June 5, 2009
UNPO Meets His Holiness the Dalai Lama
The Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organisation had the unique honour today to meet with His Holiness the Dalai Lama while the Tibetan leader was on his third day of visit to the Netherlands.
During this meeting with the Nobel Peace Laureate, UNPO General-Secretary briefed the Dalai Lama about UNPO activities in recent years and the challenges the organisation was facing. Mr. Marino Busdachin also informed the Tibetan leader about UNPO’s recent activities on Tibet, including interactions with the Tibetan Government in Exile (aka Central Tibetan Administration), based in northern India.
While the Dalai Lama inquired about the current membership of UNPO, he acknowledged the unique role the organisation can play for the weak and the oppressed to highlight their situations. The Dalai Lama encouraged UNPO to engage in more training on Non-Violence, especially in the continent of Africa so that the world can plant the seed of nonviolence principle in the minds of the younger generations.
Recalling the meeting, UNPO General-Secretary said: “We were inspired by once again being in the presence of the Dalai Lama who is a globally recognized messenger of peace, non-violence and the moral authority of the oppressed in this world.”
UNPO with Tibet as one of the founding members was graced with a visit by His Holiness the Dalai Lama in 1994 and continued to support the work of the organisation. During that meeting with UNPO Secretariat and Members, the Dalai Lama said: “UNPO’s objective is to assist its Members to achieve the greater freedom and dignity to which all peoples have a right. As a result of UNPO’s existence and understanding of problems faced by oppressed peoples everywhere have increased in the international community. At the same time, many of us feel more empowered to advance our cause through non-violent means.”
The presence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in the Netherlands is part of the current visit in Europe when the Tibetan leader visits Denmark, Iceland, the Netherlands and France. Yesterday, the Dalai Lama spoke to more than 10,000 people in Amsterdam on the theme of “The Power of Compassion at a Turbulent Time”. The spiritual and political leader of the six million Tibetan people travels around the world to give Buddhist teachings, public talks and to promote religious harmony and human values. The Dalai Lama often describes himself “a simple Buddhist monk” and the spokesperson of the Tibetan people.
The Dalai Lama’s visit to the Netherlands
During the brief visit to the Netherlands, the Dalai Lama has had a busy schedule. On 3 June, His Holiness was invited to speak in NOVA College Tour , a television show in which students held a lively discussion with the distinguished guest.
On the 4th of June 2009, the Dalai Lama has given Buddhist teachings on Shantideva’s ‘Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life’ and a public lecture in the RAI Conference centre in Amsterdam. Here, the Dalai Lama has commented on the practice of patience and tolerance that these can overcome obstacles of aggression and hate.
Today, His Holiness will spend the day in The Hague. First, the Dalai Lama will be received by Maxime Verhagen (Minister of Foreign Affairs) at the Second Chamber of the Dutch Parliament. Then, the Dalai Lama is scheduled to hold a speech at a symposium titled ‘Leadership for a Sustainable World’ in the Grote Kerk in The Hague.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s visit to the Netherlands will end with a ‘Night of Tibet’, tonight in Amsterdam.
During the brief visit to the Netherlands, the Dalai Lama has had a busy schedule. On 3 June, His Holiness was invited to speak in NOVA College Tour , a television show in which students held a lively discussion with the distinguished guest.
On the 4th of June 2009, the Dalai Lama has given Buddhist teachings on Shantideva’s ‘Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life’ and a public lecture in the RAI Conference centre in Amsterdam. Here, the Dalai Lama has commented on the practice of patience and tolerance that these can overcome obstacles of aggression and hate.
Today, His Holiness will spend the day in The Hague. First, the Dalai Lama will be received by Maxime Verhagen (Minister of Foreign Affairs) at the Second Chamber of the Dutch Parliament. Then, the Dalai Lama is scheduled to hold a speech at a symposium titled ‘Leadership for a Sustainable World’ in the Grote Kerk in The Hague.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s visit to the Netherlands will end with a ‘Night of Tibet’, tonight in Amsterdam.
