THE PANCHEN LAMA.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLV, Issue 189, 15 July 1925, Page 7

THE PANCHEN LAMA.

A VISIT PAID TO CHINA. RECEIVED WITH ROYAL HONOURS. SHANGHAI, May 28. Shanghai has been visited by the Panchcn Lama, one of the Jiving Buddabs, the spiritual head of the Buddhist religion, and worshipped by millions of pious Buddhists throughout the world. In his journey from Tibet,, the Panchen Lama has been received with royal honours wherever he has stopped, and has been loaded with presents and monev.

The train conveying the “Holy Man” and his party was decorated with Chinese flags and cloths of imperial yellow, and. guarded by soldiers of Marshal Chang Tso-lin. The Shanghai railway station, which was lined with more of Chang’s troops armed w r ith machine guns, was decorated with flags, bunting and bamboo, while outside the station, over the main gate, was hung a huge yellow coloured lantern illuminated with electric Jights. The Panchen Lama was welcomed by

all the leading Chinese officials and several thousand buddhist monks who seemed to spend most of their time bowing, praying and chanting, while three military bands enlivened the proceedings. The “Holy Man” is about sft 3in. tall, not very broad, .with a sharp-in-telligent face, and a captivating smile ; he speaks only the Tibet language, but is said to be studying Chinese. He was dressed in a Chinese gown of spotless yellow silk with a yellow cap to match.

On the day following his arrival a big reception was given by the Shanghai Buddhist Association. There has been a marked revival in the Buddhist religion and one well-known Chinese, a to Christianity, has announced his return to the. Buddhist faith.

The Panchen Lama also ■ visited Hangchow and the famous - Buddhist monastery at the Island of Pootoo, ciose to Shanghai; he has now left for Pekin, on his return journey,, to Tibet.

Before leaving, the Panchen Lama said that he would chant and pray for China and her 400 millions and would ask the gods to rid her .of the military pest and to give her peace. - His final advice (translated) was “what you sow you will reap,” and “by your fruits you will be known.” -i