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Dalai Lama”s envoy urges China to allow spiritual leader to visit quake-hit area

May 14, 2010 By vani Leave a Comment

Dharamsala, May 14 (ANI): Lodi Gyari, an envoy of Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, has urged the Chinese leadership to respond positively to his wish to visit the earthquake-affected Kyegudo region of Tibet on Thursday.

In an interview to a private news channel, Gyari said the Chinese leadership should show some far-slightness to further goodwill among the Tibetans.

“Lodi Gyari said if the Chinese leadership, in their far-sightedness is able to make a visit by His Holiness to Kyegudo, this will – he said – increase enormous goodwill among the Tibetan people to the Chinese government,” said Thubten Samphel, spokesperson of the Tibetan government in-exile in Dharamsala.

Samphel also said that the Dalai Lama had praised Chinese Prime Minister, Wen Jiabao, for visiting Kyegudo and overseeing the relief work.

“His Holiness praised Jiabao for showing his sorrow with Tibetan people, for comforting them,” Samphel added.

Kyegudo in Qinghai province experienced an earthquake measuring 6.9 on the Richter scale on April 14.

The official death toll climbed to 2,046 people, with 193 still missing in the strong quake. (ANI)

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Tibetans pray for Chinese earthquake victims

April 24, 2010 By vani Leave a Comment

Suja (Himachal Pradesh), Apr 24 (ANI): Tibetan students in India offered special prayers for Chinese earthquake victims in Himachal Pradesh’s Suja village.

Over 2,000 people died last week as tremors rocked Qinghai Province.

Tibetans in India expressed shock over the news.

“Ever since this unfortunate incident, we have organized prayers. The Karmapa has visited our school to perform prayers, and recently, they had a private audience with the Dalai Lama. His Holiness is very concerned about what happened to people inside Tibet,” said Namkhang, a teacher at the TCV School in Suja.

Over 40 students of different age groups are reported to have lost their family members and relatives in the tragedy.

The students, offered prayers for the peace of departed souls. (ANI)

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Dalai Lama to address ”curtains down” of ”Thank India” programme

March 17, 2010 By vani Leave a Comment

Kangra (Himachal Pradesh), Mar 17 (ANI): The Prime Minister of the Tibetan government-in-exile, Samdhong Rinpoche, has said that the Dalai Lama will address the ”curtains down” of ”Thank India” programme to express gratitude to India that will be preceded by a congregation of inter-faith prayers named ”Sarva Dharma Sammelan” for three days.

Talking to reporters here on Tuesday, Rinpoche said: “On March 21 there would be a conference to mark the conclusion of the ”Thank India” programme. His holiness will formally thank India for the cooperation.

After the completion of fifty years living in-exile the Tibetans wished to launch a special programme ”Thank India” last year.

The month of March this year marks two major events for Tibet – 51st anniversary of the Dalai Lama fleeing to exile in India and the second anniversary of Tibet unrest which sparked waves of violent demonstrations in Lhasa. (ANI)

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Tibetans living-in-exile surprised over China’s opposition to Dalai Lama’s visit

September 17, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

Gangtok, Sep 17 (ANI): Members of the exiled Tibetan community living at Gangtok said China’s opposition to the Dalai Lama’s visit to Arunachal Pradesh is “surprising”.

The Dalai Lama plans to visit Arunachal Pradesh soon. China has claimed part of Arunachal as its territory.

The exiled Tibetan spiritual leader’s aide said the Dalai Lama would be in Arunachal Pradesh state in the second week of November.

The intended visit has already sparked off controversy. China claims about 90,000 sq km of Arunachal Pradesh as part of its territory.

The Dalai Lama’s travel plan was announced a week after the completion of his visit to Taiwan, a self-ruled island claimed by Beijing. China denounced the trip.

“This time round when they (Chinese Authorities) are making some kind of pressure or some kind of opposition to the upcoming visit of his holiness to Arunachal Pradesh it is really very surprising.

Why would they complain when the government of India has no problem in his holiness visiting Arunachal Pradesh? So why should people of republic of china have some problem?” said Zimba Bhutia, Tibetan youth committee member.

“Chinese authorities have always been against the trip of Dalai Lama. So I think that they should know why Dalai Lama has been there. Dalai Lama has been welcomed by the people of Arunachal Pradesh as the spiritual and a Buddhist monk,” said Dhondup Dorjee, Tibetan welfare officer of Sikkim.

A visit to Arunachal Pradesh could now draw further attention to China’s treatment of Tibetan activists and the Dalai Lama’s calls for cultural and religious freedoms and autonomy. (ANI)

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Tibetans in exile celebrate 49th democracy day in Dharamsala

September 2, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

Dharamsala, Sep 2 (ANI): Tibetans-in-exile living in India celebrated the 49th Democracy Day, the anniversary of their government-in-exile in Dharamsala.

Hundreds of Tibetans gathered at the Tsuglagkhang Temple, the main Buddhist temple in the picturesque hill town to mark the occasion.

The celebrations were marked by the hoisting of the Tibetan flag by Samdhong Rinpoche, the Prime Minister of the Tibetan government in exile. Performances by various Tibetan artists and schoolchildren were part of the celebrations.

Tibetan dignitaries expressed their gratitude towards the Indian government for the freedom of expression, which they enjoy, while living in the country.

“In Tibet we had dictatorship under the People’s Republic of China, there is no freedom of expression, no body has any rights, but we here in exile, due to the grace of the Government of India and the people of India, can celebrate democracy day,” said Karma Yeshi, lawmaker, Tibetan government-in-exile

“49 years ago, his Holiness, the Dalai Lama, after having chartered a democratic charter approved by the parliament made the Tibetan administration into a democratic one,” said Thubten Samphel, spokesperson of Tibetan Government-in-Exile.

People’s Liberation Army troops marched into Tibetan region in 1950 and since then China has controlled Beijing considers Tibet as an integral part of its territory. (ANI)

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China expresses anger over Dalai Lama’s trip to Taiwan

August 28, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

London, Aug.28 (ANI): China has reportedly warned Taiwan not to entertain Tibetan spiritual leader, The Dalai Lama.

The Government of Taiwan has extended an invitation to the Dalai Lama to take part in a prayer meeting with survivors of this month’s typhoon, a move that has angered Beijing, reports The Independent.

A spokesman for the Dalai Lama said details were being finalized and he hoped to travel to Taiwan as soon as possible, perhaps as early as next week.

A spokesman for the Chinese Government’s Taiwan Affairs Office said it “resolutely opposed” the decision by Taiwan’s President to allow the Dalai Lama to visit “in whatever form and capacity,” the state-run Xinhua News Agency said.

The invitation was “an attempt to sabotage” the current good relations between the two countries, he said.

China still claims the self-governing island of Taiwan, which split from the mainland in 1949 after a civil war, as part of its territory.

A spokesman for the Dalai Lama, Tenzin Takhla, said: “The Chinese must understand that his holiness is going to offer his support and to share in the sorrow.” (ANI)

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Tibetans celebrate Dalai Lama’s 74th birthday in Dharamsala

July 6, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

Dharamsala, July 6 (ANI): Tibetans living in exile in Dharamsala celebrated the 74th birthday of Buddhist spiritual leader Dalai Lama today.

Born in 1935 in Tibet, Lhamo Thondup was recognized as the reincarnation of 13th Dalai Lama, at the age of 2.

Scores of Tibetans gathered at main Buddhist temple, Tsugalgkhang and prayed for the long life and health of their leader.

“He (Dalai Lama) himself is in Delhi to attend another meeting where former President of India Mr. Kalam is the chief guest. Here, it is the official’s celebration of the Tibetan government in exile, and six parliamentarians from Australia are also here as chief guest,” said Lobsang Wangyal, a Tibetan youth.

The Central Tibetan Administration organized the function.

Hoping to celebrate Dalai Lama’s birthday in Lhasa one day, thousands of Buddhist monks, nuns and exiled government officials took part in the celebrations.

“All our effort is based on this firm conviction and hope that we will return to Tibet in circumstances which satisfy the majority of Tibetan people and will celebrate both our Losar and his Holiness’ next birthday in Lhasa,” said Thubten Samphel, Spokesperson Of The Government-In-Exile.

The Dalai Lama was brought to Lhasa in October 1939, and formally installed the head of the state of Tibet on February 22, 1940.

About 134,000 Tibetans live in exile, the vast majority in India or Nepal, and of them less than half were born in their homeland. (ANI)

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Month-long Buddhist pilgrimage concludes in Ladakh

July 2, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

Ladakh, July 2 (ANI): A grand reception was organised by Buddhist monks of Hemis Monastery in Ladakh to welcome the pilgrims on a month-long pilgrimage on foot from Manali in Himachal Pradesh.

Initiated and headed by the 12th Gyalwang Drukpa Rinpoche, the pilgrimage walk commenced from Manali on May 23 and concluded at Hemis Monastery on Wednesday.

The 12th Gyalwang Drukpa Rinpoche is the spiritual head of the Drukpa lineage. He is revered as the reincarnation of Drogon Tsangpa Gyare (founder of the Drukpa lineage).

Buddhist monks undertook the padyatra (journey on foot) spanning 400 km across the rugged Himalayan mountains from Manali to Ladakh.

Tshering Phunstok, a monk from Darjeeling, who undertook the journey with a hundred others, said that he enjoyed every bit of the padyatra.

“It was difficult but we enjoyed it. Sometimes we had to climb up to 5000 metres above the sea level and sometimes 3000 metres. We had a hard time, but we enjoyed very much with the 12th Gyalwang Drukpa,” said Phunstok.

The journey was also aimed at helping the population of Himalayan region through humanitarian projects and initiatives in the area of education, medical help, preservation of heritage and environment.

During the month-long journey, the 12th Gyalwang Drukpa Rinpoche, imparted knowledge to people about the importance of environment, health and modern education.

“His Holiness educated people about the harmful effects of polythene. At the same time, he also taught them the importance of modern education,” said Tshering Norbu, a Buddhist scholar.

The group crossed five high Himalayan passes, the highest of which, Shikunla and Singgela, both are at an altitude of about 5,200 metres above the sea level.

On its way, the group also visited holy sites of Chakrasamvara, Avalokiteshvara, Guru Padmasambhava and one of the sites of the great Drukpa master, Naropa. (ANI)

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Dalai Lama’s special teaching session on Buddhism

June 27, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

Dharamshala, June 24 (ANI): Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama on Wednesday started a two-day special teaching session for Buddhist students in Dharamsala.

Thousands of Buddhist students from across the world gathered at the Tibetan Children Villa School for the teachings on the text of thirty-seven practices of Bodhisattvas.

“We are very happy to gather here. All the Tibetan youngsters are here so we could learn something on Buddhist (Buddhism),” said Tenzin Namgyal, a Tibetan student.

Many Buddhist monks and nuns and other local people also gathered to attend teachings of the spiritual leader.

Tibetans believe that Dalai Lama follows a different approach to teaching and explains basics of everything.

“This is very important particularly the approach his holiness takes is very different. And this is very much in tune with audience here. He is putting everything in perspective, not just going about the traditional way of explaining things. But rather really touching on the very basics of it and then making sense of everything that he teaches. And thereby making them get the essence of Buddha teaching which is to bring about a positive transformation in their mentality,” said Damdul Namgyal, a monk.

Dharamsala, which is also called ‘Little Tibet’, is home to thousands of Tibetans who found a new haven to preserve their unique faith, culture and identity.

Tibetan exiles are protesting around the world by reviving the spirit of the Tibetan national uprising of 1959, engaging in non-violent direct action, to end China’s occupation of Tibet.

An estimated 134,000 Tibetans live in exile, a majority of them in India and Nepal. (ANI)

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Hindus urge authentic portrayal of Lord Buddha in upcoming mega-film

May 11, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

Nevada (US), May 11 (ANI): Welcoming the recent announcement of English language international mega-film on Buddha, Hindus have urged its makers to present an authentic portrayal of his life and times.

Acclaimed Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, said that Gautama Buddha, besides Buddhists is also revered by Hindus. Reimagining of scriptures and life of Buddha purely for mercantile greed would likely to hurt the devotees.

Zed, who is president of Universal Society of Hinduism, said that they welcomed filmmakers to work on religious themes and figures, but they would recommend them to handle faith related subjects very carefully and sensitively, as cinema was a highly powerful medium.

Apparently the most expensive film ever made in Bollywood, this reportedly about 122 million dollars project, produced by Spice Enfotainment headed by industrialist B. K. Modi and directed by Filmfare Award winner Ashutosh Gowarikar (Lagaan) with a diverse cast and crew, is expected to go on the floor in May 2010 and be completed by the end of the year.

Reportedly scripted by Oscar winner David S. Ward (Sleepless in Seattle) on a book by Vietnamese Zen Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh, biographical “Buddha” will be shot in the foothills of Himalayas. Spiritual and temporal leader of Tibetan Buddhists His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama reportedly also has some kind of advisory role with the movie.

Founder of Buddhism, Gautama Buddha (roughly 568-483 BCE) is also known as Sakyamuni or Siddhartha. Buddha means Wise One or Enlightened One. For Hindus, he was ninth avatar (incarnation) of Vishnu (the all-pervader). (ANI)

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Nine-year-old enthroned as reincarnation of Buddhist monk

April 7, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

Dharamsala, April 6 (IANS) Tulku Tsenyi Khentrul Tenzin Tseten Rinpoche, a nine-year-old boy, was Monday enthroned as the reincarnation of Geshe Lobsang Gyatso, the founder of the Institute of Buddhist Dialectics (IBD).

The coronation ceremony took place in this north Indian hill town.

‘Tenzin Tseten, who was recognised by His Holiness (the Dalai Lama) as the reincarnation of Lobsang Gyatso in 2006, was enthroned at a ceremony in accordance with Buddhist belief of rebirth,’ Kelsang Damdul, assistant director of the IBD, told IANS.

Tenzin Tseten, who hails from Leh in Jammu and Kashmir, was born May 14, 2001.

He was brought here from Leh Sunday for the coronation ceremony.

Lobsang Gyatso, 70, was murdered along with his two disciples in February 1997. He was a close confidant of the Dalai Lama.

‘We came to know about five years ago that a boy in a remote village in Leh knows about his past life. Our interaction with the boy affirms our belief that the slain monk has been reborn,’ Damdul said.

A large number of officials of the Tibetan government-in-exile and representatives of various monasteries attended the coronation ceremony at Tsuglagkhang, the main temple at McLeodgang near here.

The Dalai Lama along with many of his supporters fled Tibet and took refuge in this hill station in 1959.

His government-in-exile, which is headquartered here, is not recognised by any country.

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South Africa’s decision to ban Dalai Lama outrages Nobel peace laureates

March 23, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

London, Mar 23 (ANI): Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama has been barred from entering South Africa to take part in a peace conference linked to the 2010 football World Cup, plunging the country into a diplomatic row.

The decision was met with outrage by fellow Nobel peace laureates Archbishop Desmond Tutu and the former President F. W. de Klerk, who are organising the conference on March 27 with the Norwegian Nobel Peace Committee.

Archbishop Tutu urged the South African Government, which has close ties to China, to reconsider its “disgraceful” decision and threatened to boycott the meeting, planned to promote the first World Cup tournament to be held in Africa, The Times reported.

“If His Holiness’s visa is refused, then I won’t take part in the upcoming 2010 World Cup-related peace conference. I will condemn the Government’s behaviour as disgraceful, in line with our abysmal record at the UN Security Council, a total betrayal of our struggle history.”

“We are shamelessly succumbing to Chinese pressure. I feel deeply distressed and ashamed,” he said from California.

South Africa vetoed proposals for tougher sanctions against Zimbabwe and Burma when it occupied a non-permanent seat on the Security Council last year.

An invitation to the conference was also issued in the name of Nelson Mandela, another laureate. He has not yet reacted to the Government’s decision.

A senior presidential aide told The Times that the Dalai Lama’s presence in the country “would not be welcome as it would divert attention away from the World Cup” towards the Tibet issue.

Dave Steward, a spokesman for the F. W. de Klerk Foundation, said that the former President has expressed concern to the presidency and the Foreign Affairs Ministry.

South Africa is China’s main trading partner in Africa and accounts for more than 20 per cent of Beijing’s trade with the continent. (ANI)

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Tibet Government in-exile welcomes China talks, memo stays

March 15, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

Dharamsala, Mar 15 (ANI): The Tibetan government-in-exile on Sunday welcomed China’s willingness for more talks with its envoys, but reiterated the conditions outlined in its last memorandum to Beijing.

“We welcome the PM’s statement and at the same time what his holiness is exactly asking from the People Republic of China (PRC) authorities were in that for memorandum during the eighth round of talks which is self-explanatory. We have very elaborately mentioned that we are not seeking anything else, but within the constitutional framework of PRC, the national autonomy,” said Samdhong Rinpoche, Prime Minister of the Tibetan government-in-exile.
A memorandum of “genuine autonomy” for Tibet was presented to Beijing last October during the eighth round of talks with China.

Chinese officials and envoys of the Dalai Lama have held several rounds of talks, but little of substance has been achieved.

Wen said on Friday that China was open to more talks with envoys for the Dalai Lama as long as the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader renounces what Beijing describes as separatism.

The Dalai Lama marked March 10, the 50th anniversary of a failed uprising against Chinese rule, with a speech calling for “meaningful autonomy” for Tibet in Dharamsala.

The latest statement reiterated that the Dalai Lama is not seeking separation. Thubten Samphel, a spokesman, added they would not negotiate on their core demands. (ANI

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Tibetan exiles participate in special prayer in Dharamsala

March 11, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

Dharamsala, Mar 11 (ANI): Hundreds of Tibetans, including monks, nuns and officials of the Tibetan Government-in-exile, on Wednesday attended an annual special prayer ceremony that marked the 16th day of the first month of the Tibetan calendar year here.

On the occasion, the Dalai Lama gave his annual spring speech at the main temple here.

“This is one of the most important prayer ceremonies in our traditions. On this day, we remember Buddha’s teachings, legacies and stuff,” said Thubten Thalgey, a Tibetan lawmaker.

All Tibetans were dressed in traditional colourful costumes.

“Where ever this ceremony takes place, the Dalai Lama teaches the way of living to the Tibetans. We are very fortunate that his Holiness is here and he gives these teachings every year,” Thalgey added.

Thousands of Tibetans, including the Dalai Lama, fled their homeland following an unsuccessful uprising against China in 1959.

About 1,35,000 Tibetan refugees are settled in different parts of India, with the Dalai Lama having his headquarters in Dharamsala. (ANI)

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Tibetan parliament-in-exile begins

March 10, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

Dharamshala, Mar 10 (ANI): The seventh session of the Tibetan parliament-in-exile began here on Monday.

The two-week session will end on March 18, where the main agenda will be the annual budget of the Tibetan government-in-exile.

The other major issues are the current situation in Tibet coinciding with the 50th anniversary of Chinese occupation of their homeland and the feedback of the Dalai Lama’s envoys to Beijing.

“The main topic is the budget of Tibetan government-in-exile. Besides that, from the side of the standing committee, we have put forward to discuss about the present situation in Tibet and what we can do to relieve the stress of Tibetans inside Tibet,” said Karma Choepel, former speaker of the Tibetan parliament-in-exile.

“We will also discuss about the outcome of the first general meeting held in November 2008. During this two weeks’ session, the parliamentarians will also discuss the memorandum that the eight Tibetans delegation have submitted to the Chinese Government,” added Choepel.

Instituted in 1960, the Tibetan parliament-in-exile is the highest legislative organ of the Tibetan refugee community.

The Parliament consists of 46 members.

U-Tsang, Do-tod and Do-med, the three traditional provinces of Tibet, elect ten members each, while the four schools of Tibetan Buddhism and the traditional Bon faith elect two members each.

Three members are elected by the exiled Tibetan community in the West – two from Europe and one from north America.

In addition, one to three members with distinction in the fields of art, science and literature and community service are nominated directly by His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Sessions of the Parliament are held twice every year, with an interval of six months.

However, Tibetan spiritual leader the 14th Dalai Lama can summon special sessions of the Parliament in the case of national emergencies. (ANI)

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Dalai Lama presides over special prayers in Himachal Pradesh

March 9, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

Dharamsala, Mar 8 (ANI): Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama on Sunday presided over special prayers here against the Chinese crackdown in Lhasa.

Hundreds of Tibetan monks and exiles gathered at the Buddhist temple Tsuglagkhang to offer prayers for those killed in Tibet since 1989 during protests and demonstration against China.

“This prayer is being headed by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and other Tibetan Buddhist leaders. All the Tibetans gather here on March 8 every year. Many Tibetans have died under Chinese oppression Last year. Many Tibetans have been killed by Chinese, many suffered and many died in the prison,” said Sonam, Secretary, Department of Information and International Relations (DIIR), Tibetan Government-in-Exile.

The Dalai Lama said he wanted greater autonomy for the remote region rather than outright independence. (ANI)

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Documentary on alleged Chinese atrocities in Tibet

March 3, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

Dharamsala, Mar 2 (ANI): Tibetan exiles living in Dharamsala enjoyed a documentary film based on the Tibet-China conflict.

Many turned up to watch the film ‘Murder in the Snow’ that revolves around Tibetan refugees.

In September 2006, a group of climbers in the Himalayas saw the experiences of Tibetan refugees who were attempting to flee over the mountains. The film was made from the videotaped and photographed events supplied by them.

Tenzin, a Tibetan activist said that the film bears testimony to atrocities being carried out against the Tibetans.

“For the first time, Chinese soldiers killing innocent Tibetans have been captured by the mountaineers which has added to the fact that Tibetans are under oppression that Tibetans are still fleeing their country for better opportunities and to see His Holiness,” said Tenzin.

The exiled Tibetans all over the world have been protesting and staging demonstrations against alleged Chinese atrocities on Tibetans in Lhasa.

Chinese troops occupied Tibet in 1950 and the Dalai Lama, the Tibetan spiritual leader who is now based in Northern India, fled the mountainous region in 1959 after a failed uprising against Chinese rule. (ANI)

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Tibetans to forego New Year celebrations; Dalai Lama hails decision

February 25, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

Dharamsala/ Nainital, Feb 25 (ANI): The Tibetan government-in-exile has said that the spiritual leader Dalai Lama in his New Year message has hailed the determination of Tibetans to forgo the celebrations amid allegations of fresh crackdown in Lhasa.

Thubten Samphel, secretary of the Department of Information and International Relations, told reporters here that Dalai Lama endorsed the Tibetans’ decision.

“It is very appropriate not to engage in any celebratory activities. At the same time, His Holiness said that the Chinese Government in Tibet has re-launched their strike hard campaign, which is to increase surveillance of any activities of Tibetan people, and to increase troop deployment in all the big major cities in Tibet,” said Samphel.

Samphel further added that Dalai Lama has appealed Tibetans in Lhasa to conserve their strength and not to give-in to the Chinese leaders.

“His Holiness said that in view of this strong determination on the part of the Chinese leaders, to stop any activity. His Holiness said that Tibetan people must show restraint and patience and not to give into any provocative act on the part of Chinese leaders,” said Samphel.

An overseas rights group earlier this month said Chinese forces had detained up to 24 Tibetans for taking to the streets shouting support for the Dalai Lama. Local police denied any knowledge.

The protests were sparked by the arrest of a Tibetan who called for a boycott of New Year celebrations, the group said.

The Tibetan Youth Congress in Dharamsala plans hunger strikes and protests to mark the New Year.

Meanwhile, Tibetan exiles in Nainital closed their shops and organised mass prayers for peace in Tibet.

“We want that present situation in China and Tibet should improve and peace prevail there. That is the reason, we organised this prayers session,” said Yasin Thupen, a Tibetan leader.

This year’s anniversary is extra sensitive in Tibet as 2009 also marks the 50th anniversary of flight into exile of Tibet’s spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, after an abortive uprising against Chinese rule. (ANI)

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‘Dalai Lama’ Twitter account suspended after exposed as fake

February 11, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

London, Feb. 10 (ANI):A Twitter account purporting to be written by the Dalai Lama has been suspended after being exposed as a fake.
The feed attracted nearly 20,000 followers within 48 hours after launching under the Tibetan spiritual leader’s name on Saturday.

According to The Telegraph, it claimed to be administered by the “The Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama”, and directed most inquiries from other Twitterers to the exiled monk’s official website.

Explaining the 73-year-old’s decision to join the microblogging site, it said: “His Holiness thought it was prudent to make his office open and assessable to a more youth and technologically advancing audience.”

Another Tweet read: “I’m sure HH will be just as inquisitive about technology as he has been over the past 14 reincarnations.”

But Twitter took the rare step of suspending the account after it emerged that the person behind it had no connection to the Nobel Peace Prize winner. (ANI)

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Karmapa prays for world peace and liberation

January 4, 2009 By Rajiv Gupta Leave a Comment

Bodhgaya, Jan.4 (ANI): The 17th Karmapa Lama, Ugyen Thrinley Dorje has urged people to maintain world peace.

Offering prayers at the Mahabodhi temple in Bodhgaya today, Karmapa asked hundreds of Buddhists monks and devotees who had congregated to take sermons in Buddhist philosophy, to pray for world peace, harmony and liberation of all.

Devotees from about 40 countries attended the prayer session.

“It is held specially this time for the world peace and for benefiting the environment, not the environment locally in Bodhgaya but also the whole of India and from India to whole of the world. So it comes out of the vision of his holiness Karmapa of bringing together people from all over the world to pray together for world peace,” said Joe, a British devotee at the temple.

The Mahabodhi Temple in Bodhgaya is the most important Buddhist pilgrimage site in the world. It is said to be the spot where Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment over 2,500 years ago. (ANI)

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