Xinhua, August, 23, 2006

Lhasa, China -- The 11th Panchen Lama paid homage to the statue of Sakyamuni, the founder of Buddhism, at the Jokhan Temple in Lhasa, capital of southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region.

Bainqen Erdini Qoigyijabu, leader of the Tibetan Buddhism, arrived at the Jokhan Temple early Wednesday morning to show respect to the statute of Sakyamuni. He comes to worship the founder of Buddhism every year.

He presented a "hada", a white scarf symbolizing Tibetan best wishes, to the statue of Sakyamuni and kowtowed to show his worship.

The 11th Panchen Lama also performed benediction rituals for his followers at the temple after finishing his worship.

Born on February 13, 1990 in Lhari county of Nagqu prefecture in northern Tibet, Bainqen Erdini Qoigyijabu was approved by the central government in November 1995 as the reincarnation of the 10th Panchen Lama. He was enthroned as the 11th Panchen Lama on Dec. 8, 1995.