China's version of Panchen Lama allowed out to meet the masses

Several reports have been released with details of an appearance by China's version of the 11th Panchen Lama, the second highest ranking leader in Tibetan Buddhism, under the Dalai Lama (Chinese official dispute this organization, and claim the Panchen Lama ranks above the Dalai Lama). Regardless, the fate of the Panchen Lama recognized by the Dalai Lama, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, who has not been seen in public for ten years, remains unknown (see our earlier post).

The 11th Panchen Lama, who is rarely seen in public, held head-touching ceremonies to bless more than 60 000 believers during a trip to Tibetan-inhabited areas of southwest China's Sichuan province from June 12 to 28, the Xinhua news agency said.

Read the release at Mail & Guardian Online, CBC News, and Radio Australia.