His Holiness the Dalai Lama's
visit to Germany and Switzerland 2009
From July 29 - August 7, 2009, His Holiness the Dalai
Lama has visited Germany and Switzerland for five days
each. In Frankfurt, His Holiness has given
Buddhist teachings and attended a symposium on global
ethics
at the invitation of three organisations based in Germany,
Tibethaus Deutschland e.V., Deutsche Buddhistische Union e.V.
and Pagoda Phat Hue, a Vietnamese Buddhist community.
On August 3, 2009, His Holiness the Dalai Lama has
been awarded an Honorary Doctorate Degree by the
University of Marburg.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama has visited Lausanne,
Switzerland on August 5 and 6 at the invitation of the
International Buddhist Rigdzin Community. At the
same site, the Tibetan communities in Europe have
offered a Tenshug (Long Life Ceremony) to His Holiness.
On August 6, His Holiness the Dalai Lama has
delivered a keynote-address at the international
Sino-Tibetan conference "Finding Common Ground" in
Geneva, Switzerland.
His Holiness has left Switzerland for India on August
7, 2009.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama concludes
Germany and Switzerland visit
(Day 10: Geneva to Delhi, India, 7 August 2009)
After a 10 day-visit, His Holiness the Dalai Lama has
concluded his visit to Germany and Switzerland. Today in
the morning, His Holiness has granted audiences to some Chinese
participants and volunteers of the international Sino-Tibetan
Conference "Finding Common Ground", being held in Geneva,
Switzerland.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama has left Switzerland via
Zurich-Airport to New Delhi, India and will travel to Ladakh. At
the Airport in Zurich, His Holiness has been bid farewell by the
abbot of the Tibet Institute, Rikon, Namkha Rinpoche (Host of
Lausanne visit), Mr. Sonam Monkhar (Tibetan MP in Europe) and
representatives of the Tibetan organizations in Switzerland.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama leaving the hotel in Geneva,
Switzerland
His Holiness the Dalai Lama talking to the Tibetan
farewell delegation at the Zurich airport
His Holiness the Dalai Lama addresses an
international Sino-Tibetan Conference in Geneva, Switzerland
(Day 9: Lausanne & Geneva, 6 August 2009)
Before leaving Lausanne for Geneva, His Holiness the Dalai
Lama has met with the President of the Swiss Parliament, Ms.
Chiare Simoneschi-Cortesi, in the hotel. [
see report on tibet.net ]
His Holiness the Dalai Lama in discussion with Ms. Chiara
Simoneschi-Cortesi, President of the Swiss Parliament
Report on the Conference: 'Expect No Miracle, But
Strengthen Sino-Tibetan Friendship'
His Holiness the Dalai Lama Urges Tibetans and Chinese
Scholars to Be Ever Determined in Finding a Just Solution
Geneva, 6 August - The issue of Tibet needs to be solved. How
to do it is something we need to discuss, His Holiness told a
gathering of Chinese and Tibetan scholars and officials at a
conference organized jointly by the International Fellowship of
Reconciliation and the Swiss-Tibetan Friendship Association. (Click
here for full text of His Holiness the Dalai Lama's speech)
His Holiness the Dalai Lama said he wanted to hear new ideas
and suggestions from the Chinese brothers and sisters on how the
issue of Tibet can be resolved based on the Middle-Way Approach.
His Holiness said, The purpose of our meeting is that obviously
there is a problem. In Tibet, there is a crisis. Huge
demonstrations were there all over Tibet. Severe restrictions
were imposed. These demonstrations grew out of grievances
through the generations. Most of the people who participated in
the demonstrations are young. There is a need for a realistic
response.
On the other hand, His Holiness said, Our contacts with the
Chinese government is becoming difficult. So we are reaching out
to our Chinese brothers and sisters. There is growing support.
His Holiness said that to date there were more than 600 articles
written in Chinese, all positive, on the issue of Tibet. So it
is our mutual responsibility to solve this issue without
separation, His Holiness the Dalai Lama said.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama said that it is important for
those Chinese scholars who understand the issue of Tibet to
write and make things clear on the issue of Tibet to the rest.
For the Chinese scholars to understand the issue better His
Holiness said he made it a point to frequently meet as many
Chinese as possible. His Holiness said, This is an enlarged
meeting. I expect no miracle. But this forum is one to
strengthen friendship between Chinese and Tibetans.
In the morning His Holiness held two meetings, one with the
Chinese and the other with the international media. In the after
His Holiness inaugurated conference called Finding Common
Ground. This conference will go on till 8 August. His Holiness
the Dalai Lama inaugural address was followed by an address by
Yan Jiaqi, a leading social scientist and served as a senior
adviser to Zhao Ziyang, the ousted prime minister of China who
passed away in 2005.
Yan Jiaqi said His Holiness the Dalai Lama represented not
only Tibetans in exile but Tibetans in Tibet. Yan Jiaqi listed
all the qualities of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, his
selflessness, his sense of compassion and his ability to promote
non-violence. Yan Jiaqi said all these qualities gave great
strength to the Tibet movement. He said, In China I did not
realize the power of religion. Now I realize the power of
religion. He added that it is the right of every Tibetan to
return to Tibet.
Professor Samdhong Rinpoche, Kalon Tripa, also addressed the
delegates.
After the inaugural session, Professor Samdhong Rinpoche
spent about two hours fielding questions on a wide-range of
issues from the Chinese audience, which all said was very useful
to their understanding of the nature of the Tibetan struggle and
the approaches made by the Central Tibetan Administration.
The next two days the plenary will be split into smaller
groups so that fresh ideas can be discussed to help resolve the
vexed issue of Tibet.
There are over 100 Chinese and Tibetan scholars attending
this conference from more than 12 countries across the globe.
For more information on the conference,
please visit the official website:
His Holiness the Dalai Lama addresses the press with the
President of the Swiss Parliament,
Ms. Chiara Simoneschi-Cortesi
His Holiness the Dalai Lama speaks to Chinese journalists
before the opening of the conference
His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Kalon Tripa and the
conference organizeres addresses the international press
His Holiness the Dalai Lama gives an interview for BBC,
Chinese section
His Holiness the Dalai Lama with Chinese delegates
from left to right: Mr. Yan Jia Qi, Jonathan Sisson (IFOR),
His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Dr. Tashe W. Thaktsang (STFA) and
Kalon Tripa
His Holiness the Dalai Lama during his keynote-address at
the conference
Tibetan Communities in Europe offers
Tenshug (Long Life Ceremony) to His Holiness the Dalai Lama
(Day 8: Lausanne, 5 August 2009)
VIDEO
Today, His Holiness the Dalai Lama was received in front of
the teaching hall by Kalon Tripa, Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche, the
abbot of the Rikon Tibet Institute and representatives of
various Tibetan organizations in Europe. His Holiness
started the days programme with self-preparation before giving
initation of Medicine Buddha to the audience.
After the initiation, the Tibetan communities in Europe
offered a Long Life Ceremony (tib. Tenshug) to His Holiness the
Dalai Lama.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama has given two interviews to the
Swiss National TV during the lunch break, one news programme and
one TV discussion programme.
In the afternoon, His Holiness the Dalai Lama held a public
talk called "World peace through inner peace" followed by a
question and answer session.
The Lausanne visit ended today. The event was sold out
since 2 months before.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama arriving at the teaching hall
Children of the Tibetan schools in Switzerland performing
a song
His Holiness the Dalai Lama during the self-initiation
Kalon Tripa, Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche offering Mendrel to
His Holiness
His Holiness the Dalai Lama with ex-political prisoners
Phuntsok Nyidron and Takna Jigme Sangpo
Interview for Swiss National TV's programme "Club"
His Holiness the Dalai Lama with members of the council of
the Canton Vaud
Tibetan Folklore Group of the Tibetan community in
Switzerland performing at the start of the public talk
His Holiness the Dalai Lama during the public talk
His Holiness the Dalai Lama's teaching in
Lausanne, Switzerland
(Day 7: Lausanne, 4 August 2009)
VIDEO
At the invitation of Namkha Rinpoche and his buddhist centre,
the International Rigdzin Community, His Holiness the Dalai Lama
gave a one-day teaching on Lama Tsongkhapa's "The three
principles of the path". The teaching hall was full packed with
6'500 people coming from various countries. Before an
introduction into Buddhism and teaching the text itself, His
Holiness explained to the audience the importance of keeping
one's own religion. Thorough investigation is needed and
important before converting to an other religion or belief.
During the lunch break His Holiness the Dalai Lama addressed
the press. His Holiness explained his two main life commitments,
promotion of human values and religious harmony which he will
carry on until death. The media people asked His Holiness about
the current situation inside Tibet and about his hope with
regard to resolve of the Tibet issue. His Holiness said that
from a wider perspective he is hopeful because of the increasing
interest from Chinese people to the issue of Tibet and their
solidarity. Asked about the Swiss government's position not to
meet His Holiness during this visit, he said that there's no
problem because the purpose of the visit is religious and in
some extent educational. He further stated that he does not want
to create any inconvenience to the Swiss government.
After the teaching His Holiness the Dalai Lama addressed the
Tibetan community of Switzerland and Liechtenstein. More than
4'000 Tibetans attended the audience. His Holiness talked about
the importance of modern education as well as about ethical
behaviours. After the one hour talk, Kalon Tripa, Prof. Samdhong
Rinpoche addressed the gathering followed by Q&A session.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama with the President and
Vice-President (left) of the Tibetan Community in Switzerland &
Liechtenstein
Namkha Rinpoche, the organizer of the one-day teaching in
Lausanne offering Mendrel to His Holiness the Dalai Lama
Around 6'500 people attending the teaching on "The three
principles of the path"
During lunch-time His Holiness the Dalai Lama adressed the
press people
His Holiness the Dalai Lama meeting with Dr. Arthur Bill,
former Director of Pestalozzi
His Holiness the Dalai Lama with the members of the
International Rigdzin Community, the organizer of the teaching
Kalon Tripa, Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche at His Holiness the
Dalai Lama's address to the Tibetan community
Takna Jigme Sangpo, who served 37 years in Chinese prison
attending the teaching
University of Marburg confers Honorary
Doctorate degree to His Holiness the Dalai Lama
(Day 6: Marburg & Lausanne, 3 August 2009)
Video: Arrival in Lausanne, Switzerland
His Holiness the Dalai Lama has received today an honorary
doctorate of the University of Marburg, Germany from the Faculty
of Foreign Languages and Culture. Since its inception in 1845,
the Department of Indian and Tibetan studies in Marburg has
always been fairly small, but quite productive. Prof. Dr. Jürgen
Hanneder of the Faculty said in his laudation, that it is quite
unknown in this context, that His Holiness the Dalai Lama
himself made the first contact to Marburg in the seventies to
change the situation, that is, by offering to send lecturers of
Tibetan to Marburg.
Prof. em. Dr. Eckhard Bangert (Bhikkhu Pāsādika) said: "As
for the scientific achievements and merits relating to H.H. the
Dalai Lama and his ushering in a tremendous advancement of
knowledge, education and, in particular, of Indo-Tibetology, one
essential precondition for these facts and developments should
be mentioned which, again, was due to His Holiness, namely the
drafting of a constitution for the people of Tibet. He made this
momentous decision fifty years ago, soon after his departure
from Tibet and arrival in India, thanks to his great perception
of the changing circumstances of the modern world and also
having certainly been keenly aware of the historical Buddha’s
preference for democratic and republican principles as can be
gleaned from the canonical juridical texts pertaining to
monastic discipline."
After the speeches by the University His Holiness the Dalai
Lama adressed the 330 guests, explaining his three life
commitments followed by a question and answer session.
In the afternoon, His Holiness the Dalai Lama departed from
Marburg for Lausanne, Switzerland where he will give teaching on
"The three principle aspects of the path" on 4 August 2009. In
Lausanne, His Holiness has been received at the airport by
representatives of Tibetan organizations based in Switzerland as
well as by the organizers of the teachings, the International
Rigdzin Community. In front of the hotel, His Holiness was
greeted by about 200 people with a traditional Tibetan welcome
ceremony.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama leaving the hotel in Frankfurt
His Holiness the Dalai Lama on the way from Frankfurt to
Marburg
His Holiness the Dalai Lama signing the Golden Book of
Marburg
His Holiness the Dalai Lama addressing the guests during
the Honorary Degree ceremony
His Holiness the Dalai Lama presenting the certificate of
the honorary degree,
left: the President of the Marburg University, Prof. Dr. Volker
Nienhaus
Traditional welcome in front of the hotel in Lausanne,
Switzerland
Swiss National TV interviewing His Holiness the Dalai Lama
on the first day of his Switzerland visit
His Holiness the Dalai Lama concludes the
visit to Frankfurt
(Day 5: Frankfurt, 2 August 2009)
His Holiness the Dalai Lama concluded the visit to Frankfurt,
Germany today. Over 15,000 people attended the public talk – The
Art of Living - which was translated into German, Spanish,
Italian and Vietnamese.
In the morning, His Holiness along with Benedictine Father
Anselm Grün and Zen master Roshi Bernard Glassman spoke on
“Cultivation of inner peace and compassion”.
During the public talk, His Holiness the Dalai Lama said that
women were more compassionate than men and should take more
active and responsible role in society. He further said, to
develop world peace, one must first develop inner peace, then
within one’s family and finally one’s own society.
Over 30,000 tickets were sold during the four days event.
Tomorrow, His Holiness the Dalai Lama will travel to Marburg
where the university will confer an Honorary Doctorate on
him. The Marburg University has been teaching courses on Tibetan
Buddhism since 1929.
This is His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 35th visit to Germany,
the first of which was in 1973. Germany is the most visited
country in Europe by His Holiness, indicating the tremendous
public interest in and support for His Holiness the Dalai Lama
and the Tibetan issue.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama giving a TV interview to
chinese section of Deutsche Welle (TV, Radio and Internet)
His Holiness the Dalai Lama with Benedictine Father Anselm
Grün
His Holiness the Dalai Lama during the Public Talk "The
Art of Living", attended by 15'000 people
His Holiness the Dalai Lama with the Police motorcycle
escort
His Holiness the Dalai Lama speaks to the volunteers of
the event after the Public Talk
Cultivating universal love and compassion
is good for one’s own physical health
(Day 4: Frankfurt, 1 August 2009)
“One World – One Mind – One Heart” was the theme of His
Holiness the Dalai Lama's weekend program which began this
morning. Today His Holiness the Dalai Lama took part in two
different symposiums – one in the morning and the other in the
afternoon.
The morning symposium was a dialogue with three scientists
and prominent personalities on global and personal
responsibilities with Prof. Dr Mojib Latif, Prof. Dr. Karl-Heínz
Brodbeck and Prof Götz Werner. The afternoon symposium on Ethics
and the Economy and global responsibility with Prof. Dr. Tania
Singer, Ven. Matthieu Ricard and Prof. Gerald Hüther. The
moderator for the symposiums was Mr. Gert Scobel, a respected
journalist on culture and religion in Germany.
During His Holiness' address, he said “The concept of we and
they are now outdate. We must think of everyone as part of
ourselves.” While speaking on developing compassion, His
Holiness said, “something I know for sure through my own
experience is that cultivating universal love and compassion is
not only crucial for mental peace but it is also good for one’s
own physical health.” He further said, “Destructive emotions
like hatred, jealousy and extreme attachments not only destroy
one’s peace of mind, but these are harmful for one’s physical
health.”
His Holiness’ last program of the day was a public audience
and talk to the members of the German Tibetan Community and some
50 volunteers of the various Tibet support groups in Germany.
The Tibetan leader said that Tibet was passing through a very
difficult time in our history and over 1 million Tibetans have
died. His Holiness said that there has been an increase in
contacts with ordinary Chinese over the years. There have been
about 680 articles written on Tibet by Chinese mostly expressing
their concern and support for the middle path approach. Over 100
of these articles were written by Chinese living inside China.
While addressing the members of the German Tibet support
groups, His Holiness expressed his deepest gratitude for their
support and his great concern for the Tibetan environment and
the damage growing worse each month.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Mr. Christof Spitz, German
translator on the screen inside the teaching hall
His Holiness the Dalai Lama with the panelists of the
morning session
Asian bazar outside the teaching hall
His Holiness the Dalai Lama with the panelists of the
afternoon session
His Holiness the Dalai Lama addressing the Tibetan
audience (450 Tibetans and 50 German volunteers of Tibet Support
Groups)
His Holiness confers Amitabha initiation
and concludes the teachings
(Day 3: Frankfurt, 31 July 2009)
This morning, His Holiness gave a brief audience for the
Prime Minister of the Kalmyk Republic and his family. The Prime
Minister briefed His Holiness about a Buddhist Institution in
their country and requested His Holiness’ guidance. Then His
Holiness entered the teaching stage and spent about 30 minutes
preparing for the Amitabha Initiation. About 10,000 people
attended the actual initiation which began at 9.30 am and
finished at 11.30am.
As usual, His Holiness explained his position on the
worshipping of Dhogyal and the importance of practicing of pure
Buddha dharma. His Holiness further emphasized that it was his
responsibility to provide factual information regarding
worshipping of Dhogyal.
During the lunch break His Holiness gave a short address to
over 250 Vietnamese monks, nuns and lay people of the Pagoda
Phat Hue, which is one of the three organizers of the teachings
in Frankfurt. This was followed by a group audience for about 30
members of the German Buddhist Union, also one of the three
organizers. During his talk, His Holiness emphasized the
importance of investigation of Dharma before converting to
Buddhism.
In the afternoon session from 2pm to 4pm, His Holiness gave
the concluding teaching on The Middle Stages of Meditation (Gomrim
Barpa). Immediately after the teaching His Holiness
spontaneously said he would like to meet the severely disabled
people attending the teaching. They were about 15 of them on
wheel-chairs with their attendants and His Holiness spoke to
each one of them individually.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama with the Prime Minister of the
Kalmyk Republic (right of His Holiness) and members of his
family
His Holiness the Dalai Lama during the preparation of the
Amitabha initiation
Audience for Vietnamese monks, nuns and lay people
His Holiness the Dalai Lama with members of the German
Buddhist Union
His Holiness the Dalai Lama meeting disabled people at the
teaching site
His Holiness began teaching on The Middle
Stages of Meditation in Frankfurt
(Day 2: Frankfurt, 30 July 2009)
During the second day of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s visit
to Germany, the Mayor of Frankfurt, Dr. Petra Roth called on His
Holiness at the hotel. After their meeting, the Mayor
accompanied His Holiness to the Commerzbank-Arena, the venue of
the four days teaching and public talk event.
Mayor Petra Roth while welcoming His Holiness the Dalai Lama
in front of over 8000 people gathered at the Commerzbank Stadium
described the Tibetan leader as a man who had tirelessly fought
for a resolution to the conflict over Tibet in China. He "symbolizes
the fight for peace," she said.
Then His Holiness began the two days teaching on the Buddhist
text “The Middle Stages of Meditation” by the great Indian
Master Kamalashila. This text offers inspiration and guidance
for the complexities of daily life, which could be practiced by
anyone, whether one is a Buddhist or not.
During the lunch break His Holiness gave a public audience to
the members of the Frankfurt based Tibet House.
The last program of the day was His Holiness’ meeting with
the German Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation &
Development, Mrs. Heidemarie Wieczorek-Zeul who called on His
Holiness at the hotel.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Mayor of Frankfurt,
Dr. Petra Roth
His Holiness the Dalai Lama teaching on The Middle Stages
of Meditation at the Commerzbank-Arena, Frankfurt
More than 8'000 people attended the first day of the
teachings
His Holiness the Dalai Lama greets Mr. Thomas Mann, Member
of European Parliament and President of the Tibet-Intergroup at
the European Parliament
His Holiness the Dalai Lama preparing for a TV interview
by the 2nd German National TV, ZDF
His Holiness the Dalai Lama in conversation with Ms.
Heidemarie Wieczorek-Zeul, German Federal Minister for Economic
Cooperation and Development
His Holiness the Dalai Lama arrives in
Frankfurt
(Day 1: Frankfurt, 29 July 2009)
His Holiness the Dalai Lama this evening arrived in Frankfurt
in Germany from Warsaw, Poland. The visit to Germany is at the
invitation of three organisations based in Germany, Tibethaus
Deutschland e.V., Deutsche Buddhistische Union e.V. and Pagoda
Phat Hue, a Vietnamese Buddhist community.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama was received at the hotel by the
Hessen State Chief Minister, Mr. Roland Koch and the members of
the Tibetan and Vietnamese communities welcomed His Holiness.
His Holiness and Mr. Koch jointly addressed the members of
the media after their meeting. There were over 130 journalist,
photographers and cameramen.
Tomorrow morning His Holiness will lecture on the Buddhist
text “The Middle Stages of Meditation” by the great Indian
Master Kamalashila at the Commerzbank Arena Stadium in
Frankfurt.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama welcomed by representatives of
the organzing committee at the Frankfurt Airport.
Mr. Roland Koch, Chief Minister of State Hesse welcoming
His Holiness the Dalai Lama at the hotel
Traditional welcome by the Tibetan Community Germany
His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Mr. Roland Koch addressing
the media people
Press release - July 29, 2009
His Holiness the Dalai Lama
Visiting Germany and Switzerland to Give Talks on World Peace
and Give Buddhist Teachings
His Holiness the Dalai Lama will be visiting Germany and
Switzerland from 29 July to 7 August to give a series of talks
on world peace and compassion, participate in seminars on
environment, economy, & ethics, and to give Buddhist teachings.
His Holiness will arrive in Frankfurt in Germany on 29 July
at the invitation of three organisations based in Germany,
Tibethaus Deutschland e.V., Deutsche Buddhistische Union e.V.
and Pagoda Phat Hue, a Vietnamese Buddhist community.
His Holiness will be received by the Hessen State Chief
Minister, Mr. Roland Koch, at the hotel on 29 July, following
which they will jointly address the Press.
On 30 July, the German Federal Minister for Economic
Cooperation & Development, Mrs. Heidemarie Wieczorek-Zeul, and
the Mayor Dr. h. c. Petra Roth of Frankfurt will call on His
Holiness.
His Holiness will lecture on the Buddhist text “The Middle
Stages of Meditation” by the great Indian Master Kamalashila
from 30 to 31 July. This text offers inspiration and guidance
for the complexities of daily life, which could be practiced by
anyone, whether one is a Buddhist or not.
During the weekend of 1 - 2 August, His Holiness the Dalai
Lama will take part in three different symposiums under the
theme: “One World – One Mind – One Heart.” On 1 August His
Holiness will engage in a dialogue on economy and ethics, as
well as on the environment.
On 2 August morning, His Holiness and representatives of
different religious traditions will speak on “Compassion.” In
the afternoon, His Holiness the Dalai Lama will give a public
talk on “The Art of living.”
2 Songs for Dalai Lama concert will be held on 1 August
evening, where some of Germany’s well known artist will perform.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama will travel to Marburg University
on 3 August morning, where the university will confer on him an
Honorary Doctorate. The Marburg University has been teaching
courses on Tibetan Buddhism since 1929.
This is His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 35th visit to Germany,
the first of which was in 1973. Germany is the most visited
country in Europe by His Holiness, indicating the tremendous
public interest in and support for His Holiness the Dalai Lama
and the Tibetan issue.
On 10 February 2009, His Holiness the Dalai Lama received the
Deutsche Medienpreis (the German Media Prize) in Baden Baden.
The journalist asked why His Holiness visits Germany so
frequently. His Holiness has said, “Ich liebe Deutschland” – I
love Germany. His Holiness highly commends German people’s
determination and has said that after the Second World War,
Germany rose from the ashes and built a very strong democracy
and economy for its people.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama will then travel to Lausanne,
Switzerland, on 3 August afternoon at the invitation of the
International Buddhist Rigdzin Community.
On 4 August His Holiness the Dalai Lama will lecture on
“Three Principal Aspects of the Path” by the great Tibetan
Buddhist Master Je Tsongkhapa. On 5 August morning he will
bestow the Medicine Buddha Empowerment. The tickets for the two
days event were sold out in June, two months before the visit.
The same morning, the Tibetan Communities in Europe will
offer Tenshug (Long Life Prayer) to His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
This is a Tibetan Buddhist tradition where representatives of
the Tibetans residing in different countries in Europe will
reaffirm their commitments to His Holiness and strengthen the
special bond between them and their leader His Holiness the
Dalai Lama.
There are over 7000 Tibetans living in Europe. In October
1960, the first batch of Tibetan children and refugees were
officially re-settled in Switzerland. Today, there are over 4000
Tibetans in Switzerland.
On 5 August afternoon, the President of Vaud canton Mr.
Pascal Broulis will meet His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Thereafter,
His Holiness will give a public talk on “World Peace through
Inner Peace.” The President of the Swiss Federal Parliament, Mr.
Chiara Simoneschi-Cortesi, will call on His Holiness the Dalai
Lama on 6 August morning in Lausanne.
On 6 August afternoon, His Holiness the Dalai Lama will give
a keynote address to a Sino-Tibetan conference where over 100
Chinese and Tibetan scholars, writers, journalist and advocates
will gather in Geneva. The conference is convened by the
International Fellowship of Reconciliation and the Swiss Tibetan
Friendship Association.
“The objective of the conference is to create a better
understanding between the two communities and to explore ways
for a peaceful solution of the Tibetan issue,” said Mr. Jonathan
Sisson of the International Fellowship of Reconciliation. “This
is in the interest of both the Chinese and the Tibetan peoples,”
said Dr. Tashe Thaktsang of the Swiss Tibetan Friendship
Association. “In addition, it will serve the long-term
development of China and contribute to peace and stability in
Asia,” Dr. Thaktsang added.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama will return to India on 7 August
from Switzerland.
Opportunities for media interviews for Germany visit:
Tseten S. Chhoekyapa (Representative)
Mobile: German No. +49 177 1728 836
29 to 31 July: 7.00am to 8.30am 5pm to 7pm
1 – 2 August: 7.00am to 8.30am 5pm to 7pm
3 August: 6.30am to 8.00am
Opportunities for media interviews for Switzerland visit:
Tseten S. Chhoekyapa (Representative)
Swiss mobile: +41 79 533 93 10
3 August: 6pm to 7pm
4 – 6 August: 7.00am to 8.30am 5pm to 7pm
Medienmitteilung, 29. Juli 2009
S. H. der Dalai Lama besucht
Deutschland und die Schweiz für Vorträge zum Weltfrieden und zum
Buddhismus
Genf, 29. Juli 2009 - S. H. der Dalai Lama wird vom 29.
Juli bis zum 7. August 2009 Deutschland und die Schweiz
besuchen. Er wird dort Vorträge zum Weltfrieden und zum
Mitgefühl halten, an Seminaren zu Fragen von Umwelt, Wirtschaft
und Ethik teilnehmen und buddhistische Unterweisungen abhalten.
Der Dalai Lama wird am 29. Juli in Frankfurt am Main
eintreffen. Er folgt damit einer gemeinsamen Einladung von drei
Organisationen: der Deutschen Buddhistischen Union, dem
Tibethaus Deutschland e.V. und der vietnamesischen
buddhistischen Pagode Phat Hue.
Am 29. Juli wird der Dalai Lama vom Ministerpräsidenten des
Landes Hessen, Roland Koch, empfangen werden. Im Anschluss daran
werden beide Persönlichkeiten gemeinsam ein Pressegespräch
abhalten.
Am 30. Juli wird der Dalai Lama die Bundesministerin für
wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung, Heidemarie
Wieczorek-Zeul, und die Oberbürgermeisterin der Stadt Frankfurt
a. M., Petra Roth treffen.
Vom 30. bis 31. Juli wird der Dalai Lama Erläuterungen zu dem
klassischen buddhistischen Werk „Stufen der Meditation“ des
indischen Meisters Kamalashila geben. Der Text bietet Anregungen
und Anleitungen für die vielfältigen Herausforderungen des
täglichen Lebens. Jeder Mensch, ob Buddhist oder nicht, kann sie
anwenden.
Am Wochenende 1. bis 2. August wird S. H. der Dalai Lama an
drei Symposien unter dem Motto „Eine Welt – ein Geist – ein
Herz“ teilnehmen. Am 1. August vormittags steht das Thema
Ökonomie und Ethik auf dem Programm, am Nachmittag das Thema
Umwelt. Am Morgen des 2. August wird sich der Dalai Lama mit
Vertretern anderer Religionen über das Thema Mitgefühl
austauschen.
Im Anschluss daran wird das tibetische Oberhaupt am
Nachmittag des 2. August in Frankfurt einen öffentlichen Vortrag
mit dem Titel „Die Kunst des Lebens“ halten.
Alle öffentlichen Veranstaltungen mit dem Dalai Lama finden
in der Commerzbank Arena in Frankfurt statt.
Am Morgen des 3. August wird der Dalai Lama nach Marburg
weiterreisen, um von der Universität die Ehrendoktorwürde zu
empfangen. Die Universität Marburg lehrt und forscht seit 1929
zum tibetischen Buddhismus.
Der Dalai Lama besucht Deutschland zum 35. Mal seit seiner
ersten Reise im Jahre 1973. Deutschland ist damit das am meisten
bereiste Land in Europa des tibetischen Oberhauptes. Dies ist
ein Zeichen für das enorme öffentliche Interesse und für die
große Unterstützung, die seiner Person und der Tibet-Frage in
Deutschland entgegengebracht werden. Am 10. Februar 2009 wurde
dem Dalai Lama in Baden-Baden der Deutsche Medienpreis
verlie-hen. Auf die Frage eines Journalisten, warum er
Deutschland so häufig besuche, antwortete er: „Ich liebe
Deutschland.“ Er bewundere die Entschlossenheit und
Zielstrebigkeit der Deutschen, mit der sie ihr Land nach der
Zerstörung im Zweiten Weltkrieg aus den Ruinen wieder aufgebaut
und dabei eine gefestigte Demokratie und ein starkes
Wirtschaftssystem errichtet hätten.
Am Nachmittag des 3. August wird S. H. der Dalai Lama in die
Schweiz weiterreisen. Er folgt damit einer Einladung der
Internationalen Buddhistischen Rigdzin-Gemeinschaft in Lausanne.
Dort wird er am 4. August ganztägig buddhistische Unterweisungen
zu dem Text „Die Drei Hauptaspekte des Pfades“ des großen
tibetischen Meisters Tsongkhapa geben und am Morgen des 5.
August eine Initiation in den Buddha der Medizin erteilen. Die
Eintrittskarten für diese Veranstaltungen sind ausverkauft.
Im Anschluss daran werden die Tibetergemeinschaften in Europa
S. H. dem Dalai Lama ein Langlebens-Gebet (tib. Tenshug)
darbringen. Mit diesem traditionellen tibetisch-buddhistischen
Ritual wollen die Vertreter der Tibeter aus vielen Ländern
Europas ihre Verbindung mit ihrem Oberhaupt stärken. In Europa
leben über 7.000 Tibeter, die meisten von ihnen – rund 4000 – in
der Schweiz. Die ersten Flüchtlingsgemeinschaften wurden 1960
offiziell in der Schweiz gegründet.
Am Nachmittag des 5. August wird der Präsident des Kantons
Waadt, Pascal Broulis, den Dalai Lama empfangen. Im Anschluss
wird der Dalai Lama in Lausanne einen öffentlichen Vortrag unter
dem Titel „Weltfrieden durch inneren Frieden“ halten. Am Morgen
des 6. August wird er mit der Präsidentin des Nationalrats
Chiara Simoneschi-Cortesi zusammentreffen.
Am Nachmittag des 6. August wird der Dalai Lama in Genf auf
einer internationalen sino-tibetischen Konferenz, an der mehr
als einhundert chinesische und tibetische Gelehrte, Publizisten,
Journalisten und Juristen teilnehmen, eine Rede halten.
Veranstalter sind der Internationale Versöhnungsbund
(International Fellowship of Reconciliation, IFOR) und die
Gesellschaft Schweizerisch-Tibetische Freundschaft (GSTF).
Laut Jonathan Sisson vom IFOR ist das Ziel der Konferenz,
„das Verständnis zwischen der chinesichen und der tibetischen
Gesellschaft zu fördern und Wege für eine friedliche Lösung der
Tibet-Frage zu finden“. Dr. Tashe Thaktsang von der GSTF betont, dass
eine einvernehmliche Lösung im Interesse beider Völker liege:
„Sie wird zudem die langfristige Entwicklung Chinas positiv
beeinflussen und zu Frieden und Stabilität in Asien beitragen.“
Am 7. August wird S. H. der Dalai Lama aus der Schweiz nach
Indien zurückkehren.
Pressekontakt:
für Englisch:
Herr Tseten S. Chhoekyapa, Repräsentant S. H. des Dalai Lama
Mobil: +49 177 172 88 36 (29. Juli – 3. August 2009)
Mobil: +41 79 533 93 10 (ab 3. August 2009)
für Deutsch:
Herr Tenzin D. Sewo
Mobil: +49 175 389 09 76 (29. Juli – 3. August 2009)
Mobil: +41 79 349 24 48 (ab 3. August 2009
