A delegation of Japanese monks representing nine Sotoshu schools of Japanese Zen Buddhism expressed concern about the worsening situation in Tibet and issued a seven-point joint statement urging China to stop violations of human rights and religious freedom in Tibet.

Rev. Hayashi Shuei of Jorinji Temple and representatives from nine Temples in Tokyo, Nagano, and Ibaragi prefectures visited the Liaison Office of H.H. the Dalai Lama and handed over the statement to Representative Dr. Arya Tsewang Gyalpo.

Rev. Hayashi Shuei, the head of the delegation, said that the Chinese continued interference in Tibetan religious matters is not moral and unacceptable to all Buddhists and the international community. He said as Buddhists living in a free country it becomes our responsibility to speak out for the people of Tibet and for religious freedom around the world. He further added that he met H.H. the Dalai Lama a few times and that His Holiness has visited his school in Tokyo where the faculty members and the students greatly benefited from His Holiness’ teachings on love and compassion.

The members of the delegation each spoke about their concerns and expressed solidarity with the Tibetan people in Tibet. They said China`s interference in the selection of Tibetan reincarnate Lamas is unacceptable because the communist party does not believe in religion and knows nothing about the rebirth concept. They said they would like to visit Dharamsala to convey their support and feelings.

Representative Dr. Arya Tsewang Gyalpo thanked the delegation for their support and the statement and offered khatas to the monks. He briefly explained the situation in Tibet and how the CCP leadership was trying to wipe out the Tibetan identity, culture, and language through total control of the Tibetan monasteries and the Chinese boarding schools in Tibet.

Source: CTA