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Update: His Holiness' Japan Visit

Monday, 19 November 2007, 12:59 p.m.


His Holiness the Dalai Lama visited the Ise Shrine (Ise-jingu), one of the main and oldest shrines of Japanese Shinto religion located in the city of Ise in Mie prefecture, Japan on Sunday morning,18 November, 2007/Photo credit: Phayul
Dharamshala: According to the news received from the office of Tibet based in Tokyo, His Holiness visited Japan's holiest Shinto shrine on Sunday morning, as a part of his effort in the promotion of religious harmony and unity among world religions.

This is His Holiness' second pilgrimage to the Ise Shrine complex dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu Omikami, mythical ancestor of the imperial family. His Holiness first visited the shrine in 2003.

Later in the afternoon, His Holiness presided over the Ise International Religious Forum's dialogue on 'Religious Harmony' at Kogakkan University auditorium.


His Holiness (3rd L) exchages bows with walks with a Shinto priest/AFP
Some 800 scholars from different religious traditions and general public attended the forum.

In his address, His Holiness reiterated his commitment to promote harmony among all the religions.

His Holiness said, "All religions despite there being differences in philosophy and presentation, all are committed to love, compassion, forgiveness and tolerance."

''So, the basic teaching and its motive is same in all religions. Therefore, through proper interaction and understanding, we could develop greater harmony among all the religions for the betterment of world peace and universal responsibility," His Holiness added.


His Holiness takes part in interfaith Forum at Kogakkan University which was participated by Shinto religion, Buddhists and Shugendo on Sunday evening. His Holiness addressed a huge auditorium full of audience on "Religious Harmony"/Phayul
" Japan has a rich cultural history on the basis of Shinto belief and Japanese people should preserve this unique identity," His Holiness concluded.

On 17 November, addressing a gathering of Ise Forum's committee and participants at Kogakan University, His Holiness said, "Religious faith is sometimes causing divisions and problems. (In the) meantime, all religions have the same message, the message of love ... and the same potential to save humanity."

"Therefore, the harmony and unity among religions is extremely important," His Holiness added.

Earlier during the day, while addressing a news conference, His Holiness renewed his call for "meaningful autonomy".


His Holiness flanked by Kogakkan University Chairman Mr Uesugi Chisato (L) and Mr Seishu Makino, former member of Lower House and founder of the Japanese Parliamentary Group for Tibet (R) during the Press briefing at Ise’s Kogakkan University on 17 November 2007/Phayul
"We will remain within the People's Republic of China provided the Chinese government should give us meaningful autonomy," His Holiness said.

The whole world knows that we do not seek independence for Tibet from China, His Holiness said.

"But the Chinese government officials still... continuously accuse me as a separatist. I don't know what it is," His Holiness added.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama will visit schools in Yokohama this morning, He is scheduled to give talk to some 5000 plus audience on 20 November.

  (www.tibet.net is the official website of the Central Tibetan Administration of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.)

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