Holiness the Dalai Lama in Rimini, Italy
Rimini, 30 July 2005– His Holiness arrived in Rimini on the afternoon of 29th July at the invitation of the Mayor. The programme began with a brief meeting with members of the media during which His Holiness outlined his three commitments (to promote: human values, religious harmony and the issue of Tibet) and answered some questions on issues including the state of the world today.
Later at the Mayor’s Office, His Holiness met with leading politicians including the regional and provincial Presidents, as well as Senators Forlani and Savoli. They discussed the importance of each individual making whatever contribution he or she could towards building peace and unity. This was followed by a welcome reception by the Mayor of Rimini at which Parliamentarians and other dignitaries were present.
His Holiness expressed his happiness to once again visit Rimini, where there is so much interest in and support for Tibet. A demonstration of this support came when, in the town hall, organisers hoisted a full size Tibetan flag alongside the flags of Italy and the EU.
In the evening, His Holiness gave a public talk entitled: Ethics in Everyday Life. His Holiness again touched on the need to practice compassion and be a warm hearted person, and also to look at problems realistically from a long term perspective. The crowd of well over 7,000 people were so appreciative of His Holiness’ talk that they greeted him with repeated bursts of applause.
On 30 July, His Holiness attended a conference of entrepreneurs on Ethics in Business. Before His Holiness began talking about the topic, he again repeated his three commitments. He told the participants that he has no expert advice to offer on business matters, and that had he been in business, it might have gone bankrupt.
His Holiness pointed out that a business leader has to be an expert, blessed with the skills of an entrepreneur, as it is one of the most important enterprises to serve humanity. For example, the issues of energy, natural resources and the environment directly affect humanity and it is, therefore, very important to consider them ethically.
The business community has a huge responsibility to narrow the gap between the rich and the poor, nationally and globally. Business should not only be profit driven. To be a success, it is essential for both parties (the employer and the employee) to look at each other’s needs and build an atmosphere of confidence, working for the common interest.
All parties involved should work in such a way that there is close cooperation, transparency, understanding and trust with a sense of responsibility or ethics. That would help to serve the common interest.
His Holiness also visited two nearby towns. At San Leo, His Holiness met with regional and provincial officials. He also inaugurated the photo exhibition on Tibet by the late Italian photographer, Fosco Mariani, in the Town Hall. His Holiness thanked the authorities and the organisers for their support.
At the town of Pennabilli, His Holiness met with the Bishop of the Region along with the local authorities and representatives of various religions. He also addressed a public gathering in the town square. The religious leaders prayed for world peace and expressed their satisfaction at being able to do so in the presence of His Holiness.
His Holiness inaugurated a bell, identical to the one taken to Lhasa by the late missionary Capuchin monk, Orazio, from Pennabilli in the 18th century and which had been installed in the Jokhang Temple. In the town’s historical theatre hall, he also inaugurated an exhibition of Tibetan photos by the late Prof. Tucci and a Chenrezig Sand Mandala, created by the monks of Ganden Jangtse Monastery in South India.
The mayor of Pennabilli expressed immense gratitude for His Holiness’ visit to the town. His Holiness, in turn, expressed his appreciation for the people of Pennabilli’s interest in and support for not only himself but also Tibet. He commended the organisers for their wonderful preparation for the visit.
