Gyaincain Norbu (China’s 11 Panchen Lama) Height, Age, Family, Biography

Some Lesser Known Facts About Gyaincain Norbu

• During early childhood, Gyaincain Norbu lived in Beijing to receive a Chinese-style education before being selected as Panchen Lama.

• In 1989, the 10th Panchen Lama, Choekyi Gyaltsen, died, starting the search for the 11th Panchen Lama.

• In May 1995, the Dalai Lama declared Gedhun Choekyi Nyima as the 11th Panchen Lama. Four days later, Gedhun and his family were taken into custody by Chinese authorities and disappeared from public view.
  

  Dalai Lama holding picture of Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, 11th Panchen Lama

• Chadrel Rinpoche, involved in the search, was arrested by Chinese officials in May 1995 for secretly contacting the Dalai Lama.

• China replaced Chadrel with Sengchen Lobsang Gyaltsen and continued its search using the Golden Urn method.

• On 8 December 1995, China selected six-year-old Gyaincain Norbu through the Golden Urn process as the 11th Panchen Lama.
  

  A childhood photo of Gyaincain Norbu

• Gyaincain Norbu was enthroned at Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse later that month in 1995.

• He studied Tibetan Buddhism, Tibetan language, sutra, and logic from the age of ten, mostly in Beijing.

• In 2006, he gave a speech in the Tibetan language at the World Buddhist Forum on Buddhism and national unity.
  

  Gyaincain Norbu during his teenage years

• Reports from international media suggested other Buddhist delegates gave him a cold reception during the event.

• In 2008, Gyaincain Norbu condemned the anti-Han riots in Lhasa and spoke against separatist activities.

• On 3 February 2010, he became vice president of the Buddhist Association of China.

• Later in February 2010, at age 20, he joined the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference as its youngest member.
  

  Gyaincain Norbu during a meeting

• He was not made vice chairman, unlike the 10th Panchen Lama before him.

• In May 2010, he visited the Yushu earthquake zone and conducted prayers for the victims.

• In June 2010, he delivered speeches promoting education at Tibet University and the Tibetan Medicine University in Lhasa.

• He donated 50,000 Chinese yen to victims of the Gansu mudslide in August 2010 and offered prayers for them.

• He occasionally visits Tashilhunpo Monastery but does not reside there permanently.

• On 26 April 2012, he made his first appearance outside mainland China at the Third World Buddhist Forum in Hong Kong.

• On 14 September 2010, Singapore’s Foreign Minister George Yeo officially met him at Xihuang Monastery in Beijing.

• Some Tibetan monasteries in China have recognized him, but the Central Tibetan Administration did not accept his selection.
  

  Gyaincain Norbu during a religious act

• Critics consider Gyaincain Norbu a representative of Chinese state interests in Tibetan Buddhism.