China Focus: Panchen Lama leads first Kalachakra ritual in Tibet in 50 years

XIGAZE, July 21, 2016 (Xinhua) -- A monk prays during the Kalachakra ritual in Xigaze, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, July 21, 2016. The first tantric Kalachakra instructions delivered by the 11th Panchen Lama Bainqen Erdini Qoigyijabu formally started, with some 40 monks beginning a closed-door observance of Yidam, the Kalachakra deity, Thursday morning. The Kalachakra (the wheel of time) ritual includes a series of tantric teachings and initiations given by gurus to help Buddhists through the cycle of life. (Xinhua/Purbu Zhaxi)