Tibet displays gifts from Dalai, Panchen Lamas to central govt

An exhibition of gifts offered by Dalai Lamas and Panchen Erdenis to central governments throughout history opened on Monday in southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region.

The five-day exhibition will display nearly 100 photos, articles and historical objects at the Tibet Autonomous Region Museum in the regional capital of Lhasa.

The items show the origin of the official titles of the Dalai Lama and the Panchen Erdeni and their relationships with the central government. They include gifts from the 14th Dalai Lama, the 10th Panchen Erdeni and the 11th Panchen Erdeni to the central government.

Gong Zhaoqiang, head of the Cultural Palace of Nationalities in Beijing, said the items were selected from the palace's collections and show Tibetan religious people's love for the motherland and support for national leaders.

The status of the Dalai Lama and Panchen Erdeni in Tibetan Buddhism was established after their titles were confirmed and bestowed by the central government of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).

In 1653, Emperor Shunzhi granted the 5th Dalai Lama the title of "Dalai Lama, Overseer of the Buddhist Faith on Earth Under the Great Benevolent Self-Subsisting Buddha of the Western Paradise."

In 1713, Emperor Kangxi granted the 5th Panchen the title of "Panchen Erdeni" and bestowed a gold certificate and seal to him.