DHARAMSHALA, December 10: His Holiness the Dalai Lama today took part in a celebration hosted on the sidelines of his ongoing teachings in Rabgyal Ling Tibetan Settlement, Hunsur, in Karnataka, marking 26 years since the 1989 Nobel Peace Prize.
The Tibetan residents and the settlement office presented the Tibetan leader with “Kalsang Choekung”, a Golden Lamp as a token of their gratitude for His Holiness’ lifelong leadership and commitment to non violence.
The function was attended by HC Mahadevappa, the PWD Minister of Karnataka state, HP Manjunath, MLA, Hollywood actor Richard Gere, His Eminence Sakya Trizin and Gaden Tripa.
Addressing the gathering, His Holiness said that the hard works put by Tibet’s ancient masters have given the world the precious wisdom of Nalanda masters, which can bring genuine happiness not just to oneself but to others also. “And this great wisdom can be studied best with the help of Tibetan language out of several languages available in the world today,” His Holiness said.
His Holiness also said the ancient Buddhist texts written by the scholars of Nalanda University can help one inculcate the principles of non violence and peace. “So Tibetans should struggle hard in learning that and try to bring peace prize if not enlightenment,” His Holiness said on a lighter note.
The Tibetan leader remembered former Karnataka Chief Minister S Nijalingappa, whose immense kindness led to the rehabilitation of Tibetans in Karnataka which today has several settlements, schools, monasteries, nunneries and other learning centers. “So it is important that we express our collective gratitude to the government of India in general and the state government of Karnataka in particular.”
