India never used me against China: Dalai Lama

Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama arrives at the Thubchog Gatsel Ling Monastery in Bomdila in the northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh, India. (Source: Reuters)

Amid protests by Beijing against his scheduled visit to Tawang, the Dalai Lama on Wednesday said India has never used him against China. “India has never used me against China. I am a messenger of the ancient Indian thought and I talk about ahimsa, peace, harmony and secular ethics wherever I go,” the Tibetan spiritual leader said while talking to the media here. His remarks came after Chinese state media today said India is using the Dalai Lama as a diplomatic leverage to challenge China’s “bottom line”.

“I am a Buddhist. The entire Himalayan range had been traditionally following Buddhist dharma and modern physics is based on Buddhist philosophy,” he said. On corruption, the Dalai Lama said graft is a big problem facing the world and it was increasing because of lack of moral principles. He spoke fondly of Arunachal Pradesh and said he had a special connection with the state as it served as his point of entry when he arrived in India in 1959.

READ: Dalai Lama in Arunachal: China lodges protest, talks of ‘serious damage’ to bilateral ties

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“When I got freedom, when I first reached India, I entered through Arunanchal Pradesh. I have an emotional connect with the state. It is a special place for me,” he said. The Dalai Lama thanked Indian government for letting him visit the frontier state. “I would like to thank the government of India. I have been here since 1959. India has taken great care of me. I am their longest staying guest. I am thankful to them,” he added.

He gave a discourse at Buddha Park here this morning. The spriritual leader had arrived here last evening from Guwahati accompanied by state Chief Minister Pema Khandu. Tomorrow, he would impart teachings at Dirang and confer the ‘Avalokiteshvara Permission’ at Thupsung Dhargyeling Monastery in the morning. From April 8 to 10, the Dalai Lama will deliver discourses in Tawang. Owing to the rescheduled visit, he would not be able to go to Itanagar.