Dalai Lama says wants time for preparation of 'next life'

AFP, March 29, 2008

NEW DELHI, India -- Tibetan spiritual icon the Dalai Lama on Saturday said he wanted more time "for preparation of my next life" and looked forward to the day he could hand over his political role to younger leaders.

<< The Dalai Lama said he would like young, qualified leaders to take over his role

The 72-year-old Buddhist leader has previously said he would retire completely within a few years.

"It is possible within the next some time I may resign fully, voluntarily, happily," the Buddhist leader told a news conference in New Delhi, but gave no time frame.

"I am already in a semi-retired position," he said.

The Tibetan leader said he should "devote more time for preparation of my next life."

The Nobel Laureate, who won the Peace Prize in 1989 for leading a non-violent struggle for the liberation of his homeland, said he would like young, qualified leaders to take over from him.

"I have no worries," he said, referring to the next generation of leadership.

The Dalai Lama, who maintains a hectic work, prayer and travel schedule and rises before dawn each day, has lived in the northern Indian town of Dharamshala since fleeing Tibet after a failed uprising against Chinese rule in 1959.

China has ruled Tibet since sending troops in to "liberate" the region in 1951 and has violently suppressed a number of uprisings since then.

The Dalai Lama's office has previously said that the leader would like the elected Tibetan parliament-in-exile based in India to play a greater political role, so that his work could be reduced.

The Buddhist Channel - Donate to Support Our Work



An Appeal

In deep gratitude for your support! We are half way to meeting our target (US$ 10,400 of US$ 18,000 already achieved)!

The Buddhist Channel is a dedicated group of "mindful communication practitioners" striving to make a positive impact on the Buddhist community. We deeply believe in the power of mindful journalism and are reaching out to you with a heartfelt request for your support. Your donation, no matter the size, can make a tangible difference in the lives of countless Buddhist monastics, local communities and other dedicated engaged workers. With your help, we make their stories known, and thereby opening up avenues for them to obtain sustainable support for their work.

Please indicate whether your support will be a donation or a loan. We will get back to you via email. We thank you in advance for providing us financial relieve. May the Buddha Dharma ever be your guide and protector.

Note: To date, we have received the following:

US$ 900 from Esa Myllykoski (donation)
US$ 9,500 from Lance Edwards/Kau Soo Kin (loan)

We express our deep gratitude for the support and generosity.

If you have any enquiries, please write to: editor@buddhistchannel.tv

TOP