Respect to Dalai Lama

Over the last two days I have been making the most of my last Dalai Lama teachings in McLeod Ganj.

Sponsored by Buddhist societies of Russia and Confederation of Independent States, the first day´s teaching are delivered by HHDL predominantly in English. He is very adept in its usage, and chooses his words with precision.

Now in his 75th year, Dalai Lama remains both erudite and wise. His knowledge through the major academic disciplines is enormous, moving between technology, science, neurosurgery, history, religion and philosophy with complete versatility. Like all good teachers, he provides concrete examples to support his perspective, and asks for his disciples and students to question everything he offers.


His opening address is delivered with clarity. We are all global citizens – the concept of “Us and Them” is based on fear and/or hatred and is an out-moded concept in the 21st century. We must throw the shackles off from superstition and blind faith and show respect, compassion and love to all living things. Basically, it is time for a new renaissance. It all sounds like good stuff to me.

He remains jolly, positive and in up-beat mood. HHDL appears to be enjoying better health than he has for the last few years. He also remains openly confident that he will be alive to over-see a Tibetan Autonomous Region within China, although admits this is still several years away.

Although much-respected globally, (he was recently voted the most trusted global leader in the World), he is not without his detractors. The Chinese government continue to claim he is a divisive cancer to the People´s Republic, whilst others point to his lack of condemnation for the Israeli occupation of Palestine, and the continued ass-licking of consecutive American administrations.


None of his 13 predecessors has ever had to face the challenges now facing the current Dalai Lama or the Tibetan people. As Dalai Lama states, he is a simple monk from the remote regions of Tibet and would have preferred a very different existence from the role and burden that have been placed on his shoulders. The position of Dalai Lama itself is the reincarnate of the Buddha of Compassion. Historically therefore, it has always been a spiritual, not a political position.

Those who accuse him of seeking power delude themselves from very obvious facts. HHDL preaches democracy, and single-handed established the Tibetan Government in Exile in Dharamsala. He continuously encourages them to take the lead in all areas of Tibetan politics whilst trying to distance himself from its proceedings. He has urged Parliament to decide for themselves whether to continue with “the Middle Path” or adopt a different tact with the Chinese authorities.

Nonetheless, HHDL has become a ubiquitous global symbol of Tibet and its people, and is rightly respected by many World leaders. Moreover, Dalai Lama is also a global symbol of compassion, truth, love and peace. How many people can boast that?

Dalai Lama stresses that the Tibetan people will decide if it necessary for a 15th Dalai Lama to be appointed after his death. As a practising Buddhist, of course he believes he will be reincarnated and wants to assist and offer service to others in his next life, but not necessarily with the title of Dalai Lama.


Walking the streets of Mcleod Ganj, i am reminded daily of the plight of exiled Tibetans. I have been fortunate enough to choose to live my life in exile from my Homeland, most Tibetans have not.