Rinpoche takes on a new political role (2)

He wrote: "Faith is the lighthouse of life. Without faith, we'll get lost on our way forward, and life will become meaningless."

In another entry, he re-posted a micro blog about scientists at NASA designing a sky crane maneuver for the safe landing of the Mars rover, Curiosity.

"I like technology," he said.

The Rinpoche said he seldom listens to music. The book he is reading is Life Without Limits by Nick Vujicic, an Australian born without arms or legs who overcame his disabilities to live a rich, fulfilling life.

Apart from Buddhism, he said he also learns Chinese, Tibetan and English.

"I study social sciences, economics ... but I like English the most."

He has studied English with a private tutor in Sera Monastery for two years.

According to a Xinhua report, Suonam Phuntso was enthroned as the spirit child of the 6th Reting Living Buddha when he was four.

He then moved into Reting Monastery, woke up at 6 am, went to bed at 10 pm and spent most of his time reading sutras.

China standardized procedures for searching and identifying Living Buddhas in 2007, and it has been training young Living Buddhas to be revered religious figures ever since.