DURBAN/PRETORIA/JOHANNESBURG. This year, Tibet Society of South Africa and KZN Buddhist Forum observed the Buddha Poornima on 17 May in Durban. It also coincided with the 20th anniversary of the enforced disappearance of 11th Panchen Lama Gedhun Choekyi Nyima.
The function was attended by about 100 people, including a representative of the Office of Tibet, Ms Kunsang, who distributed the flyers, poster and appeal letter related to the 20th anniversary of the Panchen Lama’s abduction by the Chinese Government.
The function was opened with a prayer service by the Taiwanese Buddhist Association, followed by Indian classical dances and speeches by various group leaders.
Ms. Kunsang, Secretary, Office of Tibet, gave a brief introduction about the abduction of the Panchen Lama and then read out the appeal letter signed by Kalon Dicki Chhoyang.
The next speaker, Mr. Richard Govender, President of KZN Tamil Federation, expressed concern over the abduction of the Panchen Lama. He reminded the audience that the pen is mightier than the sword.
The presidents of both the Buddhist Forum and the KZN Tamil Federation expressed disapproval of the government’s continued refusal to grant visa to His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
A concerted effort was made to publicise the event in order to create awareness in Johannesburg, Pretoria and Durban.
The initiative was supported in the three centres by various friends of Tibet: in Durban by the Tibet Society; in Pretoria by Ms. Lindsey Morton (Unisa and Environs); in Johannesburg by Mr. Simbai Kanjere, AFDA (African Film & Drama Academy), and Ms. Felicity Morton (University of Johannesburg).
A prayer service was also hosted at Lamrim Buddhist Centre.
– Filed by Office of Tibet, South Africa –