Maribor, April 7: His Holiness the Dalai Lama spoke to over 5,000 people at a public talk – “Ethics for the New Millennium” in Maribor, Slovenia’s second largest city yesterday. Many Tibetans and admirers had come from neighbouring Austria, Italy, Hungary and Croatia to listen to the Tibetan leader.
The audience had the opportunity to ask questions to His Holiness on issues ranging from education, happiness, compassion, politics, culture and the Dalai Lama’s succession.
“A happy life,” said His Holiness the Dalai Lama to a woman who asked what is the purpose of life. “Future is uncertain but we remain with hope. Once hope is lost, the very life is shortened. Hope means something good. The very purpose of life is happiness.”
His Holiness emphasized the importance of education and warm heartedness saying the real peace must ‘come from within ourselves’ and that taking drugs, gambling and alcohol shows the failure to realize our inner potential and inner values.
Reiterating his commitment to resolve the Tibetan issue through dialogue the Tibetan leader said, “We are not seeking separation (from China) but are committed to remain within PRC.”
Following the public talk His Holiness met the members of the press. Earlier in the day His Holiness the Dalai Lama met with the Mayor of Maribor, Franc Kangler in his office. The Mayor presented the Maribor City’s key to His Holiness the Dalai Lama. After the meeting, His Holiness planted a sapling of Peace at the City Park where he said that violence, bloodshed and war are out of date. “The 20th Century was the century of bloodshed and 21st century should be a century of dialogue,” he said. His Holiness also addressed over 1,000 students of the Maribor 1st High School on human values.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama met with Mr. Janez Janša, former Prime Minister and president of the Slovenian Democratic Party before lunch. “We are very honoured by your visit”, said Mr. Janez Janša.
The Tibetan leader will next visit Switzerland where he will attend a rally “Merci Schwiiz” to thank the Swiss government and its people for the hospitality to the Tibetans. He will address the Tibetan Community in Switzerland and Liechtenstein on the afternoon of 11 April.
The Tibetan Leader will also address the First Tibetan Youth Parliament session on the morning of 10 April.
based on a report by office of Tibet, Geneva.
