His Holiness returns after a successful Europe visit

Tuesday, 25 September 2007, 4:00 p.m.

German Chancellor Dr Angela Merkel meets His Holiness the Dalai Lama at German Chancellory in Berlin on 23 September.

Dharamshala: After successfully concluding his visits to Spain, Portugal, Austria and Germany, His Holiness the Dalai Lama returned here this afternoon.

The highlight of His Holiness’ visits includes the historic meeting of German Chancellor Dr Angela Merkel and His Holiness on 23 September at the German Chancellory in Berlin, despite protests from China.

Scores of Tibetans and other devotees carrying scarves, incense and flowers lined on the roadsides decorated with colourful buntings to receive him and to get a glimpse of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

On 10 September, His Holiness the Dalai Lama was received by the Vice President of local Catalonia government on his arrival in Barcelona, Spain. On the same day, His Holiness addressed the Catalonia parliament’s foreign affairs committee.

Later that day, His Holiness delivered a public talk on the Art of Happiness at the Olympic Stadium, Barcelona.

People of Hessenpark, Austria, greets His Holiness the Dalai Lama on 22 September

The Archbishop of Barcelona gave a welcome reception to His Holiness on 11 September. The next day His Holiness left Barcelona for a 4-day visit to Portuguese capital Lisbon.

On his arrival in Portuguese Lisbon, His Holiness met Portuguese press and gave interviews.

His Holiness conferred a three-day teaching on Shantideva’s A Guide to Boddhisattva’s Way of Life (Chodjug) from 13 to 15 September at Lisbon University.

On the same day, His Holiness also visited Portuguese national parliament and addressed the parliament’s foreign affairs committee.

On 14 September, His Holiness met Mr. Jorge Sampaio, former President of Portugal and Mr Douste Blazy, former French foreign minister followed by a reception by the Mayor of Lisbon, City Hall.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama posing for amateur photographers in Hessenpark, Austria

His Holiness delivered a public talk on the Power of Compassion at Pavilion Atlantico, Lisbon, on 16 September.

On 17 September, His Holiness paid a brief visit to SOS children’s village in Hinterbruehl, Austria, during its golden jubilee celebration.

On 18 September, His Holiness took part in the “Dialogue of religious leaders” along with Archbishop Philip, a Ukrainian and head of the department of religious formation, Catechesis and Missionary Work of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate, Mr Achmed El Tayyib, Egyptian and rector of Al-Azhar University in Cairo, and David Rosen, Israeli and president of the International Jewish Committee for Inter-religious Consultations.

Later afternoon, His Holiness conferred a public audience to 150 Tibetans living in Austria.

On 19 September, His Holiness delivered a lecture on “Genuine Happiness”. His Holiness later attended an inter-religious candle light program in the main church.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama attended an official award ceremony of PhD degree conferred by University of Muenster, in Muenster, Germany on 20 September.

On 21 September, His Holiness gave a public talk on universal responsibility in science and society.

Mr Roland Koch, Chief Minister of Hesse received His Holiness on his arrival in Neu-Anspach on 22 September. This was followed by His Holiness’ public talk on friendship.