Dalai Lama today expressed hope that the twenty first century would herald an era of peace, cooperation and mutual respect in the world.
Speaking at a reception held in his honour by the Nagar Parishad, Beopar Mandal, BMS, Namdhari Sangat, Sheetla Smaj and a dozen other organisations, he said he was consistently opposed to the use of violence and favoured peaceful solution to all problems based on tolerance and mutual respect.
Dalai Lama said Indo-Tibetan friendship was not new. Bonds of love and understanding between the two nations were centuries old. Tibet had been treating India as its “dharam guru”. The philosophy and culture of Buddhism were imported to Tibet from India.
He said 3000 years ago India had acquired the status of a spiritual leader of the world. At present there was a need to implement those great Indian ideals of tolerence, peace and non-violence within the country. Mahatama Gandhi successfully followed those great ideals of non-violence against a mighty empire.
Dalai Lama said Tibetans had old links with the ancient town of Mandi and Rewalsar where their Guru Padama Sambhava had meditated for many years. Buddhists from all parts of the world visited the sacred lake every year.
“I came to Mandi in 1956 at the age of 22. Many in this congregation must be going to school at that time”, he said.
Expressing concern over the situation in his homeland he said, “We are passing through a period of great crisis. Our religion, philosophy, culture and identity are in danger. We are seeking a peaceful solution for regaining our motherland based on tolerance and non violence”.
Earlier the Himachal Pradesh Governor, Mr V.S. Kokje, described Dalai Lama as a symbol of peace. He said India still had the potential of emerging as the spiritual “vishva guru” if earnest efforts were made to imbibe selfless dedication for the service of mankind.
Earlier, the Nagar Parishad chief, Mrs Sushila Sonkhla, welcomed Dalai Lama and the Governor.
Dalai Lama inaugurated the 2-day Tsechu Fair at Rewalsar and visited Guru Rinpoche Caves, Kagyu Dzigar Tibetan Monastery and Nyingma Monastery.