His Holiness the Dalai Lama with fellow panelist and human rights activist Chen Guangcheng at Charles University in Prague
Photo: Jeremy Russell/OHHDL
His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s visit this month to the European countries Latvia, Lithuania, the Czech Republic and Germany to give talks on peace, compassion and solidarity attracted a huge following.
His tour began in Prague, where, referring to the recent racial attacks in the Czech Republic, he was asked if there was any racial tension between Tibet and China. To this His Holiness replied that Tibet and China have been on unfriendly terms and the best way to counter this is for Tibetans to reach out to their Chinese brothers and sisters. He also mentioned that he was particularly impressed by Christians all over the world trying to make a difference in the sectors of health and education, and that Tibetans should learn from them. While in Prague, His Holiness had a meeting with fellow Nobel Peace Laureate Ayng San Suu Kyi.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama and fellow Nobel Peace Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi in Prague, Czech Republic, September 15
Photo: Jeremy Russell OHHDL
When asked what democracy means to him, His Holiness replied “accountability”. Asked whether collective democracy can be taught or learned, or whether it arises through instinct and conscience, he was his positive self and replied that it can be taught when it involves a scientific approach.
At the Lithuania Academy of Arts he began his speech by highlighting the two basic principles of his life – encouraging the adoption of human values as a basic source of happiness, and promoting inter-religious harmony. His Holiness then visited the Lithuanian parliament where he spoke about the importance of placing strong ideals and principles over religious practices and thanked the Lithuanians for their warmth and support towards Tibetans. He addressed a largely younger audience at Tibet Square where he emphasised the importance of maintaining control over one’s temper. He said that anger is disruptive and destructive, therefore we need to distance ourselves from it when it arises.
He then continued his journey to Latvia, where he addressed the Latvian Parliament, speaking about the Tibetan struggle. Latvian parliamentarians showed sympathy to the Tibetan cause, and stated that they would always be supportive of the Tibetan effort to preserve their culture and identity. His Holiness was overwhelmed with the response he received in Latvia.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama speaking during his visit to Gymnasium Steinhude in Steinhude, Germany
Photo: Jeremy Russell/OHHDL
He spent the next three days in Germany, first visiting a school in Hanover where the children eagerly awaited him and each presented him with a rose. His Holiness was clearly touched and spoke to them about self confidence, courage and the importance of keeping the mind free of destructive negative emotions.
He visited the small town of Wonstorf where he was received by the mayor and his wife. His Holiness talked of cultivating compassion to the extent that we can come to appreciate our enemy’s harmful qualities, because they provide us with the opportunity to develop tolerance and patience. And we need tolerance and patience to protect our sense of compassion.
At the Vien Giac Vietnamese Buddhist Temple in Hanover
Photo: Jeremy Russell/OHHDL
On his third day in Germany, His Holiness visited the Vien Giac Vietnamese Temple in Hanover where he was received by thousands of monks. He spoke about the values of Buddhism and how we can all imbibe the Buddha in ourselves. He concluded his speech with his favourite quote by the Buddha:
“For as long as space endures,
And for as long as living beings remain,
Until then may I too abide,
To dispel the misery of the world.”
When comes to liberal thinking and openness of heart, His Holiness the Dalai Lama is at least a hundred years ahead of his times. His visit to the Europe has reinforced his people’s belief in him.
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