Panchen Rinpoche carries out Buddhist, social activities in Xizang's Shigatse

LHASA -- Panchen Erdeni Chos-kyi rGyal-po has been performing his regular duties in Southwest China's Xizang autonomous region since late July. During part of this period, he carried out a series of religious and social activities in Xizang's Shigatse.

Panchen Rinpoche, a leader of Tibetan Buddhism, arrived in Lhasa, the regional capital, by air from Beijing on July 30. He traveled by road back to Shigatse, home to Tashilhunpo Monastery, his traditional seat, on Aug 24.

During his stay in Shigatse, he carried out a series of religious activities and visited Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in Kangmar, Sagya, Xaitongmoin and Bainang counties, and Sangzhuzi district, to pay homage to the Buddha, expound Buddhist teachings and conduct relevant social research.

On Sept 17, Panchen Rinpoche visited a quinoa planting and processing base in Sagya county and inspected quinoa growth in the fields.

After learning that the county has stepped up efforts to develop the quinoa industry in recent years, generating over 20 million yuan (about $3 million) in additional income for locals through land transfers, agricultural machinery leasing and job opportunities, he commended these efforts to develop specialty agriculture and raise local incomes.

Quinoa planting in Sagya now reaches 10,000 mu (around 667 hectares), with an output value of roughly 3,000 yuan per mu for an annual yield of approximately 150 kilograms.

On Sept 30, while presiding over a meeting of the Xizang branch of the Buddhist Association of China, Panchen Rinpoche called for in-depth study and publicity regarding relevant laws and regulations, including the Ethnic Unity and Progress Promotion Law and Xizang's regulations on religious affairs, to ensure that all work will remain aligned with the overall work of the Party and the country.

In Shigatse, he also presided over the 5th council meeting and a chairperson's office meeting of the Xizang Development Fund. In addition, he attended events hosted by the fund.

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 Nagchu in Xizang. On Nov 29, 1995, he was approved and confirmed by the State Council as the reincarnation of the 10th Panchen after 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.