Tokyo, Japan, 6 November 2010 - His Holiness the
Dalai Lama arrived at Tokyo Narita Airport safely this morning. Mr.
Lhakpa Tshoko, Representative of Liaison Office of His Holiness the
Dalai Lama for Japan East Asia and Executive members of Junior Chamber
International Osaka welcomed and received him with a khata, a Tibetan
ceremonial scarf.
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His Holiness the Dalai Lama takes time for a photograph with well-wishers on his arrival in Japan on November 6th, 2010. Photo/Ngawang Thogmed |
Junior Chamber of International Osaka has invited His Holiness the
Dalai Lama to address one of their main events this year, in which
around 5,000 people are scheduled to attend. The world summit of Nobel
Laureate has also invited His Holiness the Dalai Lama to attend the 11th
World Summit of the Nobel Peace Laureates at Hiroshima.
On his way to Haneda airport for the flight to Osaka city, His
Holiness met briefly with some Japanese media. On being asked about the
students demonstration in Tibet on the Tibetan language issue, His
Holiness said that the Tibetan language is a very rich language which
can go along with the ancient Sanskrit language. "Tibetan translations
of Buddhist literature are considered very authentic. Chinese authority
has imposed the Chinese language as medium of instruction in Tibetan
schools which caused the demonstrations. Politically we are not seeking
separation. Tibetan language, Buddhist philosophy, science and religion
is very rich. We love our language and we are proud of our language,"
His Holiness said.
When asked about his opinion on the election and situation in Burma,
His Holiness said that Burma is a very good Buddhist country and many
important Buddhist lineages had also come from Burma. "But the current
political situation is rule by military Junta. II,along with many other
Nobel Laureates, even the UN General Secretary, have appealed to the
authorities to release Aung San Suu Kyi, but nothing has happened. It is
very sad. One time I appealed to the authorities saying that you are
Buddhist and you should put the Buddhist teaching into practice," said
His Holiness.
On Liu Xiaobo winning the Nobel Peace Prize, His Holiness said he
has always appreciated the contribution made by Mr Liu in trying to
bring openness, democracy and accountability in China. "This is good for
China in the long run. China has become strong, but to make a
significant contribution in this world, it should gain the trust of its
people and people around the world. Censorship is immoral, 1.3 billion
Chinese people have the right to know," said His Holiness.
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His Holiness the Dalai Lama meets with the Indian Ambassador to Japan H.E. Hemant Krishan Singh during his brief stop in Tokyo on his way to Osaka on November 6th, 2010. Photo/OHHDL
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On his recent statement on retirement, His Holiness said that the
four century old tradition of the Dalai Lama holding the temporal and
spiritual power came to an end in 2001, when the Tibetans in exile
adopted democracy and elected its own political leader, Kalon Tripa.
"Whether the Dalai Lama is needed or not will be decided by the Tibetan
people. But at this age, I think I have a right to retire," said His
Holiness with a mild laugh.
His Holiness and the entourage reached Osaka city this evening.
Starting from Osaka, in the following nine days, His Holiness will visit
Nara city, Niihama, Shikoku and Hiroshima.
