News and Views on Tibet

Dalai Lama inaugurates new Tibetan Parliament building

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By Kalsang Rinchen

DHARAMSHALA, March 11: The Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama today inaugurated the newly constructed building of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile as members of the 15th Tibetan Parliament met here for its annual budget session.

Tibetan Prime Minister Dr. Lobsang Sangay, Chief Justice Commissioner, Tibetan Parliament Speaker and Tibetan ministers were among those present at the consecration ceremony performed by the Tibetan leader. Hundreds of Tibetans thronged the Gangchen Kyishong ground to witness the ceremony.

Addressing the first session in the new building, His Holiness said that the Tibetan language and culture needed to be preserved well in order to sustain the Tibetan struggle. He said the Tibetan struggle is not easy, and that everybody must work hard.”

The 78 year old Nobel laureate said that Tibetan Buddhism based on the rich tradition of Nalanda masters is available in the Tibetan language only, and that the Tibetans must realize the importance of the language and culture that can benefit the world so much.

He called on the Tibetan parliamentarians to think of all the six million Tibetans around the world in pursuit of their duties as legislators. “It is important to work by looking at all the angles. We can’t just do whatever we like although as individuals we have the right to say whatever we want.”

The Tibetan spiritual leader also spoke about his three main commitments in life – To promote compassion and forgiveness as a human being, to promote religious harmony as a religious practitioner and to work to preserve Tibet’s culture as a Tibetan.

He also highlighted the importance to preserve Tibetans’ religion and culture to keep alive the Tibet cause. He acknowledged all the contributions made by former Tibetan Parliamentarians and members of the cabinet.

During his recent visit to United States, His Holiness the Dalai Lama opened the US Senate prayers marking the first time ever for the Buddhist leader to recite the prayer that customarily opens the senate.

Earlier today, Nechung monastery offered a long life prayer ceremony (Tenshug) to His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

On March 16, His Holiness will give a short teaching from the Jataka Tales at Tsug-la Khang, the main temple in Dharamshala.

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