by Tsering Tashi (Office of Tibet, London)
STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN, June 2 – On the second leg of the three-nation visit to Europe, the Tibetan Nobel Laureate, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, told members of the small Tibetan community that it would also help them to lead a happier life by maintaining their Tibetan-ness and preserving the Tibetan culture.
“By being a part of the Tibetan community and meeting and socialising at regular intervals you will feel more happy,” His Holiness said adding, “If you look at the mirror you will see that you are not a Westerner with blonde hair and blue eyes.”
His Holiness said that many people from the West visit India especially to live with the Tibetan refugee community. He also spoke about how in the early days of refugee life the Tibetans in exile faced numerous problems and how the Tibetans through hardwork and help received from friends and others have managed to improve their situation.
The Tibetan leader was welcomed by the Chairman of the Tibetan Community in Sweden, Dr. Tashi Wangyal. He said they felt very fortunate and blessed by His Holiness’ visit and presence and also introduced four Tibetans who had grown up in Sweden since their adoption 30 years ago.
Earlier in the day His Holiness received a warm welcome from traditionally-dressed Tibetans and their supporters outside the main hotel entrance of the Swedish capital. Many of them carried the colourful Tibetan national flag and held traditional white scarves and incense to greet His Holiness.
His Holiness also granted an audience to representatives of the Tibetan Association and the Swedish music company Emma Telstar at whose invitation he is making the current visit to the country and will be giving a public talk tomorrow at the Globe Theatre on the topic, “Non-violence and Peace.” The evening’s talk will be telecast live by the Swedish Television to enable schools and people all over Sweden to listen and benefit from His Holiness’ practical approach to the human urge to achieve peace within themselves and the world.
Prior to the public talk, His Holiness will be visiting the Parliament to meet with the Speaker, Mr. Bjorn von Sydow, and address members of the Swedish Parliament. He also will be having a separate meeting with the Swedish-Tibet Parliamentary Group and representatives of the Swedish Tibet Committee (support group).
At another function to be held near the parliament, His Holiness will receive the Sigtuna Foundation’s Manfred Bjorkquist Medal in recognition of his defence of “human dignity and freedom.”
In 1989, His Holiness the Dalai Lama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for leading the non-violent Tibetan struggle for freedom from China and for his efforts to promote world peace and safeguard the environment.
His Holiness’ visit to Sweden follows his just-concluded successful visit to Germany where he also was met by the German Foreign Minister. He leaves Sweden on Wednesday for Denmark where he will be giving a five-day public teaching and is also scheduled to meet the Danish Prime Minister and Foreign Minister.
