Tokyo, Japan, 29 October 2011 - His Holiness the
Dalai Lama reached Tokyo Narita Airport this morning safely and was
received by representative Lhakpa Tshoko of Liaison office of His
Holiness the Dalai Lama for Japan & East Asia, and Rev. Fujita Kokan
and Rev. Saito Ugyen of Koyasan Univesity, and some prominent Tibet
supporters.
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His Holiness the Dalai Lama meets with members of the media on his arrival in Tokyo, Japan, on October 29, 2011.
Photo/Kimimasa Mayama |
Before leaving for Osaka city, His Holiness was met
by a group of Japanese media where His Holiness expressed his happiness
over being able to visit the country again. On being asked the purpose
of his visit, His Holiness said that Japan was hit by great disaster
this year, and although he had been able to offer prayers last April for
the people affected, he greatly wanted to visit the affected areas and
be with the people. "So, this time after the teachings at Koyasan
University, I will visit the affected areas, offer prayers and
consolation, and share the difficult times, " replied His Holiness.
On the question of hope with the change in Chinese
leadership in 2012, His Holiness replied that this is political question
and that he has already retired from the political leadership.
"However, my personal view is that when Hu Jintao took over, many
expected positive changes. When he emphasized on harmonious society, I
fully supported it. But ten years have passed, you know better whether
there is harmony in China or not now. The 2008 incidents in Tibet, 2009
in Uigyur and 2011 in Inner Mongolia speak the reality. The goal of
harmonious society is good, but the method being employed is wrong.
Harmony must come from heart, the key factor is trust. But trust and
fear cannot go together. So, it is too early to say that the next
leadership will bring big change." said His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
When asked about the self-immolation by the monks in Tibet, His
Holiness said, "This incident of growing self-immolation in Tibet needs
to be studied from philosophical, religious and political view points.
It is a sign of deep desperation. Chinese leaders need to look into
these incidents more seriously. Ruthlessness only will not be good for
all."
About what he wanted to suggest to the Japanese government to
support the Tibet issue, His Holiness said that Japan is a democratic
country; the government is by the people. So, Japanese people, including
members of the media, are in a better position to make suggestions to
the government. Personally, the Tibet issue is a moral issue of justice,
and this should be reflected in the national parliament through the
people."
On his reincarnation matter and Chinese interference, "The Communist
government does not believe in religion, there is no life after death
for them, so no reincarnation! But they want to conduct finding of the
Dalai Lama's reincarnation. The Dalai Lama is not political now. If they
really care, first they should believe in religion. It would be better
if they think of finding the reincarnations of Mao and Deng Xioping."
Cajoled His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
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His Holiness the Dalai Lama is welcomed on his arrival at his hotel in Osaka, Japan, on October 29, 2011.
Photo/Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL |
The visit of
His Holiness the Dalai Lama this time to Japan was realized through an
invitation by Koyasan University to commemorate the 125th anniversary of
the university's founding day. Koyasan university is a major branch of
the Shingon school of Japanese Buddhism, His Holiness the Dalai Lama
will give the "Vajradhattu Initiation" to the monks, nuns, and general
public at Kongobuji Temple at Koyasan. His Holiness will then visit
Sendai, a region greatly affected by the earthquake and tsunami
disaster. His Holiness will also visit Fukushima prefecture, where fears
from nuclear radiation have not yet subsided.
Tomorrow, His Holiness the Dalai Lama will give a teaching on "The
Heart Sutra" and a public talk in Osaka city on "Finding Happiness in
Troubled Times", where some six thousand people are expected to attend.
