Monday, 18 May 2009, London
At the invitation of the Buddhist Chaplin to Her Majesty’s Forces, Mr. Tsering Tashi, the London-based Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama attended the British Armed Forces Buddhist Community’s Conference held today at Amport House in Andover, Hampshire. He also read the Tibetan Nobel Peace Laureate’s message to the conference.
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| Representative Tsering Tashi reading the message from His Holiness the Dalai Lama to the participants of the British Armed Forces Buddhist Community’s Conference at Amport House in Andover, Hampshire. |
In his message, His Holiness said that he always admired those who are prepared to act in the defense of others for their courage and determination.“Although the public may think that physical strength is what is most important, I believe that what makes a good soldier, sailor or airman, just as what makes a good monk, is inner strength. And inner strength depends on having a firm positive motivation. The difference lies in whether ultimately you want to ensure others’ well being or whether you wantonly wish to do them harm“, His Holiness said in the written message.His Holiness’ message was well received by the conference participants and guest speakers. Even Major General Andrew Gregory, Director General Personnel, who spoke at the conference made reference to the wisdom contained in the Tibetan spiritual and temporal leader’s statement. He especially stressed the point about “inner strength” that His Holiness had mentioned in his message.Major Kath Gould, who has been in the service of the British Army for the last 16 years and spoke
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| Group photo of the representatives of various regiments from all the three wings of the British Army in front of Armport House with Representative Tsering Tashi. To his right are Buddhist Chaplain, Dr. Sunil Kariyakarawana and Chairman of the Armed Forces Buddhist Support Group, Lt. Richard Moss. |
about her experience of “Being a Buddhist in the Army“ also referred to the moral courage espoused by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Other speakers included the Deputy Chaplain General, Rev. Jonathan Woodhouse, who spoke about “Army Chaplaincy Support”. The conference, attended by about 50 male and female representatives from various regiments from all the three wings of the British Army, began with a welcome address from Dr. Sunil Kariyakarawana, Buddhist Chaplain. It was followed by recitation of Buddhist prayers lead by monks belonging to Tibetan and other traditions of Buddhism.Lt. Richard Moss, Chairman of the Armed Forces Buddhist Support Group, gave the vote of thanks and expressed how they found His Holiness’ message to the point and inspiring.–Report submitted by Office of Tibet, London
