His Eminence Meets U.S. Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues, Uzra Zeya
His Eminence Meets U.S. Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues, Uzra Zeya
Date: October 5, 2023
His Eminence Kundeling Tatsak Rinpoche held an extensive discussion concerning the importance of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s reincarnation and the ongoing situation in Tibet during his meeting with US Special Coordinator Azira Ziya. This meeting took place in her office, located on the seventh floor of the us department of state, and lasted for over an hour.
Recognizing the paramount significance of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s reincarnation, Rinpoche expressed his gratitude to the us government for its steadfast support and careful consideration of the matter. He urged the government to maintain its commitment to the resolutions passed regarding the reincarnation issue and to further enhance its support in this regard.
Rinpoche went on to highlight the historical precedent of former us presidents meeting with His Holiness the Dalai Lama, recognizing him as a global symbol of peace. However, given the current constraints related to His Holiness’s age to travel to the us, Rinpoche stressed the importance of the President and Vice President of the United States meeting with His Holiness whenever they visit India. He emphasized the historical significance of such meetings, aligning with the United States’ commitment to human rights and other important values.
Furthermore, Rinpoche suggested that it would be particularly favourable if such a meeting could coincide with the celebration of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s ninetieth anniversary, which will be celebrated in the coming years 2024 and 2025 according to the Tibetan and general calendars respectively. He viewed this as a highly symbolic and momentous occasion.
In the event that scheduling a meeting in line with the ninetieth anniversary proves challenging, Rinpoche proposed an alternative approach—sending a public message to his holiness through video or any other means, a gesture that would carry significant weight and importance.
Rinpoche also expressed deep concerns about the dire situation within Tibet, specifically regarding the Chinese government’s efforts to exert control over the minds of Tibetan youth by forcibly relocating approximately one million Tibetan children to Chinese government-run boarding schools and preschools. This policy was characterized as a worrying and coercive form of cultural influence and was viewed as a matter requiring immediate attention.
In conclusion, the meeting between His Eminence Kundeling Tatsak Rinpoche and US Special Coordinator Azira Ziya emphasized the critical nature of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s reincarnation and the need for unwavering support and engagement. Additionally, the dire situation in Tibet was brought to the forefront, underlining the significance of preserving Tibetan culture and human rights.
