Visit of H.H. the Dalai Lama’s Representative to the University of St. Andrews
Monday 31 October 2011
On Friday 28 October 2011 Thubten Samdup, Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to the United Kingdom, visited the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. A guest of the Centre for the Study of Religion and Politics (CSRP) located at St. Mary’s College, Mr. Samdup addressed a group of staff and students of the university together with Tibet supporters and members of the Tibet Society of the university. The CSRP is currently involved in a research project that covers the history of Tibet from 1391 to 2006.In his address Mr Samdup spoke of the international acceptance of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and his contribution to peace and non-violence. Further, he explained some of the changes that occurred within the Tibetan government due to the fact that the Dalai Lama stepped down as political leader and a new prime minister was elected. It was clear from the talk that the People’s Republic of China has misinterpreted His Holiness’ wishes for Tibet. The Dalai Lama is not requesting independence for Tibet but a full respect for Tibetan autonomy expressed through the freedom of the Tibetan monasteries, the use of the Tibetan language and the protection of Tibetan cultural life. It is clear that the current self- immolation of monks and nuns in Tibet is a worrying result of Chinese intervention and violence within the Tibetan monasteries, happenings that should be investigated by the international community. Of course, the Dalai Lama has condemned any self-immolation as contrary to the Buddhist respect for life.
The visit ended with a festive lunch at a local Indian restaurant organized by the Tibet Society of the University of St. Andrews.