Monastery celebrates the 30th anniversary of Panchen Erdeni Chos-kyi rGyal-po's enthronement

Tashilhunpo Monastery in Xigaze, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, was festooned with golden banners on December 9. To the solemn sound of religious horns echoing through its courtyard, the monastery celebrated the 30th anniversary of the enthronement of the 11th Panchen Erdeni Chos-kyi rGyal-po.

Tashilhunpo Monastery is an important center of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism, and the Panchen lineage is a major system of reincarnation in the Gelug tradition. Since the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) emperor Kangxi first bestowed the title in 1713, successive Panchen Erdenis have upheld the principles of cherishing the country, the people and the Dharma. They have consistently supported the central government, actively promoted ethnic unity and religious harmony, and worked for the benefit of the nation.

Since being enthroned on December 8, 1995, following approval from the Chinese government, the 11th Panchen Erdeni Chos-kyi rGyal-po has diligently cultivated himself in Buddhist learning and practice, achieving an extremely high level of Buddhist scholarship. Through his efforts in guiding Tibetan Buddhism to adapt to Chinese socialist society and in safeguarding national unity and ethnic solidarity, he has embodied the noble virtues expected of a prominent Living Buddha and earned society-wide praise.

The gathering marking the 30th anniversary of the enthronement of the 11th Panchen Erdeni Chos-kyi rGyal-po was held in a solemn and celebratory atmosphere.

Tashilhunpo Monastery, founded in 1447, stands beside the Nianchu River. For nearly six centuries, it has witnessed the Panchen lineage's solemn commitment to China and the people.