Historical texts reveal Tibetan solution
By Jampa TenzinRead the rest of this entry »
Padova: Buddisti italiani minacciati da cinesi. Bandiera del Tibet tolta dallo stand.
Minacce e ronde dei cinesi contro i buddhisti italiani filotibetani. Momenti di tensione domenica alla «Festa dei Popoli» PADOVA – Prima li hanno minacciati sotto gli occhi degli organizzatori, costringendoli a ritirare la bandiera del Tibet dal banchetto. Quindi hanno organizzato delle «ronde», per controllare che il vessillo non venisse nuovamente esposto. Attimi di tensione tra cinesi e buddhisti italiani filotibetani, domenica in Prato della Valle, durante la «Festa dei popoli» promossa dall’omonima associazione in collaborazione col Comune. Tutto inizia attorno alle 15, quando tre esponenti della comunità cinese (accompagnati da Emanuele Cendiaro, presidente della Festa dei Popoli) si avvicinano allo stand del Centro buddhista tibetano «Tara Cittamani», e chiedono che la bandiera del Tibet venga rimossa: «Abbiamo proposto di esporre la bandiera cinese accanto a quella tibetana, ma i nostri tentativi di dialogo non sono valsi a nulla – scrive su Facebook Massimo Tommasi (Tara Cittamani) – L’interprete ci ha ricordato che nel pomeriggio sarebbero arrivati molti cinesi. E il presidente della Festa è stato molto fermo nella sua decisione di farci togliere la bandiera». Ai buddhisti viene «concesso» di indossare sciarpe e maglie pro-Tibet. Ma non è finita: «Dopo la preghiera interreligiosa, sono stato apostrofato in modo pesante – prosegue Tommasi -. E nel pomeriggio, alcuni cinesi hanno continuato a passare davanti al nostro stand». «Siamo avviliti – commenta Marco Parolin, presidente di Tara Cittamani -. Scriveremo una lettera al Comune e vedremo se ci sono gli estremi per una denuncia». «È un fatto increscioso – commenta Marina Mancin, assessore alla cooperazione -. Era meglio prevedere un incontro tra cinesi e buddhisti prima della festa». «È un episodio di intolleranza molto grave – dice Vincenzo Pace, docente di Sociologia delle religioni del Bo -. Ma la comunità cinese è vasta e articolata: spero che qualcuno voglia dissociarsi». 20 maggio 2014 http://corrieredelveneto.corriere.it/veneto/notizie/cronaca/2014/20-maggio-2014/buddisti-italiani-minacciati-cinesi-bandiera-tibet-tolta-stand-223252384448.shtml
il Comunicato Stampa del Comune di Padova in relazione a quanto è successo alla Festa dei Popoli. Read the rest of this entry »
Frankfurt, His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s Final Talk
His Holiness the Dalai Lama speaking at an event organized by Friends for a Friend in Frankfurt, Germany on May 16, 2014. Photo/Manuel Bauer
Final Talk before Leaving for India
Frankfurt, Germany, 16 May 2014 – His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s last talk before returning to India was at the request of the group ‘Friends for a Friend’. Taking his seat before the eighty or so business people, entertainers, teachers and others, he said: “I really enjoyed my visit here and I’d like to thank the organizers for all they’ve done to make it a success.”
The group representative replied that they always like to hear from His Holiness and wish to incorporate his advice into their daily lives. His Holiness told them that as human beings we need to pay attention to our emotions. We might find ourselves in situations where we think that anger would bring some energy to bear, but it is better to approach problems with a calm mind. Taking an analytical stance is more useful. This, he said, is what he does.
Asked how to deal with the drive to always want more, His Holiness said it depends to some extent on what you want more of. If it were money for yourself, it would be better to be content, but if it were funds to help society, to help the poor among the 7 billion human beings that would be different. In Germany, with the strongest economy in the EU this may not be a problem. We may notice though that it is because we tend to focus on material things, rather than inner values, that we always want more.
“Something Germany could do is help Russia. If the West had acted more quickly to support Russia Read the rest of this entry »
His Holiness the Dalai Lama Meeting Tibetans
His Holiness the Dalai Lama addressing members of the local Tibetan community at the Museum for Modern Art in Frankfurt, Germany on May 15, 2014. Photo/Manuel Bauer
Meeting Tibetans and Discussing Secular Ethics with Younger and Older Generations
Frankfurt, Germany, 15 May 2014 – His Holiness the Dalai Lama today held a meeting with local Tibetans in the iconic Museum of Modern Art, which, because of its triangular shape, is called a ‘piece of cake’. He opened in characteristically upbeat mood: “Greetings to you all. We are Tibetans from the Land of Snow; a distinct people. Archaeological findings in Amdo indicate the presence of people there 30,000 years ago. A Chinese archaeologist I met quietly at Harvard University many years back showed me evidence that contradicted the official Chinese line that Tibetan civilization originated from China. His findings showed that it arose in Tibet. We have our own language and script, which is one of the ten oldest in the world.”
His Holiness said that during the 7th century Thonmi Sambhota developed the current Tibetan script and is said to have composed up to eight books of Tibetan grammar, although only two survive. He said that the Tibetan language evolved as Tibetans began to translate Buddhist literature from Sanskrit. This often involved inventing new terms for specific purposes, which means the translations are especially precise and accurate. Although Perfection of Wisdom texts also exist in Chinese, they are not as precise, and are harder to understand. An example is the inclusion of the word ‘even’ in the Tibetan version of the Heart Sutra, which is present in the original Sanskrit but missing from the Chinese version. It shows that not only is the person empty of inherent existence, but ‘even’ the mental and physical aggregates are too.
Speaking of discussions he has been holding with modern scientists over the last 30 years, His Holiness mentioned that to begin with they asserted confidently that the mind was just a function of the brain. The discovery of neuroplasticity has shown that the brain can change in accordance with changes in the mind. Read the rest of this entry »
H.H. Dalai Lama Meeting the Press and a Public Talk on Self-awareness
His Holiness the Dalai Lama speaking on "Compassion and Self Awareness" at Fraport Arena in Frankfurt, Germany on May 14, 2014. Photo/Manuel Bauer
Meeting the Press and Tibet House Board – and a Public Talk on Self-awareness and Compassion
Frankfurt, Germany, 14 May 2014 – In the early part of his second day in Frankfurt, His Holiness the Dalai Lama held a meeting with the media, following which he met the Board of Tibet House. Addressing a crowded press room he first outlined his three commitments as one among the 7 billion human beings to promoting human values, inter-religious harmony and the preservation of Tibet’s Buddhist culture. He also commended the role of the media and their responsibility for keeping the public informed. He said that on the one hand they need to have a long nose like an elephant to sniff out what is going on, but also to be guided by truth and honesty in their communication of it to the public.
Among the questions put to him, he was asked if he experiences anger. He replied: “Yes, of course, I’m a human being. But my anger comes and goes and when it’s gone I don’t hang on to it.”
Elisabetta Schadt, a young girl reporting for a children’s channel asked what he likes and dislikes about being Dalai Lama. He told her that when he was in Tibet there was too much ceremony and formality, whereas he prefers things to be practical and straightforward. He said that if he were to think of himself as someone important it would create a distance between himself and others, ultimately leaving him lonely.
“Ultimately, although you’re young and I’m old, you’re a girl and I’m a man, we are the same as human beings.” Read the rest of this entry »
H.H. Dalai Lama’s Arrival in Frankfurt
Dagyab Rinpoche welcoming His Holiness the Dalai Lama on his arrival at the airport in Frankfurt, Germany on May 13, 2014. Photo/Manuel Bauer
Arrival in Frankfurt
Frankfurt, Germany, 13 May 2014 – During the drive from Rotterdam to the airport at Amsterdam this morning the police escort proved valuable. An accident on the highway had blocked traffic, but the escorting police were able to lead His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s motorcade by other routes to reach the airport with the least delay.
From Amsterdam to Frankfurt was a short uneventful flight with only a little turbulence as the plane descended through cloud over the rich forests that surround the city. His Holiness’s host, Dagyab Rinpoche was at the foot of the steps from the plane to receive him, welcome him to Germany and escort him to his hotel.
Interviewing His Holiness after lunch, ARD, Germany’s leading television broadcaster, correspondent, Cécile Schortmann’s opening question was: “You’ve been here before, why have you come this time?”Read the rest of this entry »
H.H. Dalai Lama Meeting with the Dutch Parliament and Friends of Tibet
His Holiness the Dalai Lama with Tibet supporter in Rotterdam, Holland on May 12, 2014. Photo/Jeremy Russell/OHHDL
Meeting with Members of the Dutch Parliament Foreign Affairs Committee and Friends of Tibet
Rotterdam, Holland, 12 May 2014 – Meeting with groups of people interested in Buddhism and the cause of Tibet at his hotel this morning, His Holiness the Dalai Lama began by telling them:
“There are several aspects of the Tibetan question, among which I’d like to talk to you about the damage being done to Tibet’s delicate natural environment. I read a report by a Chinese ecologist that compared Tibet’s significance to that of the North and South Poles; he described Tibet as the Third Pole. This is because Asia’s major rivers rise in Tibet and more than 1 billion people depend on their waters. Damming the Brahmaputra, for example, will have effects on both India and Bangladesh.
“I appeal to supporters like you to assemble a group, experts among them, to go to Tibet to examine what is happening, to assess what damage has already been done and what precautions could prevent it getting worse. The information would be shared with the Chinese authorities who are often not properly informed.”
With regard to human rights violations, His Holiness explained that about 15 years ago a Chinese Communist Party Secretary announced that Buddhist religion and culture was a major factor compounding Tibetan separatism. Consequently, he cracked down hard on monasteries and nunneries, exerting tight control over their activities. This is what provoked the 2008 unrest. Read the rest of this entry »
H.H. Dalai Lama Teaching Buddhism in Rotterdam
A view of the stage at the Ahoy Stadium during His Holiness the Dalai Lama's talk in Rotterdam, Holland on May 11,2014. Photo/Jurjen Donkers
Teaching Buddhism in the Morning, Secular Ethics in the Afternoon
Rotterdam, Holland, 11 May 2014 – His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s second day in Rotterdam began with rain beating against the windows. Before leaving for the Ahoy Stadium he gave three interviews: the first to Floris Harm van Luyn of NOS National News, who asked him about his meeting yesterday with the Dutch Foreign Minister.
Jacobine Geel who presents a talk show on religious matters was persistent in her questions about the relevance of temples and the traditional trappings of religion, and why His Holiness thinks people need to hear his message. He told her his listeners are all fellow human beings who want to be happy and that he regularly advises them, if they are interested, to think about what he says. If they find it useful, put it into effect; if they don’t, then forget it. Bettine Vriesekoop for Buddhist Broadcasting asked His Holiness about the renewal of interest in Buddhism in China. He told her that compared to Tibet, China is the senior student of Buddhism, that there is clear evidence of interest in Tibetan Buddhism among many Chinese in the context of a revived interest in Buddhism in general.
Arriving at the Ahoy Stadium His Holiness was welcomed by several Geshes resident in Holland and members of the organizing groups. When he appeared on the stage cheerful applause broke out among the 11,000 strong audience.
“Dharma Friends, spiritual brothers and sisters,” His Holiness responded, “I’m very happy to be here with you. Wherever I go I always talk about how all 7 billion human beings are the same. We all want to live a happy life. We need to remember that we all belong to one human family.” Read the rest of this entry »
H.H. Dalai Lama Travels from Oslo to Rotterdam
His Holiness the Dalai Lama speaking to members of the Tibetan community living in Nordic countries at the church of Laurenskerk in Rotterdam, Holland on May 10, 2014. Photo/Jeppe Schilder
His Holiness the Dalai Lama Travels from Oslo to Rotterdam
Rotterdam, Holland, 10 May 2014 – The streets of Oslo were quiet and sun shone as His Holiness the Dalai Lama left to drive to the airport to fly to Rotterdam. In contrast, the weather in Rotterdam when he arrived was cold and wet. However, his Tibetan and Dutch hosts were warm in their welcome and accompanied him to a short meeting with the media.
His Holiness told the assembled journalists how happy he was to be in Holland again, the land of fine people and beautiful tulips. He gave a summary account of his three commitments, telling them of his efforts to promote human values based on love and affection, his interest in fostering inter-religious harmony and in preserving Tibet’s culture of peace and compassion, as well as the delicate environment of the Roof of the World
The first question was about how things have been in Tibet since His Holiness was last in Holland. He replied that hardline officials continue to target Tibetan language and religion as posing a threat of separatism and have continued to restrict them. The second question enquired how long Tibetans could be expected to remain non-violent and His Holiness answered that if Tibetan Buddhist culture is damaged in Tibet, who knows what will happen.
A journalist who writes on religious affairs said that demonstrations by pro-Shugden supporters are expected and asked what His Holiness considers to be bad about the practice. He responded: “We’re Buddhists and the Buddha advised us not to take refuge in ordinary deities and spirits. Read the rest of this entry »
H.H. Dalai Lama Visits Norwegian Parliament and Nobel Peace Centre
His Holiness the Dalai Lama meeting with members of the Norwegian Parliamentary Group for Tibet at the Norwegian Parliament in Oslo, Norway on May 9, 2014. Photo/Duy Anh Pham
His Holiness the Dalai Lama Visits Norwegian Parliament and Nobel Peace Centre
Oslo, Norway, 9 May 2014 – His Holiness the Dalai Lama was met on the steps of The Storting, the Norwegian Parliament building by Ketil Kjenseth, Liv Signe Navarsete and other Members of Norwegian Parliamentary Group for Tibet, who escorted him into the building. Ketil Kjenseth explained that he was dressed in the local costume of his constituency, Oppland, to mark the fact that it was the first place in Norway to welcome and accommodate Tibetan refugees. After Members of Parliament, including members of the governing coalition, representatives and youth representatives of all other political parties, had introduced themselves, His Holiness was invited to speak.
“Brothers and sisters, I am honoured that you are receiving me. I’m a great admirer of democracy. I often say that the world belongs to the whole of humanity; we are the owners. Each country belongs to the people who live there. When a government is chosen by the people it is accountable to those people. Since 2011 I have completely retired from political responsibility and I have retired the institution of Dalai Lamas from this responsibility too.”
He said that since the 7th and 8th centuries, when Buddhism of the Nalanda tradition reached Tibet, the whole way of life changed, giving rise to a culture of peace and non-violence, a culture of compassion. He mentioned that China too is historically a Buddhist country despite the efforts of the Cultural Revolution to eliminate Buddhism. Now there are said to be about 400 million there who think of themselves as Buddhists.
Regarding the environment, he said that a Chinese ecologist had estimated the significance of Tibet to be equivalent to that of the North and South Poles, so he had described Tibet as the Third Pole. Asia’s major rivers ultimately have their source in Tibet and 1 billion people depend on their waters. One Chinese Prime Minister acknowledged that the unprecedented flooding in China was a result of deforestation in Tibet. Read the rest of this entry »
Dalai Lama in Oslo: Mind Training & Taking Responsibility
Mind Training & Taking Responsibility for Tomorrow’s World
Oslo, Norway, 8 May 2014 – Today is Norwegian Liberation Day, the day 69 years ago that Norway was officially liberated from Nazi forces. Civil rule had been effectively assumed by the ‘Reich Commissariat of Norway’ acting in collaboration with a pro-German puppet government, while the Norwegian king and legitimate government continued to operate in exile from London. Read the rest of this entry »
His Holiness the Dalai Lama Arrives in Oslo
His Holiness the Dalai Lama Arrives in Oslo to Warm Public Welcome
Oslo, Norway, 7 May 2014 – Many friends came to see His Holiness the Dalai Lama off from Riga, before he drove to the airport under leaden skies. A Norwegian journalist who approached him there was the first to ask the question that would be repeated several times during the day – what did he feel about the Norwegian Government’s declining to meet him while he’s in Oslo? Read the rest of this entry »
Second Day of H.H. Dalai Lama’s Teachings in Riga
Second Day of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s Teachings in Riga, Latvia
Riga, Latvia, 6 May 2014 – Before setting out for the teaching venue this morning, His Holiness the Dalai Lama met the Press at his hotel. In a short introduction it was pointed out that this is his fourth visit to Latvia, distinguished by his giving Buddhist teachings attended by people from Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia and Russia. “I am very happy to be here,” His Holiness said. “Last year when I was here, besides requests from local people, an ordinary Russian told me it was difficult for people like him to come to India to listen to Buddhist teachings. I wondered if it might be easier for Russians to come to one of the Baltic States. I asked and was told it would be fine, so decided to come.” Read the rest of this entry »
First Day of H. H. Dalai Lama’s Teachings in Riga
First Day of His Holiness the Dalai Lama ’s Teachings in Riga, Latvia
Riga, Latvia, 5 May 2014 – A blustery wind off the Baltic Sea added to the cold as His Holiness the Dalai Lama was welcomed at the door of the Kipsala International Exhibition Centre and escorted to the stage. Almost 3500 people of all ages, some from Latvia, but most from the European part of Russia waited attentively to hear what he had to say.
“As you have shown interest in our meeting and as I am at present unable to come to Russia, I thought it might be easier for us to meet here, than for you to come to India Read the rest of this entry »
His Holiness the Dalai Lama Arrival in Riga, Latvia
His Holiness the Dalai Lama Arrival in Riga, Latvia
Riga, Latvia, 4 May 2014 – Delhi was sizzling hot even in the middle of the night when His Holiness the Dalai Lama boarded a plane for Europe yesterday. After a comfortable flight, with a short stopover in Frankfurt, where the temperature was 0°C, he flew on to Riga, capital of Latvia, one of the three Baltic States. Cloud hung low over Riga and the roads were wet with recent rain, but he was warmly welcomed at the airport by members of ‘Save Tibet – Latvia’ and ‘Save Tibet – Russia’ and their spiritual director Telo Tulku. Read the rest of this entry »
