LHASA, Aug. 3 (Xinhua) -- Panchen Erdeni Chos-kyi rGyal-po on Monday visited Jokhang Temple in his first Buddhist activity in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region this year.
Panchen Rinpoche, a leader of Tibetan Buddhism, participated in religious services and performed a head-touching ritual for monks at the temple in Lhasa, regional capital of Xizang.
He arrived at the temple around 5:30 a.m., where lamas lined up to greet him, holding Tibetan incense and Buddhist prayer flags.
In the temple's main hall, he paid respect and offered a hada, which is a white silk scarf symbolizing respect and blessings, to a statue of the Buddha. According to historical records, the statue was brought to the temple by Princess Wencheng during the Tang Dynasty (618-907).
Afterward, Panchen Rinpoche led a sutra chanting ceremony at the temple, praying for peace, prosperity and the well-being of the people. He was joined by more than 100 monks from Jokhang Temple and Tashilhunpo Monastery. He then performed a head-touching ritual to bless the monks.
As one of the most influential Living Buddhas in Tibetan Buddhism, Panchen Erdeni Chos-kyi rGyal-po was born on Feb. 13, 1990, in Lhari County of Nagqu in Xizang. On Nov. 29, 1995, he was approved and confirmed by the State Council as the reincarnation of the 10th Panchen after a lot-drawing from a golden urn. He was then enthroned as the 11th Panchen Erdeni.
Panchen Rinpoche is a member of the Standing Committee of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, the country's top political advisory body. He is also vice president of the Buddhist Association of China and president of the association's Xizang branch.
He arrived in Lhasa on July 30. During his stay, he will perform his duties at the Xizang branch, carry out social research and attend a series of religious activities. ■
