The 11th Panchen Lama presents a hada, a piece of silk used as a greeting gift for Tibetans, to Premier Wen Jiabao during their meeting in Beijing on Friday. Wen pledged that ethnic autonomy in Tibet will continue, while greater efforts will be made to improve the lives of Tibetan people. Photo by Li Tao / Xinhua
BEIJING – Premier Wen Jiabao met on Friday with the 11th Panchen Lama Bainqen Erdini Qoigyijabu, in Beijing in Zhongnanhai, the compound containing the offices of both the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council.
During the meeting, Wen, who is also a member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Central Committee’s Political Bureau, offered his well-wishes to the Panchen Lama and all Tibetan compatriots in advance of Tibetan New Year, which will fall on Feb 22.
The premier heard a report by the Panchen Lama on his life and work since he was enthroned 17 years ago. Wen congratulated the Panchen Lama on the marked progress he has made on Buddhist research and cultural aspects, noting that the Panchen Lama has done well as a Living Buddha of the Tibetan Buddhism.
Last year was the 60th anniversary of the Peaceful Liberation of Tibet, and over the past six decades, Tibet has undergone enormous changes as a result of leadership by the Party and the government, assistance from peoples of all nationalities and the hard work and continuous efforts made by the different ethnic groups within Tibet, Wen said.
Talking to the Panchen Lama, the premier pledged that ethnic autonomy will continue in the region and that greater efforts will be made to improve the lives of Tibetan compatriots, as well as protect the environment, the region’s cultural traditions and the religious freedom of the Tibetan people.
Wen asked the Panchen Lama to deepen his research on academic works on Buddhist doctrines in an effort to ascertain positive thoughts from Tibetan Buddhist doctrines.
He also asked the Panchen Lama to lead Buddhist lamas and followers in loving the country, abiding by laws and abiding by Buddhist commandments.
He also called on the Panchen Lama to play an even greater role in safeguarding national unification and the unity of all ethnic groups.
Present at the meeting was Du Qinglin, a vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and director of the United Front Work Department of the CPC Central Committee.
Xinhua – http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2012-02/11/content_14581846.htm
English
Indonesia
Tibetan
Poonlarp
February 16, 2012
Wow! What a great news!!
I been to China for the first time recently, and I confess that I was biased with the government before this, as I had bad impression of China government from the news and information I read.
But now I truly respect the government, as I can see from my own eyes that the government is serving the people with so much love and care. They are really putting efforts to unite the whole country.
I used to think the government doesn’t like any religion and limits their development. But to my surprise, the religious development in China (not only Buddhism) is very good, the government is giving much religious freedom for the people.
From this news, it proves again that the government also respect the Buddhist development. For me, it’s very touching that, they promise to improve the Tibetan’s life without disturb their religious freedom. What a loving and effective way to unite the whole China! _/|\_
Lawrence L
February 16, 2012
This is sweet! Buddhism conveys peace and love. And the existance of Tibetan Buddhism in China is wonderful, as China is a country that full with culture and languange.
Dekyi
February 16, 2012
Wow..how nice of the photo! The 11th Panchen Lama presents a khata to greet the Premier Wen Jiabao. I think this is showing that Premier Wen Jiabao would like to maintain friendly relations.
Premier Wen Jiabao also asked Panchen Lama to lead Buddhist lamas and followers in loving the country, abiding by laws and abiding by Buddhist commandments. Premier Wen is set a good example to worldwide his care, love and religion freedom to the Tibetan people and Tibetan Buddhism.
BiggyBoy
February 16, 2012
This is in fact a great news! Buddhism will definitely be spread far and wide. Chinese government will continue to look after the welfare of the Tibetans and this will see the freedom of DS practitioners in China!
sapphire
February 16, 2012
WOW!!! GREAT NEWS!
Premier Wen Jiabao encouraged the Panchen Lama to lead Buddhist lamas and followers in loving the country, abiding by laws and Buddhist commandments.
He pledged that ethnic autonomy will continue in the region and that greater efforts will be made to improve the lives of Tibetan compatriots, as well as protect the environment, the region’s cultural traditions and the religious freedom of the Tibetan people.
With the support of Chinese government, Tibetans will have freedom to practice Buddhism all the way.
brian
February 16, 2012
This is a great picture to look at really. The future of Tibetan Buddhism is looks even better now. With Prime Minister Wen acknowlegding the work and stature of the Panchen Lama (the next spiritual leader in Tibetan Buddhism after HHDL passes on) who encourages freedom of religion in the region.
Hopefully the ban will be lifted when Panchen Lama is in power (after HHDL passes on) and release the sufferings of the discriminated and ill treated Dorje Shugden practitioners community.
diamond girl
February 17, 2012
This is invigorating news. I used to believe that China would not allow any form of religion to be a part of China. This coming from my understanding of restrictive communism where state is “religion”. Now, with this meeting of the Panchen Lama and Premier Wen Jiabao, it changes my obsolete view. Now, I can see that China is open to Buddhism. China sees Buddhism as a way to unity and peace as this was what the Premier asked of the Panchen Lama, I quote “He also called on the Panchen Lama to play an even greater role in safeguarding national unification and the unity of all ethnic groups.”