On Wednesday, we had a special visitor to the District…and crowds of people flocked to the Capital in hopes of catching a glimpse of him. The Dalai Lama was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, which is the highest honor that our country can bestow.
It was quite a sight to see – Vibrant Tibetan flags waving in sync with American flags, against the backdrop of the gleaming Capital building on a bright blue day. No matter what the age, or motivation for being there, the crowd was in for a special treat.
Our current Dalai Lama was born on July 6, 1935 recognized at the age of two as the reincarnation of his predecessor, the 13th Dalai Lama. In November 1950, he assumed full political power as the head of State and Government in Tibet. The Dalai Lama has worked all of his life to promote democratic principles, fundamental human rights, and the end of Chinese hostility and won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989 for his work in these areas.
In the Dalai Lama’s acceptance speech given in the Capital Rotunda, he thanked his American friends and congratulated our current administration for its belief in democracy and freedom. He wants America to play an active role to combat systematic inequality in Tibet. The Dalai also addressed the pressing issue of global warming and the importance of preserving our Earth for future generations.
Later, the Dalai Lama descended down the steps of the Capital, to address the crowd. An elite group, including Senate Majority Leader Nancy Pelosi and acclaimed actor Richard Gere surrounded him. Besides creating blockbusters, Gere has spent the last 25 years working towards a Free Tibet, and currently serves as Chairman for the National Free Tibet Campaign.
The Dalai Lama has devoted his entire life towards the future of a Free Tibet. On September 1st of this year, China passed a new law, Order No. 5 that states:
“All Tibetan Buddhist teachers, including the Dalai Lama, cannot be reincarnated without the permission of the Chinese government.” This law has the potential to destroy Tibetan Buddhism, a perceived threat to Chinese Rule in Tibet. In Tibet today, the Dalai Lama’s photo is banned - Tibetans caught in possession of his image face the potential of arrest.
If you would like more information about working towards a free Tibet, or about the Dalai Lama, contact Students for a Free Tibet.
-Shawn Willis
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