The Tibet Post International Forum reports that H.H. the Dalai Lama recently sent the following letter to President-Elect Barack Obama:
November 5, 2008
H.E. Barack Obama
President-elect of the United States of America
Washington, DC
U.S.A.
Dear President-elect Obama,
Congratulations on your election as the President of the United States of America.
I am encouraged that the American people have chosen a President who
reflects America's diversity and her fundamental ideal that any person
can rise up to the highest office in the land. This is a proud moment
for America and one that will be celebrated by many peoples around the
world.
The American Presidential elections are always a great source of encouragement to people throughout the world who believe in democracy, freedom and equality of opportunities.
May I also commend the determination and moral courage that you have demonstrated throughout the long campaign, as well as the kind heart and steady hand that you often showed when challenged. I recall our own telephone conversation this spring and these same essential qualities came through in your concern for the situation in Tibet.
As the President of the United States, you will certainly have great and difficult tasks before you, but also many opportunities to create change in the lives of those millions who continue to struggle for basic human needs. You must also remember and work for these people, wherever they may be.
With my prayers and good wishes,
Yours sincerely,
THE DALAI LAMA
H.E. Barack Obama
President-elect of the United States of America
Washington, DC
U.S.A.
Dear President-elect Obama,
Congratulations on your election as the President of the United States of America.
The American Presidential elections are always a great source of encouragement to people throughout the world who believe in democracy, freedom and equality of opportunities.
May I also commend the determination and moral courage that you have demonstrated throughout the long campaign, as well as the kind heart and steady hand that you often showed when challenged. I recall our own telephone conversation this spring and these same essential qualities came through in your concern for the situation in Tibet.
As the President of the United States, you will certainly have great and difficult tasks before you, but also many opportunities to create change in the lives of those millions who continue to struggle for basic human needs. You must also remember and work for these people, wherever they may be.
With my prayers and good wishes,
Yours sincerely,
THE DALAI LAMA
Thanks to Precious Metal: the blog for bringing this letter to our attention!
Thanks for sharing this letter Barry. It is so amazing to see and feel the outpouring of support for our new president elect. I have big hope for big change. Time will tell.
Posted by: molly | November 12, 2008 at 06:36 PM
Thanks Barry, this was nice.
Posted by: Paul Lynch, JDPSN | November 12, 2008 at 06:45 PM
Thank you for your comments, Paul and Molly!
Posted by: Barry Briggs | November 13, 2008 at 12:26 PM
Thank you Barry for posting this. Really great letter indeed. Tenzin Gyatso and Obama, wonderful!
Posted by: Uku | November 13, 2008 at 01:11 PM
Thank you, Uku!
Posted by: Barry Briggs | November 14, 2008 at 01:22 PM