Panchen Lama

Panchen Lama – Brief Introduction

Panchen Lama and Dalai Lama are two great disciples of the leader Tsongkhapa of Gelug Sect, which they become the leaders of Tibet Region. Dalai Lama ruled Shannan Prefecture with the capital of Lhasa city. Panchen Lama ruled Tsang with the capital of Shigatse.

Panchen Lama gets much more power than Dalai Lama in religion in Tibet Region. According to religious record, Dalai Lama is the incarnation of the Avalokitesvara while Panchen Lama is the incarnation of Buddha Amitabha who is more powerful than Thousand Hands Buddha.

Panchen Lama – Establishment

Since 1645, Losan Chitz Janzam, one of the disciples of Tsongkhapa has been praised as the "Panchen Bokedo" by Gushri Khan, who was the leader of Mongolia nationality ruling the Tibet Region.

The word of "Panchen" means great scholar and the word of "Bokedo" means hero. Gushri Khan allocated the Tsang to him and asked him to take charge of Tashilhunpo Monastery. Since then on, he has been confirmed as the 4th Panchen Lama. The first three Panchen Lama was subsequently confirmed by generations. The first Panchen Lama is considered as the Khedrup Gelek Pelzang.

Panchen Lama – Development

Since 1713, the 5th Panchen Lama has been officially confirmed as the "Panchen Erdeni" by Kangxi Emperor of Qing Dynasty (Panchen Erdeni means the treasure in Manchu minority language.) besides the golden book and golden seal. From then on, the system Panchen Lama has been established.