Party Congress could benefit Buddhism: Panchen Lama

The 11th Panchen Lama has said that the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) could benefit Buddhism, while calling on all Buddhists to be grateful to the homeland.

Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era could be a guiding light for Buddhism in adapting to socialism with Chinese characteristics and continuing to develop, Panchen Lama Bainqen Erdini Qoigyijabu said at the opening ceremony for a seminar on interpreting Tibetan Buddhist doctrine in Beijing on Monday, tibet.cn reported on Wednesday.

The interpretation of Tibetan Buddhist doctrine should also include consolidating its current achievements and respecting its traditions, while being aware of the developments and the needs of Tibetan areas, or the whole of China, the Panchen Lama said.

The Panchen Lama said that Buddhists should be grateful for the nation, for life, for their parents, and the three jewels – Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha – and return the offerings of the grace of the homeland and life.

Interpreting doctrine involves “digging and promoting what benefits social harmony, development, health, and civilization in the religious doctrine, morality and culture,” the Panchen Lama said.

The Panchen Lama is currently vice-president of the Buddhist Association of China and a member of the Standing Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference National Committee, the country’s top political advisory body, according to the Xinhua News Agency.