China calls Arunachal Pradesh the 'Southern Tibet', and every time the Dalai Lama sets foot there, Beijing sees it as a provocation. Six decades ago, it was through the famous Tawang monastery in Arunachal that the Dalai Lama crossed over into India. Today, on the 84th birthday of the Dalai Lama, Arunachal Chief Minister Pema Khandu reiterates the faith of the people in his teachings saying
“His Holiness the Dalai Lama is an embodiment of compassion and we revere him as the living Buddha”.
You are a practising Buddhist. What has been your experience of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, as a child and later when you grew up?
I am a Buddhist by birth and, like others in my community, a practising Buddhist since my childhood. His Holiness the Dalai Lama is an embodiment of compassion, and we revere him as the living Buddha. We always try to emulate his teachings in our day-to-day lives. I had the privilege of meeting His Holiness on several occasions. His Holiness stresses more on human values, love, compassion and
peaceful co-existence. His approach towards Buddhism is rational, which is practical and relevant in the 21st century. These teachings have shaped me as a person.
People across the world are worried about the Dalai Lama's health today. What can his followers do to celebrate his birthday on July 6?
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As I said earlier, His Holiness the Dalai Lama has always stressed more on being a good human being. If we can practise his teachings sincerely, I am sure our world will definitely be a better place to live a happy and peaceful life for all of us.
What steps are your government taking to protect your faith?
Buddhist teachings emphasises on human values, universalism and compassion towards all sentient beings. In a way these values are more relevant today than ever. As such I feel the Buddhist philosophy is appreciated more today than ever and so I see no threat. However, a good knowledge of Bhoti language will help our younger generation to develop the interest in understanding Buddhism and professing this age-old religion. We are advocating that children learn Bhoti to understand and
appreciate the philosophy and teachings of Buddha.
How have His Holiness's teachings helped you in your life and politics?
Apart from serious religious discourse, His Holiness's teachings are mostly on human values of love, kindness, large-heartedness, compassion and our humble attitude towards the fellow human beings. Whenever I do anything or meet somebody, I try to emulate these teachings of His Holiness. It has immensely benefitted me.
