His Holiness the Dalai Lama Arrives In Barcelona

Barcelona, Spain, 9 September 2007 (Phayul) - His Holiness the Dalai Lama arrived at Spanish city of Barcelona Sunday morning to give a series of talks and religious teachings in four European countries. His Holiness is in Spain on invitation from Tibet House Foundation, Barcelona (Casa del Tibet).

Members of Tibetan community of Spain and Tibet House Foundation welcomed the exiled Tibetan leader at Plaza Hotel. Strong contingent of Spanish and International media were also present at the hotel.

He was accompanied by Mr. Jamphel Choesang, his representative in France(Bureau du Tibet)and Ven. Thupten Wangchen, director of Tibet House Foundation.

His Holiness is visiting Barcelona after a decade. His visit to the city got cancelled twice in 2005 and 2006. Members of the Tibetan community were very excited to have His Holiness in Spain after a long wait.

A press conference was held at the conference hall of the hotel where His Holiness reiterated the importance for development and promotion of warm heartedness. He said he is committed to the promotion of human values, peace of mind and inter-religious harmony. He said media can play a very important role fulfilling them.

His Holiness will deliver a public talk on The Art of Happiness at the Olympic Stadium, Barcelona on September 10th. More than 10,000 people are expected to attend his talk.

His Holiness will be given a welcome reception by the ArchBishop of Barcelona on 11 September after which he will be inaugurating the new Tibet House Foundation building. New building includes a big prayer hall which has capacity of around 300 people, a museum, library, a small room for His Holiness.

One thousand small Buddha statues have been specially ordered from India to be put in the main hall.

On the same day His Holiness will deliver a talk to members & sponsors of Tibet House foundation followed by talk to Tibetan community in Spain at Tibet House foundation.