President Obama joins His Holiness the Dalai Lama at National Prayer Breakfast

11 years ago

Post Views: 1,254

Valerie Jarrett, senior advisor to President Obama, talking to His Holiness the Dalai Lama during the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, DC, USA on February 5, 2015. Photo/Getty Images

DHARAMSHALA: US President Barack Obama yesterday offered a special welcome to His Holiness the Dalai Lama at the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington DC, describing him as an inspiration to speak up for the freedom and dignity of all human beings. Watch here

“I want to offer a special welcome to a good friend, His Holiness the Dalai Lama — who is a powerful example of what it means to practice compassion, who inspires us to speak up for the freedom and dignity of all human beings. I’ve been pleased to welcome him to the White House on many occasions, and we’re grateful that he’s able to join us here today,” President Obama said in his address at the gathering.

“There aren’t that many occasions that bring His Holiness under the same roof as NASCAR. (Laughter.) This may be the first. But God works in mysterious ways,” the president said.

The Tibetan political leader, Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay, welcomed the remarks made by President Obama. “We thank President Obama for offering a special welcome to His Holiness the Dalai Lama and we believe that His Holiness’ commitment towards promotion of harmony among world religions and secular ethics will bear positive impact on the humanity. The meeting reflects the American government and people’s continued commitment to freedom and democracy,” Sikyong said.

“Every President since Dwight D. Eisenhower has attended the annual breakfast since it started in 1953, and today marked the President’s seventh appearance. Also in attendance this morning was the Dalai Lama, whom the President lauded as “a powerful example of what it means to practice compassion,” and someone “who inspires us to speak up for the freedom and dignity of all human beings,” noted an article in the White House blog.

The participation of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and President Obama together at the National Prayer Breakfast took place in spite of warnings by the Chinese government.

The two leaders have earlier met in 2010, 2011 and 2014.

During his meeting with His Holiness the Dalai Lama at the White House in 2014, President Obama has reiterated his support for the preservation of the unique religious, cultural, and linguistic traditions of Tibet. The President extended support for His Holiness’ Middle Way Approach policy and reaffirmed that the Chinese government should have constructive dialogue with His Holiness’ representatives without any preconditions.