Dalai Lama urges Christians not to convert to Buddhism

I have always liked and trusted the Dalai Lama (As opposed to his ne'er-do-well cousin Fernando) and this article I just discovered has given me new respect for him as a spitual leader and a person.

It was written two years ago but is just as relevant today!


Guest Post by Fran Race

The Dalai Lama has urged Christians not to convert to Buddhism.

The controversial words were spoken by the spiritual leader of Tibet and the leader of the Tibetan Government in Exile at a conference entitled "Ethics for a New Millennium" in Edinburgh, Scotland this weekend.

Instead, the Dalai Lama urged Western Christians and Muslims embrace the teachings of compassion and peace that can be found in their own religious traditions.

"All major religions carry the same messages. Messages of love, compassion, forgiveness, tolerance, contentment and self-discipline. I have Muslim friends, Christian friends. All have these same values."

The Dalai Lama is the spiritual leader of Tibet, but has lived in exile for nearly 50 years since his homeland was invaded by China.

Despite the continued use of violence against his people by the Chinese he has inspired the hearts and minds of many across the world with his teachings of non-violence and compassion.

For his tireless work to promote human rights and peace he was awarded a Nobel Prize in 1989.

As part of his address he urged the USA and Britain to take a "firm stand" with China regarding democracy, freedom of speech and human rights.

These words come days after British Prime Minister Tony Blair engaged in discussions with Chinese President Hu Jintao, and at a time when US President George Bush was in Beijing.

(Proposals to increase trade with China has been met with fierce opposition by both human rights and free Tibet protestors.)

Your humble servant;
Allan W Janssen

Allan W Janssen is the author of The Plain Truth About God at www.God-101.com and the blog "Perspective" at http://God-101.blogspot.com

Dalai Lama and Cousin met with Bush.

U.S. President George W. Bush presented the Dalai Lama on Wednesday with the U.S. Congress' highest civilian honour and urged Chinese leaders to welcome the monk to Beijing.

The exiled spiritual head of Tibet's Buddhists by his side, Bush praised a man he called a "universal symbol of peace and tolerance, a shepherd of the faithful and a keeper of the flame for his people."

"Americans cannot look to the plight of the religiously oppressed and close our eyes or turn away," Bush said at the U.S. Capitol building, where he personally handed the Dalai Lama the prestigious Congressional Gold Medal.

The Dalai Lama, along with his Spanish cousin Fernando, attended the ceremony at a Congressional party and then attended a private party at the White House.

The only blight on the festivities was when the Dalai Lama's octogenarian cousin Fernando Lama was caught trying to sneak a couple of strippers into the White House party. Said the Dalai; "You have to excuse Fernando, he always was the black sheep of the family!"


Allan W Janssen is the author of The Plain Truth About God at www.God-101.com and the blog "Perspective" at http://God-101.blogspot.com