Minneapolis, Minnesota, 6 May 2011 - On May the afternoon of May 6, 2011, His Holiness the Dalai Lama left Rochester for Minneapolis by road to begin his two-day programs co-hosted by the University of Minnesota and the Tibetan American Foundation of Minnesota. On his arrival at the residence of the University of Minnesota’s President for a welcome reception, members of the Tibetan community presented ceremonial welcome dances and offered Droso Chema. Tibetan community President Tsewang Ngodup introduced the board members and the guests.
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His Holiness the Dalai Lama waves to well-wishers upon arrival at the residence of the University of Minnesota's president in St. Paul, Minnesota, USA, on May 6, 2011. Photo/AP
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At the reception, Provost Tom Sullivan, President-designate Eric Kaler, and director of the Center for Spirituality and Healing Mary Jo Kreitzer made welcome remarks. They said they admired His Holiness’ vision for peace and thanked him for coming to the University as it is an inspiration for all, including the students who are the future generation. The Provost specifically outlined His Holiness’ messages and introduced the President-designate. The President –designate informed His Holiness about the University’s decision to award him an honorary doctorate saying there was no one more fitting to receive this honor. Director May Jo Kereitzer informed His Holiness of the University’s partnership with the Tibetan Medical & Astrological Institute in Dharamsala to do research.
Among those who came to greet His Holiness at the reception were members of the Board of Regents (governing board) of the University, Mayor Chris Coleman of St Paul, and Congresswoman Betty McCollum, who conveyed to His Holiness greetings from former Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
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His Holiness the Dalai Lama is offered "Droso Chema" on his arrival in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on May 6th, 2011.
Photo/Tashi Khongtsotsang
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In his remarks His Holiness said that he was not special and that he was only doing his share of contributing to build a happier human society. He stressed on the need to understand the new reality of considering the entire humanity’s interest. Giving the example of global warming, His Holiness said it affected not just Tibet or America but the entire world. His Holiness referred to the failure of the Copenhagen summit on the environment saying it was because governments were placing their country’s interest before global interest. His Holiness said since the purpose was the same to build a healthy society there was the need for everyone to work together.
His Holiness also expanded on his commitments of promoting human values and religious harmony.
His Holiness appreciated the University’s research in Tibetan medicine and referred to himself as an “old patient” of Tibetan medicine. He said the Tibetan medical tradition was a synthesis of Tibetan, Indian, Chinese and Persian healing systems, which came about as a result of a semi-international medical conference convened by a Tibetan emperor in the eighth century. Talking about the efficacy of the Tibetan system, His Holiness said even before the Tibetan medical system got official Indian Government recognition many prominent people, including family members of well known doctors in New Delhi, were undergoing Tibetan medical treatment. He said now in addition to Indian Government, a Tibetan medical clinic in Poland has also got recognition.
His Holiness thereafter went to his hotel.
His Holiness’ program for May 7 includes a meeting with the press, an address to the Tibetan community and another meeting with Chinese and other students and scholars.
