Tibetan Language no tool for "seperatism" but a lifeline for Tibetan identity: Dalai Lama

By Kalsang Rinchen

Tibetan spiritual leader speaks to Tibetans at NIH, Washington DC, March 7, 2014/Phayul Photo/Kalsang Rinchen

Around a thousand Tibetans from the Capital Area, Virginia, Maryland, New York and New Jersey packed an auditorium of the National Institute of Health where the Tibetan leader was to participate in a dialogue titled The role of science in human flourishing.

He said the Tibetans being in exile is not due to any natural calamity like earthquake but a visit from an uninvited guest who stayed against the hosts wishes and gradually tightened its hold.

He said the Tibetan language is the lifeline for the Tibetans, while expressing his appreciation for the sense of love for the Tibetan language and culture by Tibetans in Tibet and their sense of the Tibetan identity. The Tibetan language and culture has played a very vital role in the cohesiveness of the Tibetan community despite the political situation of the Tibetans, he said.

He said it is wrong to think that the issue of Tibet will be resolved with outside help from the UN or US, adding that dialogue with China can solve the issue of Tibet. I remember him (Nehru) telling me that the only way to resolve the issue was to talk with China and not by seeking support from outside including the UN, the 78 year old Nobel Laureate said recalling a conversation he had with the late Indian PM Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru in 1956 and 1959.

The Dalai Lama said he was very much fascinated by the spirit of the Jews to work hard and be of benefit to their own society and community. He jokingly suggested that the Tibetans steal the Jews secret password to success. Dont just earn money for the livelihood of your family and yourself. Try to earn and save with will to help others, said the Tibetan leader. He said that it would be very good if Tibetans in exile can initiate projects to help Tibetans in Tibet.

The Tibetan leader said Tibetans should take pride in the Tibetan Buddhism, based on the Nalanda tradition, which he described as the only religion today that can explain with reasons various scientific concepts in the study of human mind.

Tibetan spiritual leader speaks at the National Cathedral, Washington DC, March 7, 2013/Phayul Photo/Kalsang Rinchen

The Tibetan leader said it is foolish to say money is not important. Do we have any millionaires here? he asked. If you cant become a multi millionaire, at least become a small millionaire, the Tibetan leader remarked, sending a packed auditorium of National Health Institute into a rapturous laughter, adding that those living abroad should help the poor and needy.