Atlanta: His Holiness the Dalai Lama on Monday spoke at a breakfast meeting with business leaders and philanthropists who endeavoured to help build long-term support for the ‘Tibetan Settlement Revitalization Program’.
Mrs Nadia Cavner, a supporter of the Tibetan people, brought together the business leaders and multiple generations of philanthropically-minded individuals at the event organised by the US-based International Campaign for Tibet.
Prior to His Holiness’ arrival, Kalon Tripa Samdhong Rinpoche and Special Envoy Kasur Lodi Gyari addressed the group and presented an outlay of the projects under the programme.
In his remarks, His Holiness gave a broad overview of the situation of Tibetan people and culture in Tibet and how they were facing challenges there. His Holiness said the Tibetans outside Tibet, particularly those in India, were at the forefront in the task of preservation and promotion of the Tibetan culture and identity.
Speaking of the impact of Tibet on the rest of the world, His Holiness said the Tibetan Buddhist culture was a culture of non-violence and peace. He explained how a healthy Tibetan refugee community was in the interest not only of the Tibetan people but also of the human community as a whole.
His Holiness said that he always tell those who assist the Tibetans that they have the right to see that their money is really used for the intended projects and that it is not being misused.
On the morning of 19 October, His Holiness will first address the 2010 International Conference on Tibetan Buddhism and thereafter continue with his programmes at Emory University.
(Report filed by Bhuchung K Tsering)