Thekchen Chöling, Dharamsala, India - With the announcement of the results of the Indian general election His Holiness the Dalai Lama has written to the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, to offer his congratulations on his and the National Democratic Alliance’s success.
“It fills me with admiration and pride to see India, the world's largest democracy, emerging as a leader in the community of nations,” His Holiness declared. “India is one of the great ancient civilizations, a distinctive and fundamental feature of which has been ahimsa and karuna — non-violent conduct motivated by compassion.
“ In addition to promoting an appreciation of the oneness of humanity and encouraging inter-religious harmony, I am committed to reviving interest in the ancient Indian understanding of the workings of the mind and emotions. I believe India is the only country that can successfully combine this ancient knowledge with modern education and ensure that people know how to achieve lasting peace of mind. The positive response I have encountered, especially among young Indians, in exploring such possibilities I regard as a sign of hope.
“We Tibetans have tremendous respect for India as the source of our spiritual culture,” he continued. “The traditions of Nalanda University brought to Tibet in the eighth century have had a powerful impact on our development. One highly regarded Tibetan master in the 14th century paid tribute to this when he said, “Until the light (knowledge) was brought from India, Tibet, even as the Land of Snows, remained in the dark.”
“Last month marked the 60th anniversary of our life in exile. I would like to take this opportunity to express the Tibetan people's immense gratitude to the Government and people of India. It is due to India's consistent generosity and kindness to us that we have been able to preserve our ancient cultural heritage in exile.
In conclusion His Holiness wrote: “I pray you will be successful in meeting the challenges that lie ahead in fulfilling the hopes and aspirations of the people of India.”
