Dalai Lama says "better" if he retires "completely"

Dharamshala (HP),Dec 17 (PTI) After months of speculation
over his retirement, Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama
Wednesday declared that the future course of the movement that
he spearheaded for nearly five decades will now be decided by
'Prime Minister of government-in-exile' Samdhong Rinpoche.

"I have grown old and already taken semi-retirement. It
is better if I retire completely and get out of the way of the
Tibetan movement," the 73-year-old Nobel laureate, who
recently underwent surgery, told reporters here after an
interaction with Himachal Pradesh legislators.

"The future course of Tibetan movement will be decided
by the elected government under Prime Minister Samdhong
Rinpoche," the Tibetan temporal head said.

The Dalai Lama's statement came just three weeks after
a key conclave of exiled Tibetans virtually put on notice the
Dalai's "Middle Path" approach on dialogue with China and
declared that they will be forced to demand full independence
if no concrete results emerged.

The Dalai Lama said that "henceforth your questions
about furture course of Tibetan movement and talks with China
would be answered by the (Tibetan) Prime Minister" in exile.

Rinpoche was sharing dais with the Dalai Lama along
with Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal and
Speaker Tulsi Ram.

The Dalai Lama said his complete retirement would
strengthen democracy in Tibet.

"How long shall I continue to lead the Tibetan
movement?" he asked and referred to democratic tradition in
India where parties come to power through elections.

The Dalai Lama had visited "Tapovan", the new assembly
building of Himachal Pradesh here, on invitation of the
Speaker.

On the Mumbai terror attacks, the Dalai Lama said he
"shared" the pain of the Indian people over such incidents
which "come in the way of world peace"

"Only people who have lost mental balance can indulge
in such terrorist acts," he said.

Describing India as "role model" for "non-violence"
and "religious tolerance", the Tibetan spiritual leader said
the country could guide the world in establishment of peace.

"Indian democracy is age old and in modern times too,
it presents a good example for others," he said.

"Different religions like Hinduism, Islam,
Christianity, Buddhism and Zoroastrianism co-exist in India in
a healthy environment.... India shall guide the world how to
run wonderful democracy," he added.

The spiritual leader, who fled to India in 1959 after
a failed uprising against Chinese rule in Tibet, said he
felt "like a citizen of Himachal Pradesh". He has been staying
at Mcleodganj, 15 km from Dharamshala, in Kangra district of
the state.

"I have stayed here for a long time. The love and
respect given by people here makes me feel that I am a citizen
of Himachal Pradesh," he said.

Later, he along with Dhumal and other Himachal leaders
witnesses a cricket match between CM's XI and Governor's XI.

The Dalai Lama also hosted a lunch at the match venue.
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