His Holiness the Dalai Lama Arrives Washington
His Holiness the Dalai Lama helps Muhammad Ali walk down a staircase at Tibet Cultural Centre, Bloomington, Photo: Reuters |
Bloomington, 8 September: His Holiness the Dalai Lama arrived yesterday in Bloomington, Indiana, to consecrate the ‘Chamtse Ling’ temple which translated as ‘Field of Compassion’, built by Tibet Cultural Center. This ceremony was attended by Muhammad Ali, the boxing legend, and representatives of 15 faiths, including Zen Buddhists, Jews, Roman Catholics, and Native American faiths.
Each of these religious denominations recited prayers in their respective religions and languages. Also present at this function were Democratic members of Indiana’s congressional delegation, Reps. Baron Hill and Julia Carson, who gave assurances of their efforts to pass a Congressional resolution for the release of all political prisoners in Tibet.
Speaking to a gathering of over 3000 people, His Holiness said “It has been a great pleasure for me to see Muhammad Ali in person”. “I have seen his boxing matches. In my own case, if I were to step into the ring, I would be knocked down with the first punch.”
This was followed by a private meeting with Muhammad Ali.
His Holiness was also interviewed by Boston Globe. The interview will appear on 12 September to coincide with the arrival of His Holiness in Boston.
His Holiness stressed the importance for everyone to have a religious faith and to put in practice the teaching of one’s faith. His Holiness met the 52 members of Tibet Support Groups who, unlike His Holiness, are in favour of complete independence for Tibet. Explaining the essence of his Middle Way approach, His Holiness told the members of International Tibetan Independence Movement that he had conceived this idea for the mutual interests of China and Tibet.
His Holiness then gave audience to some 300 Tibetans and an equal number of Mongols. To the Tibetans, he stressed the importance of the Central Tibetan Administration. He asked all to work for the common cause of Tibet. He also laid emphasis on the need to preserve the culture of Tibet while acquiring specialised skills and knowledge. He counseled the Mongol students to return home and help in the development of their country.
Following a brief meeting with a group of Japanese Buddhists, His Holiness gave audience to representatives of Gethsemani Monastery, founded by Thomas Merton. Reflecting on the past exchange of Catholic and Buddhist scholars, His Holiness said that it was important for the Buddhist and Catholic monks to continue to share spiritual knowledge and experience.
He also addressed a gathering of some 2,000 youths and spoke on the importance of coupling the development of mind with that of the heart.
Later in the evening, His Holiness gave an audience to the parents of Trijang Rinpoche, the former Junior Tutor to His holiness the Dalai Lama.
His Holiness arrived in Washington, DC, on Richard Bluma’s private jet, today and was received by Special Envoy Lodi Gyari. The Tibetans of Washington, DC and nearby areas welcomed him at the hotel.
His Holiness called on Paula Dobriansky, Under Secretary, US State Department and the US Special Coordinator for Tibetan Affairs, and exchanged views with her on the issue of Tibet.
He also met the members of the International Campaign for Tibet and heard a detailed briefing on the activities of ICT. Towards the end of the day, His Holiness met Mr. Moreno, chairman of Mexican Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and had detailed discussions on the issue of Tibet.
a report by Office of Tibet, New York