This is an hierarchical organisation originally set up to keep the Tibetan people submissive to being ripped off by some Rich families.
There was once a real Dalai Lama, but he became enlightened and wrote poetry. Becoming enlightened his reincarnation ceased. All his successors are indoctrinated fakes, part of the usual rip off scheme - under the present charlatan there have even been murders among his retinue over the divi-up of the spoils conned out of the gullible.
True Tibetan Believers know that the stranger who appears and helps them when things get very difficult is Tsangyang Gyatso, the Sixth Dalai Lama.
The occupation of Tibet by China and the 'chinesation' of Tibet's culture by China is an awful imperialist occupation and a crime against the people of Tibet, just as Israel is doing to the Palestinians. yet on the left, this is not mentioned very often. Why? is it because China is still seen by some as a 'communist' country and therefore immune from criticism. I have heard Stalinists argue that China 'liberated' Tibet yet at the same time argue strongly against the right wing press's belief that the US l'liberated' Iraq.Hypocrisy!!! Imperialism is Imperialism whether it is done by a 'communist' country or by a capitalist/liberal one. In other words, yes the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan hierachy have problems, but their cause is just and deserve the support of the left. And yes, let us make the comparison with Palestine. it is not exactly the same, but it is not so different either. Yet 'Free Tibet' is now unfashionable, and 'Free palestine' is the current left wing craze. We owed to all the oppressed of the world consistency and truth.
I've heard that the Dalai Lama is a supported of Israel and it's policies, also that he has made some comments in support of the invasion of Iraq. Does anyone know where I can find any evidence to corrobate/refute this. Would like to know before I welcome him to the UK.
I take exception to the comment that the 6th Dalai Lama was the only "real" one and the others are fake. In fact, I would say that the 14th Dalai Lama is very much the same. Their lifestyles are/were different, but in other ways they are similar. For example... the 6th hated pomp and formality and enjoyed meeting ordinary people. The 14th Dalai Lama is just like that. The 6th also had a quirky sense of humor, just like the 14th. When I read the story about how the 6th DL switched the clothes of a servant and a nobleman (because he was in a playful mood), I knew that this just had to be the same person, lol! :)
Those so-called "sightings" of the 6th Dalai Lama, which took place after his death are similar to the way people "see" Elvis from time to time. These myths appear in every culture about celebrities, leaders, gurus, etc., who have died, especially the ones who are loved the most. No one wants to believe they are gone.
The Dalai Lama did not support the war in Iraq. He even wrote a letter to President Bush urging him to resolve the whole issue peacefully. Bush didn't listen, so the Dalai Lama does not comment on it anymore. He has already done what he could, so now he stays out of it. Saying "time will tell" in regard to Iraq is just a way of letting Bush's policy speak for itself without getting caught up in anti war politics.
As for Israel, he has met with reps from both sides of the Mid East conflict and never took sides. I have never heard anything about him supporting Israel. If there is anything he can do about conflicts in general, he tries to make peace. If he can do nothing, he avoids getting involved.
1. War on Iraq will disturb world peace: Dalai Lama
The Times of India THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2003
BOTH GAYA, Bihar: Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, on Thursday described the threat of war against Iraq as dangerous to world peace and said that thrusting a war on that country would only lead to destruction.
Talking to reporters, the Dalai Lama, who is here for the ongoing Kalchakra Puja, the most sacred ritual of the Mahayana sect of Buddhism, said the possible US strike on Iraq would create more problems than it would solve and observed that "War is nothing but an organised form of violence".
"War will lead to a trail of destruction...And it will definitely have its impact on other countries," he said replying to a newsman's query on the continuing stand-off between the US and Iraq.
Terming as a "liberation movement" the US action that dislodged the Taliban regime in Afghanistan, the spiritual leader in exile said that the citizens of Afghanistan were an oppressed lot and wanted to get rid of the dictatorship and autocracy of the Taliban
Thursday, January 16, 2003 2. Dalai Lama calls for peaceful solution in Iraq
By ANGUS MCDONALD, Associated Press Writer
GAYA, India, January 16, 2003 (AP) - The Dalai Lama said Thursday that weapons of mass destruction must be eliminated but a peaceful solution should be found to avoid war in Iraq.
"I prefer (that) violence or war should not take place," the Tibetan spiritual leader told reporters before rituals marking the five-day Kalachakra Initiation, which has drawn tens of thousands of Buddhists this western Indian city.
Commenting on the threat of war by the United States and Britain if Iraq does not comply with U.N. resolutions ordering it to give up all chemical, biological and nuclear weapons development, the Dalai Lama said, "Producing weapons of mass destruction - that's very bad."
He said, "If there is some way to stop that, that's in the interests of the Iraqi people and the whole area."
Despite his anti-war stance, the winner of the 1989 Nobel Peace Prize said that war could sometimes bring benefits, for example the overthrow of the Taliban in Afghanistan after a U.S.-led bombing campaign in 2001.
"Eventually it became quite clear the population of Afghanistan was not happy with the old regime so that war was something like liberation," he said.
But he added, "I do not know what is the real feeling of the Iraqi people."
The Kalachakra Initiation, one of the highest teachings of Tibetan Buddhism, is being held at the Bodh Gaya complex, the site where Buddhists believe the founder of their religion achieved enlightenment.
An estimated 150,000 devotees from Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan, India, South Korea, Taiwan and Western countries have attended the event, which began Jan. 12 with teachings by the Dalai Lama.
The Dalai Lama fled Tibet in 1959 after a failed uprising against Chinese rule, and established a government in exile in India in 1960.
Thursday, January 16, 2003 3. Dalai Lama against 'thrusting war' on Iraq
Bodh Gaya (Bihar), (PTI), Jan 16: Describing war as an organised and legalised form of violence, Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, today disfavoured "thrusting" war on Iraq as it would only lead to destruction.
The Dalai Lama, who is here for the ongoing Kalchakra puja, called war an organised and legalised form of violence which would create more problems than it would solve.
"War will lead to a trail of destruction...and it will definitely have its impact on other countries", he said replying to a question on the continuing stand-off between the US and Iraq.
The Dalai Lama also said he wanted China to grant meaningful autonomy to Tibet.
"I had sent a delegation to China recently following a positive change in its attitude towards Tibet", he said adding efforts aimed at getting autonomy would continue.
Here are more of the Dalai Lama's comments on terrorism, the Iraq war and other related stuff. As you can see, he is opposed to war in general and he was certainly not supporting the war in Iraq. The remark about Afghanistan being liberated from the Taliban was probably just speculation on his part. It shouldn't be taken as support for war. This is my last comment on this subject, so I'll let his own words speak for him.
All of the below information was taken from WTN news, which gathers news about Tibet from many different sources. I have posted this here so that you can see what the Dalai Lama had to say about Iraq. If you wish to see more information of this sort, you can go to the Canada Tibet Committee's website: http://www.tibet.ca/en/
World Tibet Network News Published by the Canada Tibet Committee Wednesday, September 12, 2001
1. The Dalai Lama's letter to the President of the United States of America Your Excellency,
I am deeply shocked by the terrorist attacks that took place involving four apparently hijacked aircrafts and the immense devastation these caused. It is a terrible tragedy that so many innocent lives have been lost and it seems unbelievable that anyone would choose to target the World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon in Washington D.C. We are deeply saddened. On behalf of the Tibetan people I would like to convey our deepest condolence and solidarity with the American people during this painful time. Our prayers go out to the many who have lost their lives, those who have been injured and the many more who have been traumatized by this senseless act of violence. I am attending a special prayer for the United States and it's people at our main temple today.
I am confident that the United States as a great and powerful nation will be able to overcome this present tragedy. The American people have shown their resilience, courage and determination when faced with such difficult and sad situation.
It may seem presumptuous on my part, but I personally believe we need to think seriously whether a violent action is the right thing to do and in the greater interest of the nation and people in the long run. I believe violence will only increase the cycle of violence. But how do we deal with hatred and anger, which are often the root causes of such senseless violence? This is a very difficult question, especially when it concerns a nation and we have certain fixed conceptions of how to deal with such attacks. I am sure that you will make the right decision.
With my prayers and good wishes The Dalai Lama September 12, 2001 Dharamsala, India
1. Dalai Lama prays for peace in Iraq, says war outdated
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DHARAMSALA, India, March 11 (AFP) - Tibet's exiled spiritual leader the Dalai Lama Tuesday criticised the looming threat of war in Iraq as an "outdated" approach to solve differences.
"Destruction of Iraq will affect many people and countries when we live on a small planet where all of us are interdependent on each other."
The Dalai Lama made the comments as he led a prayer congregation attended by thousands of Tibetans and foreign supporters at his temple in Mcleod Ganj, Dharamsala, where his government-in-exile is based.
The spiritual leader said war lacked a far-sighted vision.
"The concept and practice of war has become outdated and must be consigned to the dustbin of history," he said.
"One country may lose at a time but this will only create cycle of violence. In the long run there will be no winners."
He said in case of a war, the weaker sections will suffer the most.
"Those with rank and positions will find safe places to hide themselves."
The Dalai Lama hoped his prayers would bring peace to the minds of people in Iraq.
He appealed to the international community to help people who would suffer in the expected war and in rebuilding their lives once the conflict is over.
DHARAMSALA, 11 March 2003 - His Holiness the Dalai Lama said that differences in opinion must be resolved through dialogue and discussion rather than settling them by waging wars. His Holiness the Dalai Lama said wars produce temporary victors and temporary losers and that the result of this kind of victory or defeat will not endure.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama was speaking at a special prayer session held in view of the threat of imminent war in Iraq. This special prayer session was part of the eight-day annual Great Prayer Festival that began today at the Tsuglhakhang, the main Buddhist cathedral opposite the residence of the Dalai Lama. The chairman and vice-chairperson of the Tibetan parliament, the officials of the Tibetan administration, the Buddhist clergy and the Tibetan public attended the first day of the annual Great Prayer Festival, which is organised by the Department of Religion and Culture of the Central Tibetan Administration.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama said, "The Iraq issue is becoming very critical...Now think of this. If there is any bloodshed, people in positions of power, those who are responsible, will find safe places and escape the consequent hardship. They will find safety for themselves, one way or the other. But what about the poor people, the defenceless, the children, the old and infirm? They are the ones who will have to bear the brunt of devastation."
His Holiness the Dalai Lama said the concept and the practice of war has become an anachronism and must be consigned to the dustbin of history.
Kalon Thubten Lungrig, the kalon for the Department of Religion and Culture of the Central Tibetan Administration opened the annual Great Prayer Festival by commenting that all Tibetans pray that the imminent war in Iraq could be averted and requested the members of the Buddhist clergy for their prayers.
Contact: Thubten Samphel/ Sonam N. Dagpo Secretary/ Addnl. Secretary Dept. of Information & International Relations Central Tibetan Administration Dharamshala, INDIA Tel: +91-1892- 222510, 222457, 224662
1. Tibetan leader says Iraq war is all about business
By ANGUS MCDONALD,
DHARAMSALA, India, Monday, March 24, 2003 (AP) - The United States is willing to try toppling Iraq's regime - but not help liberate Tibet from Chinese occupation - because there is "no oil in Tibet," the head of the Tibetan government-in-exile said.
Violence is always related to business in the modern world, Samdhong Rinpoche, the prime minister of the exile government, said Sunday at a political forum for Tibetans.
Nearly 1,000 people attended the meeting, held at the exile government's headquarters in Dharmsala, India and organized by the Tibetan nationalist Gelshen Lhenzom or Patriotic Front.
"Innocents who don't deserve to die are killed for business purposes," he said.
China occupied Tibet in 1950, citing historical claims to the territory. The Dalai Lama, Tibet's spiritual leader, fled in 1959 after a failed uprising against Chinese rule and set up the government-in-exile in northern India.
Asked why Washington was not prepared to go to war to liberate Tibet from China, Samdhong said: "There is no oil in Tibet."
He said, however, that Tibetans wouldn't accept any U.S. military assistance.
"The struggle of Tibet has always been a nonviolent one. Even if the United States volunteered to fight to liberate Tibet from China, we would say `No Thank you,'" he said.
Tibetans are seeking autonomy within China, he said.
The U.S.-led coalition launched its attack on Iraq after months of trying to get Saddam Hussein to disarm his nation of weapons of mass destruction, and after Saddam refused an ultimatum to leave Iraq.
3. Dalai Lama renews call to Bush not to hit back for September 11 attacks (AFP)
MADRID, Oct 9 (AFP) - The Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama Thursday renewed his call to US President George W. Bush not to respond with violence to the September 11 attacks, after the murder of a Spanish diplomat in Baghdad.
"Violence generates endless violence", the winner of the 1989 Nobel Peace Prize said, asked about the assassination of Spanish diplomat Jose Antonio Bernal Gomez on Thursday in Baghdad.
The Buddhist spiritual leader avoided making any specific comments about the situation in Iraq on the last day of his short visit in Spain, where he was receiving a human rights award from the private Jaime Brunet foundation.
"I have always been opposed to violence," the Dalai Lama said. Military attache to the Spanish embassy, Bernal Gomez was the second Spanish diplomat to die violently in Iraq since the end of major combat operations in May.
The Dalai Lama added he had written to Bush immediately after the September 11 attacks to offer condolences to his "friend" and to say that "measures taken in response should not be violent".
Bush welcomed the exiled Tibetan leader during his visit to the United States last month.
In Spain, however, no representative of the Spanish royal household or the government has had any contact with the spiritual leader during his two-day visit to avoid potential confrontation with China, which considers Tibet as a part of its territory and opposes any official contact between the Dalai Lama and any foreign government.
The Dalai Lama travels Friday to France, where he is scheduled to be received by the president of the French national assembly Jean-Louis Debre.
Edited excerpts from an interview with the Dalai Lama, conducted by Globe reporter Michael Paulson on Sunday at the Chamtse Ling Temple at the Tibetan Cultural Center in Bloomington, Ind. The Dalai Lama spoke mostly in English, but at times spoke in Tibetan, which was translated by an aide.
Q. You urged a nonviolent response to Sept. 11. In hindsight, was that the right thing to do?
A. Oh yes. Of course. Generally I always feel that violence is against human nature, and in the present world situation the violent method may solve one problem, but may create another problem. So the side-effects are, I think, very bad. So therefore, I always believe the nonviolent method is the best.
Q. How do you think your position has affected your relationship with the Bush administration?
A. Of course, I do appreciate their motivation, the administration's motivation. They try to reduce the force of terrorism. ... The motivation is good. And of course, terrorism is very serious violence. And usually terrorism suffers ordinary people most. ... But in the long run, I always believe through transformation of heart, that's the ultimate real method to the elimination of terrorism. So in that case, compassion and friendship, dialogue and understanding, that's the only way to transform the emotion of human heart. Force cannot change the human mind, the human heart.
Q. Dialogue and compassion even with terrorists?
A. Yes.
(The above last article is an excerpt from an interview with the Dalai Lama. I only included the part about terrorists, etc.)
Comments
Hide the following 8 comments
Beware of Hierarchs
22.04.2004 10:33
There was once a real Dalai Lama, but he became enlightened and wrote poetry. Becoming enlightened his reincarnation ceased. All his successors are indoctrinated fakes, part of the usual rip off scheme - under the present charlatan there have even been murders among his retinue over the divi-up of the spoils conned out of the gullible.
True Tibetan Believers know that the stranger who appears and helps them when things get very difficult is Tsangyang Gyatso, the Sixth Dalai Lama.
Ilyan
Tibet/ Palestine
24.04.2004 19:45
bonpo
Direct Action Bonpo!
25.04.2004 17:23
Splottsky
Israel and the Dalai Lama
14.05.2004 20:50
cal
The 6th Dalai Lama
26.05.2004 12:37
Their lifestyles are/were different, but in other ways they are similar. For example...
the 6th hated pomp and formality and enjoyed meeting ordinary people. The 14th Dalai Lama is just like that. The 6th also had a quirky sense of humor, just like the 14th. When I read the story about how the 6th DL switched the clothes of a servant and a nobleman (because he was in a playful mood), I knew that this just had to be the same person, lol! :)
Those so-called "sightings" of the 6th Dalai Lama, which took place after his death are similar to the way people "see" Elvis from time to time. These myths appear in every culture about celebrities, leaders, gurus, etc., who have died, especially the ones who are loved the most. No one wants to believe they are gone.
MelodyLady
About Iraq and Israel.....
26.05.2004 22:53
As for Israel, he has met with reps from both sides of the Mid East conflict and never took sides. I have never heard anything about him supporting Israel. If there is anything he can do about conflicts in general, he tries to make peace. If he can do nothing, he avoids getting involved.
MelodyLady
Dalai Lama's various comments on Iraq
29.05.2004 01:57
World Tibet Network News
Published by the Canada Tibet Committee
Thursday, January 16, 2003
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. War on Iraq will disturb world peace: Dalai Lama
The Times of India
THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2003
BOTH GAYA, Bihar: Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, on Thursday described the threat of war against Iraq as dangerous to world peace and said that thrusting a war on that country would only lead to destruction.
Talking to reporters, the Dalai Lama, who is here for the ongoing Kalchakra Puja, the most sacred ritual of the Mahayana sect of Buddhism, said the possible US strike on Iraq would create more problems than it would solve and observed that "War is nothing but an organised form of violence".
"War will lead to a trail of destruction...And it will definitely have its impact on other countries," he said replying to a newsman's query on the continuing stand-off between the US and Iraq.
Terming as a "liberation movement" the US action that dislodged the Taliban regime in Afghanistan, the spiritual leader in exile said that the citizens of Afghanistan were an oppressed lot and wanted to get rid of the dictatorship and autocracy of the Taliban
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, January 16, 2003
2. Dalai Lama calls for peaceful solution in Iraq
By ANGUS MCDONALD,
Associated Press Writer
GAYA, India, January 16, 2003 (AP) - The Dalai Lama said Thursday that weapons of mass destruction must be eliminated but a peaceful solution should be found to avoid war in Iraq.
"I prefer (that) violence or war should not take place," the Tibetan spiritual leader told reporters before rituals marking the five-day Kalachakra Initiation, which has drawn tens of thousands of Buddhists this western Indian city.
Commenting on the threat of war by the United States and Britain if Iraq does not comply with U.N. resolutions ordering it to give up all chemical, biological and nuclear weapons development, the Dalai Lama said, "Producing weapons of mass destruction - that's very bad."
He said, "If there is some way to stop that, that's in the interests of the Iraqi people and the whole area."
Despite his anti-war stance, the winner of the 1989 Nobel Peace Prize said that war could sometimes bring benefits, for example the overthrow of the Taliban in Afghanistan after a U.S.-led bombing campaign in 2001.
"Eventually it became quite clear the population of Afghanistan was not happy with the old regime so that war was something like liberation," he said.
But he added, "I do not know what is the real feeling of the Iraqi people."
The Kalachakra Initiation, one of the highest teachings of Tibetan Buddhism, is being held at the Bodh Gaya complex, the site where Buddhists believe the founder of their religion achieved enlightenment.
An estimated 150,000 devotees from Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan, India, South Korea, Taiwan and Western countries have attended the event, which began Jan. 12 with teachings by the Dalai Lama.
The Dalai Lama fled Tibet in 1959 after a failed uprising against Chinese rule, and established a government in exile in India in 1960.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, January 16, 2003
3. Dalai Lama against 'thrusting war' on Iraq
Bodh Gaya (Bihar), (PTI), Jan 16: Describing war as an organised and legalised form of violence, Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, today disfavoured "thrusting" war on Iraq as it would only lead to destruction.
The Dalai Lama, who is here for the ongoing Kalchakra puja, called war an organised and legalised form of violence which would create more problems than it would solve.
"War will lead to a trail of destruction...and it will definitely have its impact on other countries", he said replying to a question on the continuing stand-off between the US and Iraq.
The Dalai Lama also said he wanted China to grant meaningful autonomy to Tibet.
"I had sent a delegation to China recently following a positive change in its attitude towards Tibet", he said adding efforts aimed at getting autonomy would continue.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MelodyLady
more on the Dalai lama, terrorism and Iraq
29.05.2004 03:21
All of the below information was taken from WTN news, which gathers news about Tibet from many different sources. I have posted this here so that you can see what the Dalai Lama had to say about Iraq. If you wish to see more information of this sort, you can go to the Canada Tibet Committee's website:
World Tibet Network News
Published by the Canada Tibet Committee
Wednesday, September 12, 2001
1. The Dalai Lama's letter to the President of the United States of America
Your Excellency,
I am deeply shocked by the terrorist attacks that took place involving four
apparently hijacked aircrafts and the immense devastation these caused. It is a
terrible tragedy that so many innocent lives have been lost and it seems
unbelievable that anyone would choose to target the World Trade Center in New
York City and the Pentagon in Washington D.C. We are deeply saddened. On behalf
of the Tibetan people I would like to convey our deepest condolence and
solidarity with the American people during this painful time. Our prayers go out
to the many who have lost their lives, those who have been injured and the many
more who have been traumatized by this senseless act of violence. I am attending
a special prayer for the United States and it's people at our main temple today.
I am confident that the United States as a great and powerful nation will be
able to overcome this present tragedy. The American people have shown their
resilience, courage and determination when faced with such difficult and sad
situation.
It may seem presumptuous on my part, but I personally believe we need to think
seriously whether a violent action is the right thing to do and in the greater
interest of the nation and people in the long run. I believe violence will only
increase the cycle of violence. But how do we deal with hatred and anger, which
are often the root causes of such senseless violence? This is a very difficult
question, especially when it concerns a nation and we have certain fixed
conceptions of how to deal with such attacks. I am sure that you will make the
right decision.
With my prayers and good wishes
The Dalai Lama
September 12, 2001
Dharamsala, India
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Dalai Lama prays for peace in Iraq, says war outdated
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DHARAMSALA, India, March 11 (AFP) - Tibet's exiled spiritual leader the
Dalai Lama Tuesday criticised the looming threat of war in Iraq as an
"outdated" approach to solve differences.
"Destruction of Iraq will affect many people and countries when we live on a
small planet where all of us are interdependent on each other."
The Dalai Lama made the comments as he led a prayer congregation attended by
thousands of Tibetans and foreign supporters at his temple in Mcleod Ganj,
Dharamsala, where his government-in-exile is based.
The spiritual leader said war lacked a far-sighted vision.
"The concept and practice of war has become outdated and must be consigned
to the dustbin of history," he said.
"One country may lose at a time but this will only create cycle of violence.
In the long run there will be no winners."
He said in case of a war, the weaker sections will suffer the most.
"Those with rank and positions will find safe places to hide themselves."
The Dalai Lama hoped his prayers would bring peace to the minds of people in
Iraq.
He appealed to the international community to help people who would suffer
in the expected war and in rebuilding their lives once the conflict is over.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Full Text of His Holiness' Statement on Iraq
DHARAMSALA, 11 March 2003 - His Holiness the Dalai Lama said that
differences in opinion must be resolved through dialogue and discussion
rather than settling them by waging wars. His Holiness the Dalai Lama said
wars produce temporary victors and temporary losers and that the result of
this kind of victory or defeat will not endure.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama was speaking at a special prayer session held in
view of the threat of imminent war in Iraq. This special prayer session was
part of the eight-day annual Great Prayer Festival that began today at the
Tsuglhakhang, the main Buddhist cathedral opposite the residence of the
Dalai Lama. The chairman and vice-chairperson of the Tibetan parliament, the
officials of the Tibetan administration, the Buddhist clergy and the Tibetan
public attended the first day of the annual Great Prayer Festival, which is
organised by the Department of Religion and Culture of the Central Tibetan
Administration.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama said, "The Iraq issue is becoming very
critical...Now think of this. If there is any bloodshed, people in positions
of power, those who are responsible, will find safe places and escape the
consequent hardship. They will find safety for themselves, one way or the
other. But what about the poor people, the defenceless, the children, the
old and infirm? They are the ones who will have to bear the brunt of
devastation."
His Holiness the Dalai Lama said the concept and the practice of war has
become an anachronism and must be consigned to the dustbin of history.
Kalon Thubten Lungrig, the kalon for the Department of Religion and Culture
of the Central Tibetan Administration opened the annual Great Prayer
Festival by commenting that all Tibetans pray that the imminent war in Iraq
could be averted and requested the members of the Buddhist clergy for their
prayers.
Contact: Thubten Samphel/ Sonam N. Dagpo
Secretary/ Addnl. Secretary
Dept. of Information & International Relations
Central Tibetan Administration
Dharamshala, INDIA
Tel: +91-1892- 222510, 222457, 224662
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Tibetan leader says Iraq war is all about business
By ANGUS MCDONALD,
DHARAMSALA, India, Monday, March 24, 2003 (AP) - The United States is
willing to try toppling Iraq's regime - but not help liberate Tibet from
Chinese occupation - because there is "no oil in Tibet," the head of the
Tibetan government-in-exile said.
Violence is always related to business in the modern world, Samdhong
Rinpoche, the prime minister of the exile government, said Sunday at a
political forum for Tibetans.
Nearly 1,000 people attended the meeting, held at the exile government's
headquarters in Dharmsala, India and organized by the Tibetan nationalist
Gelshen Lhenzom or Patriotic Front.
"Innocents who don't deserve to die are killed for business purposes," he
said.
China occupied Tibet in 1950, citing historical claims to the territory. The
Dalai Lama, Tibet's spiritual leader, fled in 1959 after a failed uprising
against Chinese rule and set up the government-in-exile in northern India.
Asked why Washington was not prepared to go to war to liberate Tibet from
China, Samdhong said: "There is no oil in Tibet."
He said, however, that Tibetans wouldn't accept any U.S. military
assistance.
"The struggle of Tibet has always been a nonviolent one. Even if the United
States volunteered to fight to liberate Tibet from China, we would say `No
Thank you,'" he said.
Tibetans are seeking autonomy within China, he said.
The U.S.-led coalition launched its attack on Iraq after months of trying to
get Saddam Hussein to disarm his nation of weapons of mass destruction, and
after Saddam refused an ultimatum to leave Iraq.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3. Dalai Lama renews call to Bush not to hit back for September 11 attacks (AFP)
MADRID, Oct 9 (AFP) - The Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama
Thursday renewed his call to US President George W. Bush not to respond
with violence to the September 11 attacks, after the murder of a Spanish
diplomat in Baghdad.
"Violence generates endless violence", the winner of the 1989 Nobel
Peace Prize said, asked about the assassination of Spanish diplomat Jose
Antonio Bernal Gomez on Thursday in Baghdad.
The Buddhist spiritual leader avoided making any specific comments about
the situation in Iraq on the last day of his short visit in Spain, where
he was receiving a human rights award from the private Jaime Brunet
foundation.
"I have always been opposed to violence," the Dalai Lama said. Military
attache to the Spanish embassy, Bernal Gomez was the second Spanish
diplomat to die violently in Iraq since the end of major combat
operations in May.
The Dalai Lama added he had written to Bush immediately after the
September 11 attacks to offer condolences to his "friend" and to say
that "measures taken in response should not be violent".
Bush welcomed the exiled Tibetan leader during his visit to the United
States last month.
In Spain, however, no representative of the Spanish royal household or
the government has had any contact with the spiritual leader during his
two-day visit to avoid potential confrontation with China, which
considers Tibet as a part of its territory and opposes any official
contact between the Dalai Lama and any foreign government.
The Dalai Lama travels Friday to France, where he is scheduled to be
received by the president of the French national assembly Jean-Louis Debre.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A pursuit of peace in a violent world
By Globe Staff, 9/11/2003
Boston Globe
Edited excerpts from an interview with the Dalai Lama, conducted by
Globe reporter Michael Paulson on Sunday at the Chamtse Ling Temple at the
Tibetan Cultural Center in Bloomington, Ind. The Dalai Lama spoke mostly in
English, but at times spoke in Tibetan, which was translated by an aide.
Q. You urged a nonviolent response to Sept. 11. In hindsight, was
that the right thing to do?
A. Oh yes. Of course. Generally I always feel that violence is
against human nature, and in the present world situation the violent method
may
solve one problem, but may create another problem. So the side-effects are, I
think, very bad. So therefore, I always believe the nonviolent method is
the best.
Q. How do you think your position has affected your relationship
with the Bush administration?
A. Of course, I do appreciate their motivation, the administration's
motivation. They try to reduce the force of terrorism. ... The
motivation is good. And of course, terrorism is very serious violence. And
usually
terrorism suffers ordinary people most. ... But in the long run, I
always believe through transformation of heart, that's the ultimate real
method to the elimination of terrorism. So in that case, compassion and
friendship, dialogue and understanding, that's the only way to transform the
emotion of human heart. Force cannot change the human mind, the human heart.
Q. Dialogue and compassion even with terrorists?
A. Yes.
(The above last article is an excerpt from an interview with the Dalai Lama. I only included the part about terrorists, etc.)
MelodyLady