Dharamshala November 4 – An International Institute for Higher Tibetan Studies’ was opened on October 31 at the birth place of Heinrich Harrer, author of seven years in Tibet. Vice-Governor of the region of Kärnten, Members of Parliament, Mayor and various dignities were present at the ceremony that was attended by about 400 people.
A message from His Holiness the Dalai Lama was read at the ceremony by His Geneva Representative Tseten Samdup Chhoekyapa.
“There is a great deal in Tibet’s religious culture, its medical knowledge, peaceful outlook and respectful attitude to the environment that can be of widespread benefit to others. We have been successful in preserving these traditions so far, but in the long term we will need the continued support of the many friends we already have around the world and many more,” the message said.
“I am very happy to know that an International Institute for Higher Tibetan Studies is being established under the auspices of the Tibet Centre in Hüttenberg, Austria, with whose citizens we Tibetans have a longstanding friendship.”
International Institute for Higher Tibetan Studies is funded by the Kärnten regional government of Austria. Former Governor of Kärnten Mr. Jörg Haider was a key supporter of Tibet, and played an instrumental role in securing five years’ funding for the project. Haider died in a tragic car accident three weeks ago.
The institute will be a hub for learning Tibetan culture. It also will bring together different cultures and strive to foster dialogue between different faiths.
Geshe Tenzin Dhargye, who was deputed by His Holiness the Dalai Lama to manage the planning of the project, is now the Director of the Institute. Geshe Dhargye thanked the Kärnten Government of Austria, all the political parties, various religious organizations and the public for their support in establishing the institute.
Widows of Mr. Harrer and Mr. Haider were also present at the ceremony.
Harrer arrived in Lhasa in February 1946. Harrer became a friend of the young Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatso, who had summoned him to the Potala Palace after having seen him repeatedly in the streets below the palace through his telescope. Harrer taught the Dalai Lama (who was eleven years old when they met) much about the outside world. Harrer documented his life in Tibet in Seven Years in Tibet which was translated into 53 languages. A film of the same title was made in 1997. He died at the age of 93 on January 7, 2006.
