Gyaltsen Norbu (2nd-L), known as the Panchen Lama, attends the opening ceremony of the World Buddhist Forum with other Buddhist leaders including Grantha Visarada Rajakiya Pandita (L), supreme prelate of Sri Lanka, in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province in east China April 13, 2006. [Reuters] 

Gyaincain Norbu, the Panchen Lama, speaks at the opening ceremony of the World Buddhist Forum in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province in east China April 13, 2006. [Reuters]

The 11th Panchen Lama, a high ranking figure of Tibetan Buddhism, highlighted the role of self-cultivation in leading the world to harmony, stability and peace at a Buddhist forum here Thursday.

"I am convinced that through self-cultivation, all living beings will certainly be on the right track to a harmonious, stable, and peaceful world," said the Panchen Lama at the opening ceremony of the First World Buddhist Forum in the capital of east China's Zhejiang Province.

The high monk said he hoped Buddhists in all regions and all countries can show mercy, work in the interest of others and jointly fulfill the social obligations and the peaceful mission of Buddhism.

Praising his predecessor the 10th Panchen Lama as having made "great contribution" to national unification and national unity, the 17-year-old living Buddha urged the country's Buddhists to carry the tradition of safeguarding the country and benefiting the people.

Noting that defending the nation and working for the people is a solemn commitment Buddhism has made to the nation and society, he urged all Buddhists to shoulder the historical responsibility.

Since it was introduced to China more than 2,000 years ago, Buddhism has become an important part of the Chinese culture.

All the three Buddhist sects are worshiped in China and the Buddhist belief enjoys a favorable environment in the country, the Panchen Lama said.

Born on Feb. 13, 1990 in Lhari county of Tibet Autonomous Region, Gyaincain Norbu was approved by the central government ofChina as the reincarnation of the 10th Panchen Lama after a lot drawing ceremony among three candidates in the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa in 1995.

The 10th Panchen Lama died in 1989.

More than 1,000 Buddhist monks, experts and politicians from 34 countries and regions came to attend the Buddhist forum.

The forum will move to nearby Zhoushan city on April 15 and monks will pray for world peace there. It is scheduled to conclude on April 1.