Soon after the 19th Party Congress (October 18 - 24, 2017) held in Beijing, the Chinese-appointed 11th Panchen Lama said that the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) could benefit Buddhism and called on all Buddhists to be grateful to the homeland. Tibet.cn quoted Panchen Lama Bainqen Erdini Qoigyijabu on November 8, 2017, as saying at the opening ceremony for a seminar on interpreting Tibetan Buddhist doctrine in Beijing on November 6, that '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. He said 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. He 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. He added that interpreting doctrine involves "digging and promoting what benefits social harmony, development, health, and civilization in the religious doctrine, morality and culture."

 

(Comment: China's official news agency Xinhua 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 (CPPCC) National Committee.)