By Choekyi Lhamo
DHARAMSHALA, Dec. 27: Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama has mourned the death of his close friend Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who passed away at 90 on Sunday. “With his passing away, we have lost a great man, who lived a truly meaningful life. He was devoted to the service of others, especially those who are least fortunate. I am convinced the best tribute we can pay him and keep his spirit alive is to do as he did and constantly look to see how we too can be of help to others,” the Dalai Lama wrote to Archbishop Tutu’s daughter Mpho Andrea Tutu.
His Holiness also said that he cherished the friendship with the Archbishop, “As you know, over the years, your father and I enjoyed an enduring friendship. I remember the many occasions we spent time together, including the week here at Dharamshala in 2015 when we were able to share our thoughts on how to increase peace and joy in the world. The friendship and the spiritual bond between us was something we cherished.” Archbishop Tutu visited Dharamshala to celebrate Dalai Lama’s birthday in 2015, and the duo eventually wrote ‘The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing world’ which was published in 2016. The two Nobel Laureates recently spoke virtually on Desmond Tutu’s birthday in October.
Sikyong Penpa Tsering on Monday also expressed his condolences in a letter sent to Desmond Tutu’s wife Nomalizo Leah Tutu, noting that “on behalf of the Central Tibetan Administration and Tibetans around the world, I offer our deepest condolences and prayers to your family and the people of South Africa”. Praising the anti-apartheid icon, CTA head also thanked him for his life-long support for the Tibetan struggle, “His victory in bringing justice and freedom to his people is an inspiration to many, including the Tibetan people. We remain eternally grateful and inspired by his legacy.”
Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel also wrote to his daughter Rev. Mpho Tutu, “[Archbishop Tutu] dearly admired His Holiness the Dalai Lama and shared a spiritual bond with him. He also supported our just cause of Tibet. He advocated human rights, global peace and humanitarian at large. His departure from this world is very saddening news for all of us. I extend my heartiest condolence to his family and followers. I hope we will be able to follow his guidance and words of compassion and humanity.” He expressed his condolences on behalf of the 17th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, and said that he would send prayers for the family during this difficult time.
One of the foremost anti-apartheid hero known affectionately as just the “the Arch”, Archbishop Tutu was a constant and vocal voice championing human rights for over six decades. Most notably, he was awarded the Nobel peace prize in 1984 and was named the chair of South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission by then President Nelson Mandela.
