The Dalai Lama Foundation-Canada

Montreal, 21 September, 2008 (WTN)

At ceremonies in Montreal recognizing the United Nations International Day of Peace, a Tibetan Canadian - Thubten Samdup - was named Pacifist of the Year.  Mr. Samdup, National Chair of the Dalai Lama Foundation Canada, received the honour in recognition of his two decades of work for the well-being of the Tibetan people, and for his tireless devotion to peace and nonviolence.

During ceremonies this past Sunday, an enthusiastic crowd enjoyed the beauty and tranquility of Montreal’s famous Mount Royal Park, while listening to speeches by dignitaries and peace activists, as well as performances by musical artists, all of whom extolled the virtues of peace and the need to practice it both in our personal lives and in the actions of our nations.

Partway through the festivities, after a minute of silence was observed and 21 doves (representing September 21st being the Day of Peace) were released, lead organizer Jean Trudel of the organization Cercle de Paix announced that Mr. Samdup had been named Pacifist of the Year, and congratulations were given by Montreal Mayor Gérald Tremblay.

Speaking both in French and in English, Mr. Samdup humbly accepted the award, and spoke of the Tibetan people as exemplary seekers of peace, whose nonviolent struggle and whose deeply-ingrained values are models for the world.

A proud Tibetan, proud Canadian, and proud Quebecer, Mr. Samdup also announced that His Holiness the Dalai Lama will be visiting Montreal next year, in recognition and support of exciting changes within the Quebec educational system that should help to create a generation of young Quebecers who value peace, social harmony, and inter-dialogue, consistent with His Holiness? own teachings and philosophy.

Before heading the Dalai Lama Foundation Canada, Mr. Samdup founded the Canada Tibet Committee, and he continues to be a social and economic entrepreneur whose recent initiatives include the launching of a newly invigorated effort on “”Electing the Next Kalon Tripa,” and the creation of Tibet Innovations, which aims to provide economic opportunities for young Tibetans in South and Central Asia.

Krisy Gashler
Ithaca Journal
11 October 2007

At Cornell University the Dalai Lama spoke about peace.

“Genuine peace comes through inner peace,” he said. “Internally, if you’re full of hatred, full of suspicion, full of fear, then through that way, it is impossible to achieve genuine peace.”

The Dalai Lama told his university audience that they could help alleviate inequality and suffering in developing countries by educating students from these countries.

“Bring or welcome more students from these poorer countries,” he said. “Give them vision, give them self-confidence, give them skill.”

“Instead of sending soldiers, send more students,” he said. “America is part of humanity, Africa, same human family. Brothers, sisters who have prosperity, go to these areas and bring more prosperity.”

To view the complete article please go to [http://www.tibet.ca/en/newsroom/wtn/199]

Martin Luther King Jr.

Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend.

Sakyong Mipham
Shambhala Sun
November 2007

Although we’re intelligent people who live in a technologically sophisticated world, we’re often confused about the meaning of success. The reason is that we are caught in the cycle of thinking that outside factors will bring us what we want.

We mistakenly think success comes from using ambition and greed to make things go our way. Our first thought in the morning is often some variation of “Will I get what I want today?” And when the world gives us what we want, we call it success.

But, the real secret of success, the one the self-help books don’t tell us about, is putting others first. That’s the key to a fulfilled, meaningful, and happy life.

Love means we want others to experience happiness. Compassion means that we wish for them not to suffer. If we extend to others with love and compassion, our life will be successful.

To view the complete article please go to [Shambhala Sun, volume 16, number 2, pages 19-20, November 2007].