Panchen Lama concludes religious activities in Tibet

The 11th Panchen Lama, Bainqen Erdini Qoigyijabu (R, front), is warmly sent off by monks in Xigaze, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, on Oct. 14, 2013. The 11th Panchen Lama concluded his religious activities in Tibet and returned to Beijing on Monday. (Xinhua/Chogo)

The 11th Panchen Lama, Bainqen Erdini Qoigyijabu, concluded his religious activities in southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region on Monday, said sources with the regional government.

The 23-year-old Panchen Lama, one of the two most revered living Buddhas in Tibetan Buddhism, has performed religious rituals, including sutra interpretations and giving blessings, for thousands of Tibetan Buddhists at several monasteries in the region since August 27.

The Panchen Lama lived in seclusion at the Zhaxi Lhunbo Lamasery in Xigaze Prefecture, the traditional residence of reincarnated Panchen Lamas, from Sept. 12 to Oct. 7.

As a member of the Standing Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference National Committee, China's top political advisory body, the Panchen Lama also held discussions with members of Tibetan religious circles and visited local farmers and schools to gather their opinions on social and religious issues.

The 11th Panchen Lama was born in February 1990 in Lhari County, in northern Tibet's Nagqu Prefecture.

He was chosen as the reincarnation of the 10th Panchen Lama in November 1995 after a lot-drawing ceremony among three candidates in the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.

The Panchen Lama, a spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, also serves as vice president of the Buddhist Association of China.