Open for talks with China over problems of Tibetans and Chinese, says Dalai Lama
Dharamshala, July 8: Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama has said he is open for talks with China over the problems of Tibetans and the Chinese, "officially or unofficially", wanted to contact him.
"I am always open to talk. Now China also realises that the spirit of Tibetan people is very strong. So, in order to deal with Tibetan problems they want to contact me. I am also ready", he said. The Dalai Lama made the remarks while speaking to reporters in Dharamshala before embarking on a visit to Delhi and Ladakh.
Responding to a question on whether he wishes to resume talks with China, he said, "We are not seeking independence, we have decided since many years that we remain the part of People's Republic of China...Now China is changing. The Chinese, officially or unofficially want to contact me".
On July 6, Dalai Lama celebrated his 88th birthday and visited the Main Tibetan Temple courtyard in Dharamshala, adjacent to his residence. While addressing the gathering during the celebrations, the Dalai Lama said that he had not been angry with anyone, not even those Chinese leaders who have adopted a harsh attitude towards Tibet, according to the official statement released on the Dalai Lama's website.
"I was born in Tibet and I bear this name Dalai Lama, but in addition to working for the cause of Tibet, I've been working for the welfare of all sentient beings. I've done whatever I could without losing hope or allowing my determination to flag," the Tibetan spiritual leader said.
"I'm angry with no one, not even those Chinese leaders who have adopted a harsh attitude towards Tibet. Indeed, China has historically been a Buddhist country as witnessed by many temples and monasteries I saw when I visited that land," he added.
In his remarks, the Dalai Lama said knowledge of Tibetan culture and religion could benefit the world at large. He said, "I believe there is knowledge within Tibetan culture and religion that can benefit the world at large. However, I also respect all other religious traditions because they encourage their followers to cultivate love and compassion."
He further said, "According to indications in my own dreams and other predictions, I expect to live to be more than 100 years old. I've served others until now and I'm determined to continue to do so. Please pray for my long life on that basis."
Earlier in April, the Dalai Lama called for a focus on wisdom and compassion as he highlighted the situation in Tibet by giving his own example and stressed upon looking at the current situation from a broader perspective.
- ANI
