This is taking authoritarianism to a whole new level:

In one of history's more absurd acts of totalitarianism, China has banned Buddhist monks in Tibet from reincarnating without government permission. According to a statement issued by the State Administration for Religious Affairs, the law, which goes into effect next month and strictly stipulates the procedures by which one is to reincarnate, is "an important move to institutionalize management of reincarnation."

Because of course, we can't just have anyone reincarnation willy nilly without filling out the proper forms and asking permission first.  This of course begs the question, how do you find someone who has reincarnated illegally?  They could be anywhere, or anyone now!  And here you thought the paperwork required to get a travel visa was challenging.  Imagine what it would take to get permission to reincarnate.  Via The Dilbert Blog, who of course adds his own funny take.