts to erase Tibetan identity and culture itself.
While Chinese authorities claim these actions are necessary for maintaining stability and public order, the impact on the local Tibetan population is significant. Conversations among residents inside Larung Gar express feelings of anxiety about the future, with some monks noting the increased military visibility as unsettling and indicative of the changing environment around their monastic community.
The community's response has been cautious yet resilient, with many practitioners continuing to gather and study, albeit under the ever-watchful eye of the authorities. Local leaders have urged followers to remain focused on their teachings and practices, invoking the enduring spirit of Tibetan Buddhism as they navigate these challenges.
What remains to be seen is how these new regulations will effectively alter the operations and the existence of Larung Gar as one of the most significant centers of Tibetan Buddhism. The interplay between authority and faith will likely draw continued scrutiny from both inside and outside Tibet as global attention remains on this delicate situation.
Historically, Larung Gar's vibrant community has served not only as a place of learning but also as a symbol of Tibetan resilience against subdued religious practices. The international community must remain vigilant, supporting efforts to preserve religious freedom and Tibetan culture amid increasing restrictions and military presence.
