Database launched to check identity of Living Buddhas

An online database of legitimate Living Buddhas was launched at a ceremony in Beijing on Monday to help followers of Tibetan Buddhism distinguish between real ones and fakes.

The database has been set up amid concerns about fake Living Buddhas defrauding followers.

Launched by the Buddhist Association of China at the Guangji Temple in the capital, it will include the names, dates of birth, sect of the religion, the numbers on Living Buddhas' certificates and photographs of each Living Buddha.