LHASA, July 4 (Xinhua) -- Reincarnation of the 5th Living Buddha Dezhub was chosen following a lot-drawing ceremony here Sunday.
A candidate with the secular name Losang Doje was selected as the reincarnation in accordance with a regulation on reincarnation of living Buddha of Tibetan Buddhism, issued by the State Administration for Religious Affairs, and with historical conventions and religious rituals.
The ceremony started at around 5 a.m. in the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa, the capital of Tibet Autonomous Region. The event lasted for about one hour.
Two slips bearing the names of the two candidates were separately sealed in silk bags and put in a golden urn after being carefully examined by government representatives, senior monks and family members of the candidates.
Bainqen Erdini Qoigyijabu, the 11th Panchen Lama, and also vice president of the Buddhist Association of China, took a silk bag out of the urn, which confirmed Losang Doje was the reincarnated boy.
Losang Doje was born on Nov. 30, 2005 in Lhunze County of Shannan Prefecture. His father is Gaesang Wangdue and his mother Pema Lacong.
He was chosen as one of the candidates after several years of searching efforts by senior monks according to religious practices and traditions.
The boy would become the sixth Living Buddha Dezhub after the approval of the People's Government of the Tibet Autonomous Region.
"I'm so honored to witness the process. Our wish has been fulfilled," said Dawa Yangzom, a villager of Lhunze County, who was present at the ceremony among more than 100 people.
The 5th living Buddha Dezhub Jambai Gaisanggyaco died in Lhasa on March 11, 2000 at the age of 66.
Dezhub Jambai Gaisanggyaco used to serve as a member of the Buddhist Association of China, and a member of the Standing Committee of Tibet Autonomous Regional Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, as well as vice-chairman of the Tibetan Branch of the Chinese Buddhist Association.
He had advocated the leadership of the Communist Party of China ever since the peaceful liberation of Tibet in 1959, and he unswervingly supported national unity and enjoyed high prestige in the religious circle.
