Buddhists here in Syracuse have had to begin learning to accept the decision by the Dalai Lama to soon retire from his position as the political leader of the free Tibet movement. However, although this news has shaken up this Buddhist community which has grown accustomed to having the Dalai Lama as the head of the entire Tibetan movement, nevertheless there has been relief here that His Holiness the Dalai Lama has decided to maintain his high religious position among the Buddhist people.
Yet, just as Buddhists here in Syracuse have been learning to adapt to concentrating on solely the religious teachings of His Holiness the Dalai Lama news came that Tibet's parliament in exile has passed a resolution appealing to the Dalai Lama to reconsider his decision to retire from his political life. Sentiments here in Syracuse among Buddhists are overall in support of this resolution with feelings the Dalai Lama's abilities to effectively deal with both roles as spiritual leader and political leader of the Tibetan people will be hard to replace. There is comfort here in Syracuse among the Buddhist community in dealing with the familiar religious teachings and political guidance of the Dalai Lama.
Phurbu Thinley has reported for Phayul.com "Tibetan parliament passes resolution urging Dalai Lama not to retire", http://bit.ly/hZn9h7. On March 10 the Dalai Lama announced his decision to give up his political role as the head of the Tibetan government-in-exile. The Dalai Lama said this decision helped to clarify his long-held vision of establishing a fully functional democratic system of governance for the Tibetan people as the most appropriate measure in the long run. However, after more than two days of extensive deliberation on the issue, the Tibetan parliament passed a resolution with almost unanimous support which calls on the Tibetan leader to continue to act as both the spiritual and political leader of the Tibetan people.
In this resolution, the Tibetan parliament offered "immense gratitude" and “heartfelt devotion” to the Dalai Lama on behalf of the Tibetan people for his leadership role. The parliament went on to say it was firmly convinced that the Tibetan democratic setup under the leadership of the Dalai Lama was in full conformity with the modern norms of a healthy democracy and that there was no need of immediate change for the time being. The parliament went on to extend heartfelt apologies to the Dalai Lama for failing to work according to his wishes and pledged that the members in future would strive more to do their best for the unity of the Tibetan people and for the general cause of the Tibetan people.
The Deputy Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament Mrs Gyari Dolma said that parliament was “duty-bound to appeal the Dalai Lama” to continue his leadership, and that the parliament was bound by its past resolutions that gave Dalai Lama full authority in dealing with the future course of action for resolving the issue of Tibet. Parliament Speaker Mr Penpa Tsering has said the final resolution would be submitted to the Dalai Lama for his consideration. Buddhists here in Syracuse are also almost unanimous in their wishes to see the Dalai Lama change his mind about leaving his role in politics. He is simply well liked here too.
Photographer: koratmember
Mandel News Service: http://www.mandelnews.com
