Zurich (Switzerland), 10 April 2010
Over 10,000 people attend His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s
public talk
Over 10,000 people filled Zurich city’s largest hall
Hallenstadion yesterday afternoon to hear His Holiness the Dalai
Lama speak on Universal Responsibility and the Economy. The
program started with the Tibetan language schools’ children
singing a Tibetan song in front of His Holiness and the audience.
His Holiness arriving for his public talk in Zurich
After the public talk, His Holiness the Dalai Lama took few
questions from the audience. In response to a question on the
present situation in Tibet, His Holiness the Dalai Lama said,
“We are not seeking one side win and oneside loose. We are
seeking mutual benefit (for China and Tibet) through dialogue.”
His Holiness said that there must be transparency in China as
the one billon Chinese people have the right to know the truth
and making judgements for themselves.
Over 10'500 people listened to His Holiness public talk
Following the public talk, His Holiness the Dalai Lama,
Speaker of Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile Mr. Penpa Tsering and
Kalon Tripa Samdhong Rinpoche addressed the Tibetan Community in
Switzerland and Liechtenstein. Also Presidents and
Vice-Presidents of Tibetan communities across Europe will be
presented during this event. Over 4,000 Tibetans were present.
President (left) and Vice-President (right) listening to
His Holiness address to the Tibetan community
In his opening remark, His Holiness the Dalai Lama said that
this must be the largest gathering of Tibetans in Switzerland.
He congratulated the Tibetans for maintaining the Tibetan way of
life in Switzerland. His Holiness expressed his appreciation to
the older generation for giving good guardian to the younger
generation in maintaining the Tibetan religion, culture,
language and identity.
He emphasised that the public service combined with your
professional commitment was important.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama said that the reason why we are
in exile hasn’t changed and we cannot forget this. “The
situation in Tibet faced by fellow Tibetans is very serious and
dangerous. They have great expectation from us in exile. We can
never forget this,” said His Holiness.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama said that we became refugees not
because of civil war or disaster, but a new guest came to Tibet
without invitation.
“Till we die, we are Tibetan,” said His Holiness the Dalai
Lama.
Day 3 of Mind and Life XX conference in Zurich
Session 5
The final session of ML XX began with Roshi Joan Halifax
quoting His Holiness from years ago Compassion is not a luxury,
it is a necessity for human beings to survive. Moving on to the
sole formal presentation of the session, William George of
Harvard Business School spoke of compassionate, authentic
leadership. In his view it is essential for a healthy society.
He sees the global financial mess not as an economic failure,
but a spiritual failure; peoples desire for more and more
satisfaction derived from materialism led down a path of greed
and destruction. There is a loss of confidence in our leaders
today, but failures in leadership ultimately come from leaders
who place their self-interest ahead of others, inevitably
causing great damage.
However, on the bright side, we are seeing the emergence of a
new type of leadership, and this growing style is no longer
based on Top Down management it is based on empowerment. The job
of a leader is to serve, not to exert brute authority. The
mission of organizations should be to serve society, not
shareholders, according to Mr. George. Over the long term, this
is what sustains performance.
But leaders are not born or made, they are developed. Bill
asked the Dalai Lama, How do you think we can develop more
leaders? His Holiness replied, I believe it comes from the
training of inner values. Which many of you out there may
already know, but you may not be fully convinced. I think mainly
education will help development. With proper thought, we can
make education and other fields develop more compassionate
people. Even Hitler didnt start out evil from birth; it was his
development and the circumstances of his life that allowed him
to become who he was. Though the media in Jerusalem made it
sound like I called him a positive person when I first said this.
His Holiness continued, You should spread these ideas about
this type of leadership through talks, to the media, so that
they are well known. Make a list of the qualities that this
leader would have and list them A, B, C, and so on. And then
when people go to elections, they can take this list and judge
who their leaders might be based on this list!
Richard Davidson returned to the stage and took a moment to
thank His Holiness for making this twentieth Mind & Life
dialogue possible. This could never have happened with anyone
else. No other world leader has spent so much time in dialogue
with scientists, he said to commanding applause. Well, I dont
have a country to run, joked His Holiness. I have been quite
free! Thupten Jinpa chimed in, He does it partly to pass the
time! After summarizing the first sessions scientific findings,
he said, Over these sessions, weve seen that in practice as well
as in basic research that there are distinct gender differences
when it comes to altruism and compassion. Why do you think that
is?
I think the neurons are the same, organs are the same, His
Holiness mused after a moment. The Buddha would have wanted to
give equal opportunities to men and women. Discrimination has
often been in the way of equality. Masculine traits have been
associated as strength. Feminine is wisdom. We must develop
toward a mother-centered being; she would be the ultimate source
of affection. Over this meeting we have been learning that women
biologically have more sensitivity to this. Throughout evolution,
leadership only came recently, when groups evolved to become
more complex. Power stepped in and kept stability, which pushed
education and compassion to more secondary roles.
Ive learned much from living in India liberty, democracy. he
continued. Because so many of the thoughts and ideas I have had
developed while in India, I now consider myself a son of India.
Which always irritates my bosses in China! He also said that
intelligence alone is not enough; we need more compassion.
Education will help bring equality to males and females. Women
should take more of the active leadership roles. Although, he
quipped, some females not so compassionate!
Ernst Fehr thought of some challenges for the future. What in
Buddhism could be translated to the context of this conference?
he asked His Holiness.
It is clear that we need different religions, began the Dalai
Lamas response. They have different perspectives but produce
similar effects. A Muslim friend told me how a true practitioner
must love all living creatures. We have to tackle the root cause
of the problems in economic systems. We must recognize secular
ethics. There is Buddhist science, Buddhist philosophy and
Buddhist religion. Leave out the religion and look at the
Buddhist science. Buddhism brings the necessity of compassion to
social sciences. Your happiness is related to others happiness.
All interconnected. Buddhist science provides better knowledge
about emotion. He continued, However, we should respect all
religions; do not try to convert people. Respect. Is Buddhism
useful for economics in society? No. But take the values and
perspectives of a religious person, and utilize that.
His Holiness with the speakers of the XX Mind & Life
Conference
His Holiness thanked everyone for such an important
conference, and he expressed how encouraged he felt with what
had been discussed. Thus ended Mind & Life XX: Altruism and
Compassion in Economic Systems. By all accounts, there were
great dialogue, very insightful research presentations, examples
of real world economic compassion and happiness with how it all
intertwined. Tashi Delek!
His Holiness during the Tibetan National Anthem before
adressing the Tibetan community in Switzerland & Liechtenstein
His Holiness giving interview to Swiss National TV
Zurich (Switzerland), 10 April 2010
Over 8,000 people gathered at the heart of Zurich city to
express solidarity with Tibet
Over 8,000 people gathered at Münsterhof, in the heart of
Zurich city to express solidarity with His Holiness the Dalai
Lama and the Tibetan people.
His Holiness at the Tibet Solidarity-Rally in Zurich
“Expressing solidarity with our cause is very useful to
remind China of the Tibetan cause,” said His Holiness the Dalai
Lama. “I very much appreciate it.” He further said that the
Chinese Government must address the reality of the Tibetan
problem. His Holiness added that he was 100 percent certain that
the Tibetan issue will not disappear, despite China using force
and suppression on the Tibetan people. He reiterated that he was
not seeking separation from China.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama said he welcomed people’s support
of Tibet’s non-violence struggle and asked them to also practice
non-violence at home.
Solidarity rally is important for the Tibetan struggle, as it
snow that it is not the struggle of few Tibetans but ordinary
people worldwide are showing support. His Holiness spoke about
two of his three commitments in life 1) human value and 2)
religious harmony.
At the end of His Holiness’ address at the Solidarity Rally,
he said, “So my brothers and sisters, please think of these two
points. Please promote these two points. If you do this, it
shows you are a good friend of the Dalai Lama.”
In the morning, His Holiness addressed the First European
Tibetan Youth Parliament. The aim of the Youth Parliament is to
bring together young Tibetans from across Europe to discuss
Tibetan issue and working together across Europe especially.
His Holiness addressing the First European Tibetan Youth
Parliament
Tendon Dahortsang, the President of Tibetan Youth Association
in Europe in her welcome address said, “Though we have grown up
in different parts of the world, we are Tibetans and to serve
the Tibetan people’s struggle.”
She said that during her first visit to Tibet in 2002, she
met an elderly Tibetan in Lhasa who asked where she came from.
During their talk, the elderly Tibetan said that the Tibetan
people in Tibet have great expectations from the Tibetan in
exile community especially the youth.
The president (left) and vice-president (right) of the
Tibetan Youth Association in Europe accompanying His Holiness
The First European Tibetan Youth Parliament conference is
organized by the Tibetan Youth Association in Europe, based in
Switzerland. This year Tibetan Youth Association in Europe is
marking the 40th Anniversary since it was founded.
In his address to the First European Tibetan Youth Parliament,
His Holiness said that that the older Tibetan generation is
dying. It is the responsibility of the younger generation to
continue the struggle of Tibet. In 2008, the world heard the
suffering of three generation of Tibetan.
“We are the representatives of the Tibetans in Tibet.
Thinking about the future of Tibet is important,” said His
Holiness the Dalai Lama.
Question & Answer session at the First European
Tibetan Youth Parliament
His Holiness addressing the Solidarity Rally for Tibet
His Holiness with some artists of the Solidarity Rally
His Holiness and members of the board of Swiss-Tibetan
Friendship Association
Day 2 of Mind and Life XX conference in Zurich
Session 3
“What are the recent most important findings from economic
research which help us to understand how cooperation, how
decision-making and pro-social behavior work?” This is how Gert
Scobel of 3sat opened the introduction to Session 3 on Day 2.
Lord Richard Layard of the London School of Economics, after
discussing different situations where competition or cooperation
would be more appropriate, talked about how increased wealth
does not correlate with increased happiness. Many people are
stuck in a world of ‘social comparisons,’ where status is more
important than being economically comfortable. He emphasized
that while wealth is increasing, mental health is on the decline;
and to combat this he introduced the Movement for Happiness to
try to both increase happiness and reduce misery in the world.
The Dalai Lama agreed to support the movement – “But don’t
expect money!”
His Holiness asked, “Why is it that I’ve seen studies where
the level of happiness is higher in Cuba than in the United
Kingdom?” Lord Layard said that it may result from greater
cooperation among the members of Cuba’s society, a necessity in
such a poor country. Lord Layard polled the audience to see if
they thought that people in general can be trusted.
Overwhelmingly the answer was yes. His Holiness laughed, “In
this hall, the people are very good, very trusting. People
outside this hall, I don’t know!”
Later His Holiness remarked, “The G7, the G20, none of these
groups are focused on happiness. We need more cooperation based
on trust, on respect, on love. ‘I need you.’ We must base our
interactions on that idea. ‘I want happiness, and I need you. We
need they. You must first extend your hand to others; you cannot
wait for people to come to you for cooperation. This is most
important.”
William Harbaugh of the University of Oregon started by
explaining how current economic systems have self-correcting
measures built in. Self-interest is a reliable strategy as goods
are produced and distributed; and as rules are enforced to
prevent one from harming others, the threat of punishment will
keep actors in line, serving their self-interest. Welfare of the
poor is not a market good, it is a public good. We should
develop ‘warm-glow’ altruism to gain both external profit for
those in need of the public good and internal profit by getting
neural benefit. Pure altruism, where nothing is gained, may not
work in an economic system; but ‘warm-glow’ altruism, where you
know it will produce a feeling of satisfaction by directly
helping others, is very effective and will compel people to want
to do it again.
“What does altruism do for us?” Ernst Fehr asked as he
returned to the stage. Public goods, as he defined, can be
consumed by all members of a group, regardless of whether they
contribute to them. Democratic liberty, the environment, etc. –
these are examples of public goods. There is an undersupply of
public goods in the world if people act selfishly. “Why do
people start out acting altruistically, especially in these
trust experiment games you perform?” asked His Holiness. “Many
people start out very optimistic about others, but after
witnessing selfishness in others, their altruism diminishes to
the point where it almost ceases to exist,” replied Ernst. How
can we solve this problem? Altruistic sanctioning of
non-cooperation – the ability to punish those who act selfishly
and harm others. Once it is introduced into the arena,
cooperation immediately soars and becomes almost universal.
Session 4
Audience of Mind & Life Conference
Antoinette Hunziker-Ebneter, CEO of Forma Futura Invest Inc.,
declared the we, all of us, are responsible for our economic
system, and the problems that arise out of it. Do we want to
create a better system, with more sustainable outcomes, with
more focus on people’s good, rather than materialism and
selfishness? People are starting to question investment
strategies to find stocks that coincide with their personal
worldview. We are seeing a shift from a desire for quantity to
quality, from pure profit to profit with a purpose. Intangible
benefits need more prominence such as health, freedom of choice,
etc. Revolution, rather than evolution, is necessary, as time is
not in our favor to wait for the sustainable financial system to
organically arise. Part of the solution is to invest in the
companies that support our endgoal of compassion and altruism.
“I think human intelligence can and should be applied to
working on solutions like this,” remarked His Holiness.
“Material development can only grow so far, so there should
eventually be a sense of contentment with where we end up.
However, mental development should never be content.”
Arthur Vayloyan, of Credit Suisse, asked, “What can a bank do
to help reduce poverty in the world?” Microfinance (not just
microcredit) is part of the solution; it is defined as providing
all basic, classical financial services for the poor. From his
team’s beginning, investing in very small projects such as a
woman in Cambodia who started with a loan of $13, Credit Suisse
and other institutions have helped bring the size of
microfinance to current global investments of about $45 billion.
But aid alone, especially from governments and NGOS, will not do
the job; throwing money at a problem without a very clear
strategy will only pollute the problem. No one believed that
this sort of venture would work. Arthur quoted Nelson Mandela –
“It always seems impossible until it is done.”
Sanjit “Bunker” Roy conveyed his inspiring personal story
with his time. After an expensive education, he was inspired to
abandon the prospects of a well-to-do life upon visiting a poor
village for the first time. He started the Barefoot College, an
institution built by the poor, staffed by the poor, and
dedicated to the education of the poor. No one with formal
education is allowed. The policy is to visit destitute villages
around the world, searching for people to train to become solar
engineers. Only women are allowed. “Because we have found men
are untrainable.” Bunker asked if His Holiness agreed with this
conclusion. “Yes,” he said. “I am a lost cause.” Grandmothers,
in particular, are ideal for this. At the Barefoot College, they
are taught by sign language and by example how to build, repair,
and maintain solar panels. “With solar panels, the Indian women
we train are so precise, not like normal Indian women. They are
not always so precise.” His Holiness joked, “Also Tibetan women!”
After they are ready, they return to the village and install
units around their village, at the cost of $2 per month. This
has allowed the solar electrification of 600 villages in India
alone.
“Real transformation comes from villages and projects like
this. Change must come from the bottom,” His Holiness mused.
Responding to a question about how this will affect migration to
urban areas, Bunker said, “Develop the quality of life in
villages, and this will prevent people from moving away to the
cities.”
Matthieu Ricard finished the session with a brief few
comments about humanitarian work. It is growing everywhere,
especially on small scale projects. Non-government organizations
can tease altruistic cooperation out of the groups and cultures
they touch. They should confederate to continue and increase
this very important work.
Ven. Matthieu Ricard during the Mind & Life session
Thus ended a rousing day of dialogue. Immediately following
the day’s proceedings, all the participants except His Holiness
huddled together to begin formulating the last session, an
integration of the ideas we have been presented with and as well
a compass for the direction we want to follow going forward.
Tomorrow will be a grand day!
Zurich (Switzerland), 9 April 2010
The Mind and Life XX conference starts in Zurich
More information on:
www.compassionineconomics.org
Session 1
After introductory remarks by Adam Engle, CEO and co-founder
of the Mind & Life Institute, Rector Andreas Fischer – the
President of the University of Zurich – welcomed everyone and
introduced His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
His Holiness during the opening session of the Mind & Life
conference
His Holiness then took the stage and said, “I do not know how
to make money. But I know it can be useful.” He relayed a story
where he asked one of his business friends about the roots of
the current economic crisis, and his friend told him it was
greed, possibly even the desire to cheat for profit. “Even I
know this is bad for the economic system,” His Holiness said. He
also spoke of a wish for all of us to continue striving for
enhanced wisdom, and pondered whether the results of this
conference may point toward a better direction for economic
systems.
Roshi Joan Halifax outlined the direction of the conference
and handed it over to the presenters. Dan Batson, of the
University of Kansas, opened with a very direct question – Does
altruism exist? After speaking about egoism and empathy, he
referenced empathy-based experiments and what they might infer.
Tania Singer, of the University of Zurich, explained two neural
routes to understanding others’ minds – via empathy and
compassion and via the “theory of mind,” the conscious thinking
of someone else’s mental state. After explaining neural networks
and their relation to compassionate thoughts and feelings, she
talked of how some people have a deficit in comprehending their
own feelings. Studies of meditation have been shown to help this
deficiency.
His Holiness and the President of the University of Zurich
Richard Davidson, of the University of Wisconsin, followed up
on these ideas and posited two big points – that there are
different levels of empathy and compassion in people, which have
biological roots, and empathy and compassion can be regarded as
skills, which can be trained and enhanced. He then reviewed
neuroscientific research in these areas; results showed that
subjects who had more extensive mental training had a greater
tendency to exhibit signs of altruism. Matthieu Ricard, of
Shechen Monastary, presented last and helped enlighten the
audience to Buddhist notions of compassion, empathy and altruism.
For example, compassion is the desire to help alleviate
suffering in others, whatever it may be.
Session 2
The afternoon session began with Joan Silk of UCLA, who
defined altruism biologically, as seen in other species.
Research has shown that altruism is common and beneficial in
many species. As humans develop during childhood, they trend
away from this commonality in other species.
One notable exchange during the conversation with His
Holiness went as follows. “Does hostility come from not being
connected? For instance, if bees from one colony are mixed with
bees from another colony, do they see each other as alien or
other?” Joan replied, “There doesn’t seem to be much flexibility
in their behavior, though I do not know much of bees. So the
‘outgroup’ or ‘other’ perspective seems to remain intact.” His
Holiness mused, “Does biological altruism require the ability to
appreciate others? Mosquitoes, I think, have no appreciation!
One may land on me, and I let it feed. But then it flies away
and shows no appreciation!”
Ernst Fehr of the University of Zurich then talked about how
true altruism in humans is rare, as we normally want or expect
benefit for our costs, especially within economics. He defined
altruism as actions to benefit an ‘other,’ but at cost to the
actor and with no envisioned gain for the actor at the outcome,
except possibly psychological benefit like happiness. Tania
Singer then spoke about 3 motivational systems in the human
brain: incentive-focused, threat-focused, and
non-wanting-affiliation-focused. She talked of experiments to
increase trust among individuals. John Dunne, of Emory
University, explained compassion and altruism from the Buddhist
perspective as they might relate to economics. One of the
ultimate goals is happiness, so what are the costs and resources
needed to attain that goal? The resources are internal, and thus
of the highest value. If we can realign our priorities to focus
on maintaining and enhancing our internal resources, we may see
a shift toward a better economic system. He spoke of a Buddhist
technique of internalizing the idea that all sentient beings
were at some point your mother in a previous life; you can
extend the feeling or connection you have with your mother to
all beings. “Not that everyone has the greatest connection with
their mother, but you understand what I mean,” John said. “I had
a GOOD mother, though, just to be clear.” “So did I,” laughed
His Holiness.
So, today was a ground-laying time of concepts and large
ideas, setting us up for tomorrow, which will start exploring
possibilities of where we go and of applied economics to further
some of these ideas.
During the lunch break, His Holiness the Dalai Lama said at
the Meet the Press session,
“Recent economic crisis shows money fails to bring inner peace.”
His Holiness spoke about two of his three commitments in life 1)
human value and 2) religious harmony.
His Holiness said that this year marks the 50th Anniversary
of Tibetans arriving in Switzerland. He said the Government of
India had extended maximum assistance on the Tibetans arrival in
India from Tibet. He thanked Switzerland for welcoming Tibetan
refugees. "It is our duty to thank the Swiss government, (its)
people and in particular the Swiss Red Cross" for assistance to
Tibetan refugees since 1960.
Tibetan spirit is very alive in Tibet and the community in
exile carries the same Tibetan spirit alive. Tibetans in
Switzerland are good Swiss citizens but carry Tibetan spirit and
contributing to the Swiss Economy.
During lunch break, His Holiness met with the press
His Holiness with Dr. Tanja Singer, one of the organizer
of the XXth Mind & Life conference
Audience of the Mind & Life conference
His Holiness leaving the Mind & Life conference venue
Zurich (Switzerland), 8 April 2010
Thank you Switzerland, said His Holiness the Dalai Lama
Zurich
8 April - His Holiness the Dalai Lama thanked the Swiss
Government, Red Cross and the people, local governments,
organisations and individual for their generous assistance to
Tibetans for the last five decades. “It is our Tibetan culture
and tradition to thank those who help us. Therefore, I would
like to express our gratitude to you”, said His Holiness the
Dalai Lama.
Looking back last 51 years, His Holiness the Dalai Lama said
there have been both sad and happy moments, sometimes no hope,
sometimes some hope and at times with more confidence. He said
that during difficult times, there is the good nature of human
beings to show solidarity and help. He acknowledged the work of
Dr. Toni Hagen, the initiator of the Tibetan settlement project.
Dr. Katrin Hagen, the daughter of late Dr. Hagen spoke about
her father’s work with the Tibetan refugee project. The former
director of Pestalozzi's Children Village in Trogen, Mr. Arthur
Bill emotionally spoke about his first contacts with His
Holiness the Dalai Lama and the education of young boys and
girls at Trogen.
Mrs. Sigrid Joss-Arnd, a former staff of the Red Cross who
was involved with the resettlement of the Tibetans since the
early 1960 said, “I was extremely relieved to hear that His
Holiness the Dalai Lama had safely crossed into India in 1959.”
from left: Dr. Katrin Hagen (daughter of late Dr. Toni
Hagen), Mrs. Sigrid Joss-Arnd, His Holiness and Dr. Arthur Bill
In October 1960, 20 Tibetans boys and girls arrived for
education at the Pestalozzi's Children Village in Trogen,
Switzerland. The Swiss Government on 29 March 1963 approved the
re-settlement of 1,000 Tibetans. Tibetans were the first
non-European refugees in Switzerland.
Today there are about 4,000 Tibetans living in Switzerland.
Merci Schwiiz – Thank You Switzerland programme was organised
by the Swiss Tibetan Friendship Association and the Tibetan
Community.
In the morning, His Holiness the Dalai Lama visited the Tibet
Institute in Rikon. His Holiness asked the motorcade to stop at
the beginning of the long line of Tibetans waiting for his
arrival in run up to the Tibetan Monastery. He walked slowly
past the Tibetans, occasionally calling names of people he
recognized in the crowd.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama said that he was very happy and
impressed with the work of the Tibetan monastery especially its
activities in Switzerland and within some Tibetan monasteries in
India.
“You have done a wonderful job,” said His Holiness the Dalai
Lama. He thanked the gathered audience for their support.
“Without your help, this is not possible,” he said.
His Holiness and the monks community of Rikon Tibetan
Monaster
Mrs. Pascale Bruderer Wyss, President of the Swiss Parliament
attended the ceremony at the monastery. She called on His
Holiness the Dalai Lama after the ceremony. She is a member of
the Tibet Group in the Swiss Parliament and last met His
Holiness the Dalai Lama in 2005.
His Holiness with Mrs. Pascale Bruderer-Wyss, President of
Swiss National Parliament
At the end of the ceremony at the monastery, His Holiness
walked towards a large Tibetan audience and took a group photo
together. It was an extremely emotional moment for Tibetans to
see their beloved leader taking so much time to meet and talk to
fellow Tibetans despite the extremely busy schedule.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s last engagement of the day was
meeting with the members of the Tibet Group in the Swiss
Parliament.
His Holiness on throne inside the Rikon Tibetan Monastery
His Holiness with representatives of Swiss Parliament,
Canton and City of Zurich
His Holiness giving interview during meeting the Swiss
National Parliament's President to the Swiss TV
His Holiness with Mr. Mario Fehr, President of Swiss
Parliamentary Group of Tibet and Mrs. Pascale Bruderer-Wyss,
President of Swiss National Parliament
His Holiness blessing the Tibetans in front of the Rikon
Tibetan Monastery
His Holiness welcomed by traditional Tibetan dances before
Thank You Switzerland celebration
His Holiness greeting the audience of Thank You
Switzerland celebration
The Tibetan dance group of Switzerland's Tibetan community
Dr. Arthur Bill telling stories about his first contact
with Tibetan refugees
His Holiness speaking to the members of the Swiss
Parliamentary Group for Tibet
His Holiness with members of Swiss Parliamentary Group for
Tibet and representatives of the City of Zurich
Zurich (Switzerland), 7 April 2010
His Holiness the Dalai Lama's arrival in Zurich, Switzerland
in picture
All photos by Manuel Bauer
His Holiness disembarking after arriving at the Zurich
airport
Counsellor Ajaneesh Kumar of the Indian Embassy in
Switzerland (left) and Abbot of the Rikon Tibet Monastery
welcoming His Holiness
The motorcade of His Holiness leaving the Zurich airport
area
His Holiness accompanied by police motor-bikes from the
airport to the hotel in the city
Traditional Tibetan welcome ceremony in front of the hotel
Tibetans and Swiss people greeting His Holiness in front
of the hotel
After arrival, His Holiness gave an interview to the Swiss
National TV's programme Sternstunden,
a broadcast about religion, philosophy and culture
His Holiness during the interview for Swiss National TV
His Holiness the Dalai Lama to thank Switzerland for 50
years hospitality and support, and will be the key speaker at
the Mind and Life Conference in Zurich.
Zurich - 7 April: His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s visit to
Zurich starting today marks 50 years since the arrival of
Tibetans in Switzerland. At Merci Schwiiz (Thank You Switzerland)
programme on 8 April, His Holiness will thank Switzerland for 50
years hospitality and humanitarian assistance to the Tibetans
living in Switzerland, India and Nepal. In October 1960, 20
Tibetans boys and girls arrived for education at the
Pestalozzi's Children Village in Trogen, Switzerland.
The Swiss Government on 29 March 1963 approved the
re-settlement of 1,000 Tibetans. Today there are about 4,000
Tibetans living in Switzerland.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama will visit the Tibetan Institute
in Rikon - the oldest Tibetan monastery in the West on 8 April
morning. The monastery has monks from the four schools of
Tibetan Buddhist tradition and is the cultural centre of the
Tibetan community.
Mrs. Pascale Bruderer Wyss, President of the Swiss Parliament
will attend the ceremony at the monastery and she will call on
His Holiness the Dalai Lama after the ceremony. She is a member
of the Tibet Group in the Swiss Parliament and last met His
Holiness the Dalai Lama in 2005.
From 9 to 11 April 2010, His Holiness the Dalai Lama and
leading figures from business, economics, psychology,
contemplation, anthropology and neuroscience will take part in
Mind and Life’s Altruism and Compassion in Economic Systems
conference at the Zurich Kongresshaus. This conference is a
public dialogue between Economics, Neuroscience and
Contemplative Sciences exploring alternative approaches of
“altruism and compassion” to the economic systems that rewards
both individuals and our global societies.
The Mind and Life Conference is co-sponsored by the
University of Zurich, the largest university in Switzerland. The
University is known internationally for its groundbreaking
research, particularly in molecular biology, brain research and
anthropology.
The first Mind and Life meeting was in 1987. The institute
was co-founded in 1987 by His Holiness the Dalai Lama,
neuroscientist Francisco J. Varela and American businessman Adam
Engle. Its aim is to create a rigorous dialogue and research
collaboration between modern science and the world’s living
contemplative traditions, especially Buddhism. This is the Mind
and Life’s first conference in Europe.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama has always promoted the
introduction of science education in Tibetan Buddhist monastic
colleges and academic centres, and has encouraged Tibetan
scholars to engage with science as a way of revitalizing the
Tibetan philosophical tradition.
On 10 April morning His Holiness the Dalai Lama will address
the opening session of the First European Tibetan Youth
Parliament. Over 150 Tibetan delegates from 11 countries will
take part in this Parliament. And in the evening His Holiness
the Dalai Lama will address the Solidarity Rally for Tibet
organized at the centre of Zurich by the Swiss Tibetan
Friendship Association.
Over 7,500 people will attend His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s
public talk on Universal Responsibility and the Economy in the
Zurich Hallenstadion on 11 April afternoon. Following the public
talk, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Speaker of Tibetan
Parliament-in-Exile Mr. Penpa Tsering and Kalon Tripa Samdhong
Rinpoche will address the members of the Tibetan Community in
Switzerland and Liechtenstein. Also Presidents and
Vice-Presidents of Tibetan communities across Europe will be
presented during this event.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama will leave for India on 12 April
morning.
Maribor (Slovenia), 7 April 2010
Photos of His Holiness the Dalai
Lama's 2nd day in Maribor, Slovenia
His Holiness with Slovenian Cabinet Minister Dr. Boštjan
Žekš
European Academy of Sciences and Arts and Maribor
University address
Gyuto Monks with His Holiness
Mufti dr. Nedžad Grabus, the head of the Slovenian Muslim
community
Audience for the Tibetan community
His Holiness with hotel staff
His Holiness with members fo the Slovenia Security
team.jpg
Maribor (Slovenia), 6 April 2010
Future is uncertain but we remain with hope said His
Holiness the Dalai Lama
Maribor – 6 April: His Holiness the Dalai Lama spoke to a
packed hall of over 5,000 people for over two hours during the
public talk – Ethic for the New Millennium in Maribor,
Slovenia’s second largest city today. The tickets for the public
talk were sold out within one week. Among the audience were
people from neighbouring Austria, Italy, Hungary and Croatia.
His Holiness planting Tree of Peace
The audience had the opportunity to ask questions to His
Holiness the Dalai Lama ranging from education, happiness,
compassion, politics, culture and the reincarnation of the Dalai
Lama.
“What is the purpose of life?”, asked young women. “A happy
life,” said His Holiness the Dalai Lama without any hesitation.
“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 of warm
heart and said that real peace must come from within ourselves.
Taking drugs, gambling and alcohol is lack of inner realization
of our inner potential – inner value.
His Holiness said that he left Tibet and crossed into India
in April 1959 not because of civil war or disaster, but a new
guest came to Tibet without invitation and controlled everything
in Tibet. “We are not seeking separation but are committed to
remain within PRC,” said His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
In response to one of the questions, His Holiness the Dalai
Lama said, “I don’t know the answer.” There was a big applause
from the audience.
Following the public talk, His Holiness spoke to the members
of the press. There were 168 accredited journalists with over 35
journalists from the neighbouring countries.
In the morning His Holiness the Dalai Lama met with the Mayor
of Maribor Mr. Franc Kangler in his office. The Mayor presented
His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Maribor City’s key.
Mayor of Maribor presents the Key to the City to His
Holiness
After the meeting, His Holiness planted a Tree of Peace at
the City Park. In his address to the people gathered at the City
Park, His Holiness the Dalai Lama said that violence, bloodshed
and war is out of date. The 20th Century was the century of
bloodshed and 21st century should be a century of dialogue. Then
His Holiness 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.
Hundreds of people and at least over 50 journalist including
video and cameramen waited for His Holiness the Dalai Lama
wherever he went during the day’s public program.
Report by The Tibet Bureau, Geneva
Photos of His Holiness the Dalai Lama's visit to Maribor,
Slovenia
His Holiness signing the Golden Book of Maribor at the
Mayor's office
His Holiness addresses over 1'000 students at the 1st High
School of Maribor
His Holiness with Mr. Janez Janša, former Prime Minister
and President of the Slovenian Democratic Party
His Holiness during Meet the Press
His Holiness greeting the audience at the public talk
Audience at the public talk
His Holiness during the public talk
Maribor (Slovenia), 5 April 2010
His Holiness the Dalai Lama arrived in Slovenia today
His Holiness addresses members of the media at the airport
of Ljubljana
His Holiness the Dalai Lama arrived today in Slovenia from
India. On His Holiness’ arrival at Ljubljana airport, a TV
journalist asked His Holiness, “You are very popular in Slovenia
and also in the Western World, how do you comment that?”
“I don’t care,” said His Holiness the Dalai Lama. “My real
concern is I [do] myself something useful to other people. That
is all. We all have the same potential. Now let us live
harmoniously and with mutual respect.”
From Ljubljana airport, His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the
entourage drove to Slovenia’s second city Maribor. The Mayor of
Maribor, Mr. Franc Krangler and the Slovenian member of the
European Parliament, Mr. Ivo Vajgl welcomed His Holiness the
Dalai Lama. There were lots of well wishers outside the hotel.
Some Tibetans have also come from the neighbouring countries.
Photos of 5 April 2010 (Slovenia)
His Holiness waves goodbye to the media at the Ljubljana
airport
His Holiness greets well-wishers on arrival at the hotel
in Maribor
His Holiness and the Mayor of Maribor, Mr. Franc Kangler,
in the hotel
His Holiness greets a young well-wisher
Geneva, 5 April 2010
His Holiness the Dalai Lama to visit Slovenia from
5 to 7 April 2010
Maribor, Slovenia - 5 April: His Holiness the Dalai Lama
will today arrive in Slovenia at the invitation of the Maribor
City, Maribor University, the Prva gimnazija secondary school
and two local organisations. Maribor is the second largest city
in Slovenia.
"We invited him (His Holiness the Dalai Lama) as a man who
fights for peace and reconciliation," said Mayor of Maribor Mr.
Franc Kangler.
A Peace Tree will be planted by His Holiness the Dalai Lama
in the city park on the 6 April morning. Bishop dr. Stanko
Lipovšek of Maribor of the Catholic Church and the Mufti dr.
Nedžad Grabus, the head of the Slovenian Muslim community will
be present.
Then His Holiness the Dalai Lama will address over one
thousand students in front of the 1st High School in Maribor.
And in the afternoon, His Holiness will speak on Ethics for the
New Millennium at the Dvorana Tabor hall to over 5,000 people.
The public talk tickets were completely sold out within one week.
At a special address organised by the European Academy of
Sciences and Arts and Maribor University, His Holiness the Dalai
Lama will speak to over 880 intellectuals, members of the
parliament and invited guest on 7 April morning. His Holiness
the Dalai Lama will speak on Compassion: The Art of Happiness at
Slovenian National Theatre.
The organizers of the visit said that during this global
crisis due to the demoralisation of individual economic players,
the visit of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and lectures on moral
values are extremely important. A fortnight of Tibetan cultural
programmes including concerts, lectures and workshops began on
26 March in Maribor. The monks from the Gyuto Monastery are
making a Sand Mandala.
This is His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s second visit to
Slovenia. The first visit took place in 2002. Slovenia became an
independendent state in 1991 and was an autonomous republic
within former Yugoslavia. In May 2004, it became member of the
European Union.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama will leave Slovenia on 7 April
early afternoon for Zurich, Switzerland.
Contact details:
Mr. Tseten S Chhoekyapa
Slovenian Mobile: +386 31 562 762
Swiss Mobile: +41 79 533 93 10
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