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Dalai Lama speaking at Dirang monastery in Arunchal Pradesh with Governor PB Acharya.[/caption]
Dimapur, April 18 (EMN): The Dalai Lama, after his recent visit of Arunachal Pradesh, has presented India – of whom he identified as the land of karuna and ahimsa – “with its long-standing respectful secular approach to all religious traditions” as a model for other nations to follow.
In a letter he wrote to the governor of Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh Your Excellency, PB Acharya on April 17 last, the spiritual leader stated: “India is the only country with the potential to combine its ancient knowledge with modern education in the interest of developing inner peace. Material development contributes to our physical comfort, but lasting well-being also requires mental satisfaction, which depends on cultivating karuna in our hearts and ahimsa in our conduct. I believe this is something that can be of benefit to all seven billion human beings alive today.”
The contents of the Dalai Lama’s letter to the governor were made available to the press by the Raj Bhavan on Tuesday. “For my part, I would also like to tell you how much I appreciated your friendship and the warm hospitality I received during my recent visit to Arunachal Pradesh. I was very moved by the enthusiasm that people from all walks of life showed in my efforts to promote human values like compassion.
“The visit also stirred memories of my escape from Tibet in March 1959 and the vivid sense of freedom and relief I experienced on crossing the border into India,” the Dalai Lama wrote.
further, he went on to state: “Today, in this country there is a growing interest in the ancient knowledge embodied in such traditions as those upheld at Nalanda University. Among them is an understanding of the workings of the mind and emotions that is crucial to building inner peace—something that remains very relevant at this time. This very morning, an Indian organization, Sahapedia, an open online resource for the arts, culture and heritage of India interviewed me at some length about this ancient Indian science of the mind.
“It was a pleasure to meet you at Thupsung Dhargyeling Monastic Institute in Dirang. I would like to thank you again for your warmth and kindness to me on that occasion.”
In a separate statement, Nagaland governor PB Acharya, whose gubernatorial assignments also extends to the state of Arunachal Pradesh, has paid rich tribute to the Dalai Lama, in the backdrop of the latter’s recent visit to Arunachal Pradesh.
“Your visit to Arunachal Pradesh was an honour and a blessed occasion for the people of the state. On behalf of all the people of Arunachal Pradesh, I profusely express our gratitude to you. You have immensely touched our hearts and minds by taking all the pain to travel by road to be amongst the people, especially the old, the infirm and all who otherwise could not afford to seek your blessings in person elsewhere,” read a statement from Acharya on Tuesday.
“It is my firm belief that your visit has immensely benefitted us to hold the Dharma with firmer conviction. I am sure that the preaching that we have received has helped us in understanding Dharma and to follow the righteous way of living together with humane values, love, peace and compassion.
“We look forward for your visit again. Your Holiness, for me and my wife Kavita Acharya, it was a once in a life time opportunity. We are blessed to meet you in person. It was truly a great honour and privilege to meet you. With warmest regards. Wish you happy Bihu,” the message read.
