Kundun: I Want to Promote Religious Harmony, Human Values
Pretoria, South Africa, 5 November: His Holiness the Dalai Lama arrived in South Africa on 3 November 2004, on His third visit since 1996, and was given a traditional Zulu welcome by the African Cultural Heritage Trust (ACHT).
During a press conference yesterday morning, attended by more than 50 journalists, His Holiness was asked to share His thoughts on the re-election of President George Bush. His Holiness commented that He had a good relationship with both the candidates, but as far as the decision was concerned, it was “America’s business”. As far as the Tibetan issue is concerned, His Holiness was of the opinion that there was not much difference between the two Presidential candidates. His Holiness promoted the importance of secular ethics in order to maintain a peaceful society, and the universal responsibility of individuals to take care of the planet as well as humanity. His Holiness furthermore stressed the importance of finding a common ground amongst different religious traditions in order to achieve religious tolerance and harmony.
With regard to His visit to South Africa, His Holiness stressed that, as with the previous visits to South Africa, His main purpose is the promotion of human values and reconciliation. His visit is not political in nature, but more like an educational tour. He hopes to learn more through the exchange of ideas with other cultural traditions. His Holiness sees Africa as a large continent with a huge potential. However, after attaining independence from colonial powers, there are still many issues like regional conflicts and civil war that need to be addressed.
When replying to a question on His Holiness’ views regarding the delegation led by His Special Envoy Lodi Gyari to China in September and whether He would like to visit Tibet in future, His Holiness said that face to face talks were necessary. He once again emphasised that He was not seeking independence for Tibet. However, despite the fact that He had been reiterating this, the Chinese government and media still continue to label Him as a ‘separatist’. While there was still so much suspicion, He said it was of little use to keep on criticising each other. He was therefore encouraged by the fact that the Chinese officials gave detailed explanations of the basis for their suspicions. There was also opportunity for the Tibetan delegation to explain their point of view in detail, His Holiness said. His Holiness pointed out that exactly 50 years have passed since His first visit to China in 1954. Apart from wishing to visit China to see the vast changes that had taken place since His first visit, His Holiness said He would also like to undertake a pilgrimage to some of the holy places in China, like Wutaishan.
His Holiness commented that although it was difficult to know when the day would come that He would be able to visit China, He felt much encouraged that at least the current President of China, President Hu Jintao, is familiar with Tibet and Tibetan issues and at least knows the Tibetan phrase “tashi deleg”!
His Holiness visited the Lamrim Buddhist Centre in Johannesburg, where he planted a traditional African tree and answered a few questions by about 400 Buddhists at the Centre. His Holiness advised on issues such as the importance of meditation, the nature of life and death, individualism versus the concern for others, the importance of compassion in order to achieve health and happiness and the need of inner strength and self-confidence for achieving success.
His Holiness addressed business leaders on Business Ethics and had a private meeting with Sanusi Dr Credo Mutwa, and took part in an African Divination Ceremony.
During a meeting with the Paramount Chiefs from the National House of Traditional Leaders and Leaders of African Traditional Religions, the concept of Ubuntu was discussed extensively.
During this meeting, which was chaired by Tim Modise, the value of culture and cultural teachings in the development of a society were discussed. His Holiness emphasised the importance of keeping one’s own tradition. Cultural heritage, especially certain habits like dress and food should, however, be allowed to change with the times. Tibetans travelling from the high, cold altitudes of Tibet to India, wearing fur-lined clothing were necessitated by Indian Climate to change when they arrived in India. However, certain values like the respect for nature, that are found in African and some other cultures, should be maintained and adopted by modern societies.
Other issues like homosexuality, religious tolerance, secular ethics, and corruption also formed part of the discussion. His Holiness will meet Former President Nelson Mandela this afternoon.
Report Courtesy – OoT, Pretoria