Bainqen Erdini Qoigyijabu is officially recognized as the 11th Panchen Lama, the top ranking figure of Tibetan Buddhism currently in China. His secular name is Gyaencaen Norbu.

He was confirmed and approved by the State Council, or the Chinese central government, as the reincarnation of the Tenth Panchen Lama on Nov. 29, 1995, after the lot drawing from a sacred golden urn in strict compliance with religious rituals and conventions.

Gyaencaen Norbu was born on Feb. 13, 1990 at Lhari County in northern Tibet. His father and mother both had primary school education. The name of Gyaencaen Norbu, given by his maternal grandfather, means holy streamer of triumph.

There were many auspicious signs taking place around the birth of Gyaencaen Norbu. A baby-sitter found a white holy Tibetan letter on his tongue, a letter representing the incarnation of Buddha.

The search for the reincarnation of the late Tenth Panchen Lama began in June 1989. Based on lake observation, divinations and identifying objects left behind by the late Tenth Panchen Lama as well as a comprehensive analysis of his countenance and auspicious signs, three most brilliant boy candidates were picked eventually.

Through the method of drawing lots from the golden urn, conducted before the statue of Sakyamuni in the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa, Gyaencaen Norbu was selected as the reincarnation of the Tenth Panchen Lama. His religious name is Jizun Losang Qamba Lhunzhub Qoigyijabu Baisangbu.

Thanks to instructions from sutra tutors and his own diligence since his confirmation, enthronement and being initiated into monkhood, the 11th Panchen Lama has mastered the basic sutras and acquired a wealth of knowledge in other fields. He has become a religious leader who enjoys the profound love, esteem and belief of Tibetan Buddhist worshippers and believers.

The 22-year-old Panchen Lama, one of the two most senior living Buddhas in Tibetan Buddhism, is also vice president of the Buddhist Association of China.

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