His Holiness the Dalai Lama Arrives in Japan
[Saturday, 6 November 2010, 3:40 p.m.]
His Holiness the Dalai Lama with well-wishers on his arrival in Tokyo, Japan, on 6 November 2010/Photo by Ngawang Thogmed /DIIR |
Tokyo: His Holiness the Dalai Lama arrived at Tokyo Narita Airport safely this morning. Mr. Lhakpa Tshoko, Representative of Liaison Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama for Japan East Asia and Executive members of Junior Chamber International Osaka welcomed and received him with khata, a Tibetan ceremonial scarf. |
Junior
Chamber of International Osaka has invited His Holiness the Dalai Lama
to address one of their main events this year, in which around 5,000
people are scheduled to attend. The world summit of Nobel Laureate has
also invited His Holiness Dalai Lama to attend the 11th World Summit of
the Nobel Peace Laureates at Hiroshima.
On
his way to Haneda airport for flight to Osaka city, His Holiness made a
brief meeting with some Japanese media. On being asked about the
students demonstration in Tibet on Tibetan language issue, His Holiness
said that the Tibetan language is a very rich language which can go
along with the ancient Sanskrit language. “Tibetan translation of
Buddhist literatures are considered very authentic. Chinese authority
has imposed Chinese language as medium of instruction in Tibetan
schools which caused the demonstrations. Politically we are not seeking
separation, Tibetan language, Buddhist philosophy, science and religion
is very rich. We love our language and we are proud of our language,”
His Holiness said.
When
asked about his opinion on election and situation in Burma, His
Holiness said that Burma is a very good Buddhist country and many
important Buddhist lineages had also come from Burma. “But the current
political situation is rule by military Junta. I have along with many
other Nobel Laureates, even the UN General Secretary had appealed the
authorities to release Aung San Suu Kyi, but nothing has happened. It
is very sad. One time I appealed to the authorities saying that you are
a Buddhist and you should put the Buddhist teaching into practice,”
said His Holiness.
On
Liu Xiaobo winning the Nobel Peace Prize, His Holiness said he has
always appreciated the contribution made by Mr Liu in trying to bring
openness, democracy and accountability in China. “This is good for
China in the long run. China has become strong, but to make a
significant contribution in this world, it should gain the trust of its
people and people around the world. Censorship is immoral, 1.3 billion
Chinese people has right to know,” Said His Holiness.
On
his recent statement on retirement, His Holiness said that the four
century old tradition of Dalai Lama holding the temporal and spiritual
power has come to an end in 2001, when the Tibetans in exile adopted
democracy and elected its own political leader, Kalon Tripa. Whether
Dalai Lama is needed or not will be decided by the Tibetan people. But
at this age, I think I have a right to retire,” said His Holiness with
a mild laugh.
His
Holiness and the entourage reached Osaka city this evening. Starting
from Osaka, in the following nine days, His Holiness will visit Nara
city, Niihama, Shikoku and Hiroshima.
(Report filed by Tsewang Gyalpo Arya, Office of Tibet, Japan)