We cannot resort to violence and banish Chinese out of our land: Dalai Lama

Dharamsala, April 7, 2022: Addressing the participants of 25th Shoton festival in Dharmasala His Holiness the Dalai Lama said, “I am delighted over the commencement of the Shoton festival adding that the festival brings fond memories of Tibet where it is celebrated with much fervour and gusto. Tibetans in exile must continue to protect and preserve that culture. We cannot resort to violence and banish the Chinese out of our land. However, we can definitely learn to coexist peacefully through the approach of middle way policy while we continue to preserve our own identity.”

“Moreover, there is widespread interest among the Chinese today toward Tibetan Buddhism and its scientific approach that relies on logic and reasoning through investigation. Even scientists around the world are experimenting with the viability of the correlations of science and Buddhism” added His Holiness.
 
The eight participating troupes of the 25th Shoton festival being held in Dharmasala along with participants of the Middle Way Approach Conference had a special audience with His Holiness the Dalai Lama on Thursday in the courtyard of Tsuglagkhang. The main Tibetan Temple in Dharamsala HP India.
 
“We owe extensive gratitude to King Songtsen Gampo for introducing Buddhism and Tibetan script that we so proudly promote today”, asserted His Holiness and urged the Tibetans, particularly the Millenials to continue the preservation of Tibet’s heritage.
Finally, to the reassurance of gathering, His Holiness affirmed to live over 100 years.
Following His Holiness’s address, the representative of each opera troupe presented a segment of Namthar (biographical stories) to His Holiness.
 
A total of 8 opera troupes are currently in Dhamrashala to participate in the weeklong Shoton festival-a grand official cultural event that began on 6 April and will conclude on 13 April. The Tibetan opera festival, known as the ‘Shoton’ or ‘Yogurt’ festival, began on Wednesday at the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA) in Dharamshala. Sikyong(CTA President ), Penpa Tsering gave the inaugural address and announced the commencement of the 25th Shoton festival.
 
 “Performance drama is also a form of knowledge production. The legendary stories have morals that we can apply to ourselves. I congratulate all the participants of the festival for coming out here today. I am delighted to see a lot of young Tibetans participate in this festival today.” the CTA President told the crowd.
 
The eight troupes participating in this year’s edition of the Shoton festival are from  Mussoorie, Poanta, Chaksamapa, USA, Kalimpong, Bhandara, Kollegal and  Nepal the 8-day festival will conclude on April 13 with each group performing a different Lhamo story.
 
The Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts is organizing  the  event.