President Hu Jintao met with the 11th Panchen Lama on Thursday at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on the eve of the young religious leader's 15th birthday.

He asked about his progress in his religious and academic studies and encouraged him to learn from his predecessor to be "a Living Buddha with love of the country and his religion."

"I had quite a number of contacts with the 10th Panchen Lama," said Hu, who once served as Party chief in the Tibet Autonomous Region. "I was even with him when he passed away."

The mainly reclusive 11th Panchen Lama looks grown up for his age. He spoke with ease about his recent progress in his studies for around 10 minutes. He is taking middle-school classes with personal tutors.

Bainqen Erdini Qoigyijabu, whose religious name is Jizun Losang Qamba Lhunzhub Qoigyijabu Baisangbu, was born on the 19th day of the 12th month of the Tibetan Calendar (February 13, 1990) in Lhari County in the north of the region.

He was confirmed and approved by the State Council as the reincarnation of the 10th Panchen Lama on November 29, 1995 after drawing lots from a golden urn according to tradition. In 1996, he was installed to the seat of Panchen Lama.

During the conversation, Hu said he was very pleased to see the progress he has made in his studies. He also encouraged him to practice self-discipline, have integrity, love his followers and care about the secular world.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of the Tibet Autonomous Region. The president said that the government would further strengthen its assistance and support for the development of the region, adding that he believes Tibetan people will enjoy better living conditions with the support of the rest of the country.

The 11th Panchen Lama was named Gyaencaen Norbu at birth by his maternal grandfather, a name that means holy streamer of triumph.

There are said to have been many auspicious signs around his birth. A baby-sitter said they found a white Tibetan letter on his tongue that represents the incarnation of Buddha.

The search for the reincarnation of the late 10th Panchen Lama began in June 1989, and three candidates were picked. Gyaencaen Norbu was selected by drawing lots before the statue of Sakyamuni in Jokhang Temple, Lhasa.

According to those around him, the 11th Panchen Lama is very courteous and respectful to his elders and caring and friendly to children and animals. Whenever he sees small animals, he goes to touch, hug or feed them. They say his benevolence is palpable in these small acts.

(Xinhua News Agency February 4, 2005)