The New York Times reports that the Dalai Lama … said that he felt “a sense of regret” over the sharp tensions with China unleashed by his visit and the honors conferred upon him.
In gentle language and conciliatory tones, he congratulated China on its dynamic economic growth, recognized its rising role on the world stage, but he also gently urged it to embrace “transparency, the rule of law and freedom of information.”
As Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama received the Congressional Gold Medal today, Voice of America (VOA) broadcast the award ceremony and the Dalai Lama’s acceptance speech live to Tibet via radio, television, and the Internet. The same broadcast included videotaped testimonials of the heads of all six sects of Tibetan Buddhism.
The Congressional Medal ceremony will be rebroadcast in several formats to Tibet and elsewhere in China and will be available for viewing here.
In an interview with VOA yesterday, the Dalai Lama expressed support for the Burmese democracy movement, saying that he admired the recent efforts of Buddhist monks and adding that their cause was just. He urged Buddhist members of Burma’s military government to remember the Buddhist teachings of “compassion” and “love” as they confront these situations.
Read more here and here and listen to the Dalai Lama’s speech.
In other news of peace, South Korea will host the worldwide Anglican peace conference November 14-20. More than 150 Anglican leaders, ecumenical guests and others will participate according to Episcopal Life Online.