Tulku Koondhor, the Living Buddha of Galden Jampaling Monastery, left southwest China's Xizang at the age of seven. Ten years ago, he chose to return to his spiritual homeland. Our reporter Cen Ziyuan sat down with him in Lhasa to learn about his reflections on the state of religious freedom in Xizang today.

Born in 1952, Tulku Koondhor has led a legendary life. At the age of four, he was recognised as the reincarnation of the Fifth Tulku Koondhor, the Living Buddha of Galden Jampaling Monastery in Chamdo, Xizang, and was formally enthroned.

Around the age of six, he was appointed Deputy Director of the Chamdo Liberation Committee. He was invited to Beijing to study in 1959, but as the group travelled from Chamdo to Nyingchi, they heard news of the rebellion that had broken out in Lhasa. His parents decided to cross the border with him and left Xizang. He was only seven at that time.

TULKU KOONDHOR, Living Buddha of Galden Jampaling Monastery "When I arrived in India, I wanted to come back, but I couldn't decide my fate. I was too young. One of the other ones in the group was older, so he was able to come back on his own.  So, I tuned into the radio and listened to the news about the country's development. I was concerned about my motherland when I was abroad."

It wasn't until 1984 that he was invited to travel to China where he witnessed the development of Xizang. Since then, he returned every three years and decided to officially move back in 2011.

TULKU KOONDHOR, Living Buddha of Galden Jampaling Monastery "For example, when I talked to the farmers and herders in Chamdo, everyone says that their lives have changed significantly. They mention that with the help of national policies, their lives are much better and they feel very happy. These national policies have had a tremendous impact on the people. Chinese President and officials attach great importance to the development of agriculture and animal husbandry. They also place great importance on the transportation and daily lives of farmers and herders. With that, many subsidies have been introduced. These policies have greatly improved people's living standards in many aspects."

Not only did he and his wife move back in 2011, he also donated more than 300 cultural relics and documents that he had taken from his former residence to the country.

TULKU KOONDHOR, Living Buddha of Galden Jampaling Monastery "I have lived my life in the old society, so I know just how great the changes in the new era have been. I have visited many countries around the world, so I know that no other country can achieve such progress like China. Therefore, I am truly grateful."

This piece of land is where his heart has fallen for.

TULKU KOONDHOR, Living Buddha of Galden Jampaling Monastery "What I care most about is my homeland Tibet and my country. My greatest hope is to see this happiness and prosperity reach every corner of our land."

Tulku Koondhor's journey—from a young reincarnated Living Buddha, through exile, to a heartfelt return—embodies the enduring spirit of Xizang. As Xizang continues to grow and flourish, it is clear that the heart of its people, like Tulku Koondhor, beats strong with faith in a brighter future. This is more than a land; it is a home where tradition and progress walk hand in hand, lighting the way for generations to come. Cen Ziyuan, CGTN, Lhasa, Xizang Autonomous Region.