BEIJING, April 22 -- Ten years ago, the then 5-year-old 11th Panchen Lama, Bainqen Erdini Qoigyijabu, was officially installed through a ceremony known as sitting on the bed. His secular name is Gyaencaen Norbu.

    Now that 10 years have passed, he has received an education ¡ª even in English. Now he can use English to conduct simple daily conversations and is able to read some easy English articles.

    While his daily life remains mysterious to most people, a recent interview with the 11th Panchen Lama by the CCTV program Oriental Horizon may unveil the face of this unique young boy.

    During the interview, Gyaencaen Norbu expressed his feeling that as a living Buddha he shoulders great historical responsibility.

    Gyaencaen Norbu was born on Feb. 13, 1990 at Lhari County in northern Tibet. His father and mother both received only a primary school education. The name Gyaencaen Norbu, given by his maternal grandfather, means holy streamer of triumph.

    There were many auspicious signs that took place soon after the birth of Gyaencaen Norbu.

    When he was 5 months old, a baby-sitter found a white holy Tibetan letter on his tongue, a letter representing the incarnation of Buddha.

    The parents said the young boy had shown very strong interest in Buddha since early age. "Everything he played since he was 2 years old has been related to religion. He was only interested in Buddha-related things," the mother said.

    According to Gyaencaen Norbu, the sacred influence of Buddhist sutras on him began even when he was still in his mother's womb when the loyal mother spent much time chanting scripture.

    Later on, as a little boy, Gyaencaen Norbu heard his parents chant The Gatha (Hymn) to Great Master Padmasambhava and Buddhist scriptures translated by some eminent Tibetan monks. Then he began to memorize the contents of some works written by eminent Tibetan monks, such as Great Master Tsonghkaha.

    "I feel warm and close to Budha when learning scriptures. The feeling is inside me," said Gyaencaen Norbu.

    The search for the reincarnation of the late 10th Panchen Lama began in June 1989.

    Based on lake observations, divination and identifying objects left behind by the late 10th Panchen as well as a comprehensive analysis of his countenance and auspicious signs, three brilliant boy candidates were eventually picked out.

    Through the method of drawing lots from a golden urn, conducted before the statue of Sakyamuni in the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa, Gyaencaen Norbu was selected as the reincarnation of the 10th Panchen Erdeni.

    The young Panchen still retains an impression of the visit of the sacred baby-seeking team despite his young age when it happened. But instead of excitement, he said he felt that "a historical mission had fallen upon me" when he heard that he was identified as the reincarnation of the late 10th Panchen Lama.