TIBET: Diarchy of Deities

One of the disadvantages of worshiping a living god is that he may bolt. This is what his supremely exalted omnipotence, Tibet's Dalai Lama, did when he heard that the Red Chinese army was approaching his capital in 1950. Persuaded to return, he found that the Communists had brought with them a rival deity, the Panchen Lama. Last summer both Lamas journeyed to Peking to attend the First National People's Congress (TIME. Sept. 27). At a cocktail party a visiting British newsman met the Dalai Lama, wearing a saffron robe and a large collection...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!