By Tenzin Monlam
DHARAMSHALA, November 28: The Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama returned to Dharamshala today after concluding his 18-day visit to Japan, including a four-day trip to Mongolia.
Tibetan prime minister Lobsang Sangay and Tibetan parliament’s Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, along with leaders and representatives of various Tibetan NGOs and associations, received the 81 year old spiritual leader at the Gaggal Airport.
Hundreds of Tibetans and well-wishers stood on both sides of the road with incense sticks and white ceremonial scarves to welcome the Tibetan leader.
Upon his return to Japan, His Holiness visited Saitama Medical University where he met with the students and the faculties of the university and the hospital on Nov. 26.
Upon his arrival at the university, His Holiness offered his condolences to the family of Maruki Kiyohiro, Chairman of the University, who recently passed away.
“We know that everyone who is born has to die, but the important thing is that while we are alive we should make our lives meaningful,” he said, while remembering the great kindness shown by the first two generations of the Maruki family during the initial days of Tibetan exile.
“Maruki Kiyoyuki here represents the third generation of this family who have shown concern for the Tibetan people. I would like to thank you for your promise to continue to support us as your father and grandfather did before you,” the spiritual leader said.
In his address to the medical students of the university, he said that showing kindness towards the patients while treating them is equally important as the medical training.
Citing his own experience, he said, “When I seek treatment, if the doctors or nurses are kind I feel at ease. But, as sometimes happens, if he is giving an injection in a mechanical way, with no concern for me as a human being, I feels apprehensive.”
The Nobel Peace Laureate will be giving a public lecture at Thayagraj Stadium on ‘Meaning of Life and Secular Ethics’ on December 9 and a teaching at the request of Tushita Meditation Centre, at Ashoka Hotel in Delhi on December 11 before travelling to Mundgod Tibetan settlement in South India.
