Search Buddhist Channel
Tibetans' struggle in global spotlight: Dalai Lama
ABC News Onlie, Dec 12, 2004
Dharamsala, India -- Exiled Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama says 45 years of struggle for Tibetan rights have catapulted the cause of the Tibetan people into the global spotlight.
The Dalai Lama, who was recognised as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama at the age of two, is visiting India's largest Tibetan resettlement camp in Bylakuppe in southern Karnataka state.
"In 1959 when we came into exile, the only acquaintances we had were the sky above and the earth below," the Dalai Lama said.
"But with the passage of time we managed to have more sympathetic supporters and friends who strongly extended their support in preserving our Tibetan spirituality and help fight for our rights.
"Support for the Tibet cause is growing everywhere.
"It's a positive change we've been able to achieve during the past 45 years of our struggle."
India has played host to the Dalai Lama, 69, and his Tibetan government-in-exile since he fled Tibet in 1959 after a failed uprising against Chinese rule.
Thousands of other Tibetans also have sought refuge in India.
"There's even a growing interest among the young Chinese on Tibet," the Dalai Lama, who is waging a non-violent campaign for greater autonomy in his homeland, said.
"I hope some positive result will happen in the long run."
Tibetan exiles have long accused China of trying to wipe out Tibet's Buddhist-based culture through political and religious repression and a flood of ethnic Chinese immigration.
China wants the Dalai Lama to stop what it sees as his separatist activities, although he says he recognises Tibet as a part of China.
Over 10,000 monks, nuns, men sporting colourful Tibetan hats, and women, some with children on their laps, listened in rapt silence to his speech at a monastery in Bylakuppe.
Some monks climbed rooftops while others stood outside the main gates to catch a glimpse of the Dalai Lama.
The monasteries are awash with green and yellow banners welcoming him.
The settlement houses more than 20,000 Tibetans.
Another four settlements are around Bylakuppe, housing another 20,000 Tibetans.
The Dalai Lama's government-in-exile is headquartered in the northern Indian hill town of Dharamsala.
Saluting India, he calls it a "second home".
"We came into exile to a land which is known as the 'Land of Superior Beings,'" he said.
"We've inherited all our deep philosophical way of life, non-violence and compassionate way of life from India."
Direct contacts between the Dalai Lama and Beijing collapsed in 1993 and were renewed only in 2002.
Buddhist AI Chat Bot NORBU!
(Neural Operator for Responsible Buddhist Understanding)
For Malaysians and Singaporeans, please make your donation to the following account:
Account Name: Bodhi Vision
Account No:. 2122 00000 44661
Bank: RHB
The SWIFT/BIC code for RHB Bank Berhad is: RHBBMYKLXXX
Address: 11-15, Jalan SS 24/11, Taman Megah, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Phone: 603-9206 8118
Note: Please indicate your name in the payment slip. Thank you.
Dear Friends in the Dharma,
We seek your generous support to help us train NORBU, the word's first Buddhist AI Chat Bot.
Here are some ways you can contribute to this noble cause:
One-time Donation or Loan: A single contribution, regardless of its size, will go a long way in helping us reach our goal and make the Buddhist LLM a beacon of wisdom for all.
How will your donation / loan be used? Download the NORBU White Paper for details.
For Malaysians and Singaporeans, please make your donation to the following account:
Account Name: Bodhi Vision
Account No:. 2122 00000 44661
Bank: RHB
The SWIFT/BIC code for RHB Bank Berhad is: RHBBMYKLXXX
Address: 11-15, Jalan SS 24/11, Taman Megah, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Phone: 603-9206 8118
Note: Please indicate your purpose of payment (loan or donation) in the payment slip. Thank you.
Once payment is banked in, please send the payment slip via email to: editor@buddhistchannel.tv. Your donation/loan will be published and publicly acknowledged on the Buddhist Channel.
Spread the Word: Share this initiative with your friends, family and fellow Dharma enthusiasts. Join "Friends of Norbu" at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/norbuchatbot. Together, we can build a stronger community and create a positive impact on a global scale.
Volunteer: If you possess expertise in AI, natural language processing, Dharma knowledge in terms of Buddhist sutras in various languages or related fields, and wish to lend your skills, please contact us. Your knowledge and passion could be invaluable to our project's success.
Your support is part of a collective effort to preserve and disseminate the profound teachings of Buddhism. By contributing to the NORBU, you become a "virtual Bodhisattva" to make Buddhist wisdom more accessible to seekers worldwide.
Thank you for helping to make NORBU a wise and compassionate Buddhist Chatbot!
May you be blessed with inner peace and wisdom,
With deepest gratitude,
Kooi F. Lim
On behalf of The Buddhist Channel Team
Note: To date, we have received the following contributions for NORBU:
US$ 75 from Gary Gach (Loan)
US$ 50 from Chong Sim Keong
MYR 300 from Wilson Tee
MYR 500 from Lim Yan Pok
MYR 50 from Oon Yeoh
MYR 200 from Ooi Poh Tin
MYR 300 from Lai Swee Pin
MYR 100 from Ong Hooi Sian
MYR 1,000 from Fam Sin Nin
MYR 500 from Oh teik Bin
MYR 300 from Yeoh Ai Guat
MYR 300 from Yong Lily
MYR 50 from Bandar Utama Buddhist Society
MYR 1,000 from Chiam Swee Ann
MYR 1,000 from Lye Veei Chiew
MYR 1,000 from Por Yong Tong
MYR 80 from Lee Wai Yee
MYR 500 from Pek Chee Hen
MYR 300 from Hor Tuck Loon
MYR 1,000 from Wise Payments Malaysia Sdn Bhd
MYR 200 from Teo Yen Hua
MYR 500 from Ng Wee Keat
MYR 10,000 from Chang Quai Hung, Jackie (Loan)
MYR 10,000 from K. C. Lim & Agnes (Loan)
MYR 10,000 from Juin & Jooky Tan (Loan)
MYR 100 from Poh Boon Fong (on behalf of SXI Buddhist Students Society)
MYR 10,000 from Fam Shan-Shan (Loan)
MYR 10,000 from John Fam (Loan)
MYR 500 from Phang Cheng Kar
MYR 100 from Lee Suat Yee
MYR 500 from Teo Chwee Hoon (on behalf of Lai Siow Kee)
MYR 200 from Mak Yuen Chau
We express our deep gratitude for the support and generosity.
If you have any enquiries, please write to: editor@buddhistchannel.tv