Tibet has no religious independence, says Dalai Lama

Monday, January 11, 2010

PTI
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Exiled Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama speaks during a lecture titled "Art of Happiness" in Kolkata January 10, 2010.(Photo: Reuters)

Bodh Gaya, Jan 9 (PTI)-- The Dalai Lama today alleged that Tibet has no religious independence and appealed to foreigners, who assembled here to listen to his discourse, to visit the place and witness the situation.

"There is no religious independence in Tibet and that is why I am still suffering the pain of being a refugee," the Tibetan spiritual leader said at the concluding session of his five-day discourse to foreigners held at the Kalchakra maidan here.

Referring to BJP leader L K Advani's statement on the occasion that India is strong and independent because it maintains its secular principles, he asked his disciples, including Hollywood megastar Richard Gere, to visit Tibet and see the situation personally.

The religious discourse was organised on the occasion of the the seven-day Geluk Monlam Puja at Mahabodhi Mahavihara, which ended this afternoon.