The Reting Rinpoche occupies an important place in Tibetan history. The previous incarnations of Reting Rinpoche have taught Buddhist scripture to the Dalai Lama and Panchen Lama and have taken key government positions, such as regent of Tibet.

Reting Hutuktu, or Reting Rinpoche, is one of the eight Hutuktus in Tibetan Buddhism and is one of the four Hutuktus eligible to be the regent of Tibet before the Dalai Lama takes over the reins of government upon coming of age.

The 7th Reting Rinpoche, whose birth name was Sonam Puncog, was born in 1997 in a herdsman's family in Jiali County, Nagqu Prefecture of Tibet Autonomous Region. He was chosen as the reincarnated soul boy after the 6th Retting Rinpoche passed away. He was tonsured and enthroned on 16th of January and 14th of July, 2000 respectively.

Photo taken on August 6, 2015 shows the Reting Rinpoche studying Buddhist scriptures at the Sera Monastery.[Photo/Chinanews.com]

Photo taken on August 6, 2015 shows the Reting Rinpoche studying Buddhist scriptures under the guidance of his teacher at the Sera Monastery.[Photo/Chinanews.com]

Photo taken on August 6, 2015 shows the Reting Rinpoche reading English books at the Sera Monastery.[Photo/Chinanews.com]

Photo taken on May 5, 2015 shows the Reting Rinpoche watching sutra debate at the Sera Monastery.[Photo/Chinanews.com]

Photo taken on June 28, 2015 shows the Reting Rinpoche giving blessing touches on followers' foreheads at the Sera Monastery.[Photo/Chinanews.com]