Dharamshala: His Holiness the Dalai Lama sent a message for the ongoing 9th International Conference of Tibet Support Groups, which commences earlier today in Brussels, Belgium.
The message from His Holiness the Dalai Lama was read during the inaugural ceremony of the three-day conference by Kalon (Minister) Norzin Dolma of the Department of Information and International Relations (DIIR), Central Tibetan Administration.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama wrote, “The widespread interest of the international community across the world has been a major source of encouragement and support in our efforts to preserve our identity and keep the Tibetan cause alive.” and extended appreciation to Tibet supporter for voluntarily devoting time and resources to working for the just cause of the Tibetan people. “We consider you not as pro-Tibetan but pro-justice.” His Holiness added.
His Holiness underscored – despite the rapid change in the global political environment – that the fundamental issue of Tibet remains the same. While emphasising the religious aspects of Tibetan Buddhism that promotes compassion and non-violence, His Holiness stressed: “The question of Tibet is not merely a matter of justice and human rights but is about the preservation of Tibet’s unique and distinct culture, which has the potential to contribute to human development”. His Holiness further highlighted the concerning issue of Tibet’s ecology in the letter and raised the increasing human activities and heating rate on the Tibetan plateau, posing a severe threat to Asia’s water balance. As the Tibetan plateau provides freshwater resources to over two billion people, who comprise 30 per cent of the global population, His Holiness wrote, “Protection of the Tibetan environment is truly a global concern”.
In addition, His Holiness invited the participating Tibet supporters to join Him in creating a more peaceful world by promoting His Holiness’ four noble commitments: the promotion of human values; the encouragement of inter-religious harmony; keeping Tibetan Buddhist culture – the basis of Tibet’s identity – alive; and creating greater awareness and interest in ancient Indian wisdom, focussing on compassion (karuna) and non-violence (ahimsa). “I have dedicated my efforts to fulfilling four commitments”, the letter reads, since His Holiness has voluntarily entrusted political responsibilities to the elected Tibetan leadership. His Holiness recommended China to earn the trust and respect of the international community in building a peaceful world, and therefore, hoped that “Chinese leadership will understand the real value of Tibet’s culture of peace and compassion, which has enormous potential to contribute to enriching both China and the world at large” before long.
Before concluding the message, His Holiness mentioned, “Despite undergoing great difficulties, the faith and aspiration of our people, the majority of whom are inside Tibet, have remained undiminished”. Hence, His Holiness acknowledged, “Our friends and supporters of Tibetans will continue to assist and support our leadership of the Central Tibetan Administration in its efforts to fulfil the aspirations of Tibetans.”
