The 11th Panchen Lama, the religious leader of Tibetan Buddhists
in China, led rituals and ceremonies in Tibetan habitats in
southwestern China's Sichuan
Province from June 12 to 28.
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During his stay in the province, the Panchen Lama, or Bainqen
Erdini Qoigyijabu, blessed more than 60,000 devotees from Garze and
Aba, two Tibetan autonomous prefectures, located on the
Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau.
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It was the Panchen Lama's first visit to Sichuan since he was
confirmed and approved by the Chinese government as the
reincarnation of the Tenth Panchen Lama on November 29, 1995. The
province is home to the second largest Tibetan community in
China.
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More than 10,000 devotees gathered outside the young lama's
residence hoping to either catch a glimpse or blessing from him. He
arrived in Garze's Kangding County on June 17.
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The Panchen Lama toured dozens of counties in Sichuan and led
ceremonies in more than 10 Tibetan Buddhist temples. Commenting on
his visit, the Panchen Lama said he was happy with the social
stability and economic development of Sichuan, as well as the
people's improved quality of life there.
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The young lama also said he would carry forward the patriotic
traditions handed down by his predecessors and would do his best to
promote the country's reunification, unity of the various ethnic
groups, and continued social and economic development.
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(Xinhua News Agency June 29, 2005)