BEIJING,May 19 (China Tibet Online) Sun Chunlan, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of the United Front Work Department, met the winners of the 12th "Tho Ram Pa" advanced degree on Thursday, in Beijing, capital of China.

Sun Chunlan stressed that the important speech of President Xi Jinping at the National Work Conference on Religion was aimed at guiding religious framework documents under new circumstances. Sun expected lamas to thoroughly study and implement the spirit of speech; to always adhere to the religious doctrines associated with socialism with Chinese characteristics; to fully implement the Party’s fundamental policies on religion; and to unite religious figures and religious believers with the Party and government.

Sun also stressed the need to promote Tibetan Buddhism’s fine tradition of patriotism, diligent schooling, observation of the law and improve overall quality; to unearth the positive elements of religious doctrines and create an interpretation that is in line with the present development requirements of China; to strengthen the academic title system and build a long-term mechanism for nurturing more talents for Tibetan Buddhism; to strengthen the establishment of Buddhist institutes at all levels, promote the development of teaching materials and qualificatioin of sutra teachers, and enhance schooling levels.

Sun Chunlan pointed out that everybody had studied hard and passed rigorous exams to obtain the "Tho Ram Pa" advanced degree. The winners should cherish the honor, actively engage in the cause to incorporate Tibetan Buddhism into socialist society, and to make due contributions to social harmony and economic development of Tibet and other Tibetan-inhabited areas in China.

"Tho Ram Pa" is the highest acdemic degree in Tibetan Buddhism.  This year in the High-level Tibetan Buddhism College of China, a total of 14 lamas obtained the advanced degree; meanwhile, 22 lamas obtained the"Nzhing Ram Ba" intermediate degree.

Sun Chunlan meets winners of the 12th "Tho Ram Pa" advanced degree [Photo/China Tibet Online]