Wednesday 24 February 2010





You will find the interview here - Larry King and His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Below, from CNN, is some of the content:

CNN) -- China is "denying there is a problem" between its government and Tibet, the Dalai Lama says.
In his first interview since his recent controversial meeting with President Obama, the spiritual leader of Tibet told CNN's "Larry King Live" that China claims Tibetans are "very happy ... much, much, much better than previous Tibet."
However, he noted that his Tibetan government-in-exile has received information indicating "suppression ... or restrictions" culturally and religiously of the Tibetan people.
China rejects Tibetan claims of independence or greater autonomy and claims sovereignty over the area.
But the Dalai Lama, who lives in exile in India, told King that Tibetans "are not seeking independence."
"That's why we are called middle way," he said. "We complain [about] the presence of policy in Tibet. It is actually very much damaging. ... But [on the] other hand, we also do not want separation from China because ... Tibet [is a] landlocked country, materially backward. Every Tibetan want modernized Tibet, so for that reason, [we] remain within the People's Republic of China."
The Dalai Lama met with Obama on Thursday despite strong objections from Chinese government officials. The meeting threatened to further complicate Sino-U.S. tensions, which have been rising in recent months. China warned it would damage Beijing's ties to Washington.
Beijing regards the Nobel Peace Prize laureate as a dangerous "separatist" who wishes to sever Tibet from China.
"Larry King Live"
The Dalai Lama told King he first met Obama when the future president was a young senator on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
He was a "very impressive, young politician then," he said of Obama.
"As soon as he become president, we had some sort of contact," he said, indicating that Obama expressed sympathy toward Tibet's plight. However, a meeting was postponed due to sensitive talks Obama was conducting with Chinese leaders.
"Now this time, despite some difficulties, we had that meeting and [it was a] very pleasant one," he said.
The Dalai Lama said he discussed three priorities during the meeting with Obama: "the promotion of human value in order to create a better world," the promotion of religious harmony and his desire for modern education for Tibetan children.
He called Obama very receptive to his priorities.
Asked whether he thinks often of his homeland, the Dalai Lama said he occasionally conjures up memories of his childhood in Tibet. But after more than 50 years in India, "my body [is] supported by Indian rice and Indian dollar," he said.
He sought to deflect attention away from his exile, saying "this is not our concern. Our concern is 6 million Tibetan people's basic rights and culture. These are our main issues."
As a Buddhist, the Dalai Lama spoke often during the interview about the concept of love and peace.
Asked whether he has love for the Chinese, he answered, "Certainly. We have to practice that." He admitted to "some irritation" with Chinese hardliners, but insisted they are "small moments."


At another site was the question that everyone knew he would be asked:

“Not everyone caught that Tiger Woods press conference last week, starting with a major spiritual leader of the faith the golfer may use to help him cope with a sex scandal.
In what was described as a "brief interview," the Dalai Lama told The Associated Press that he had never heard of Woods, who last week said he plans to explore anew the Buddhist teachings from his childhood.
When the matter was explained to the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader (who was in Beverly Hills, California, for a speech Saturday), he replied that "all religions have the same idea" about adultery.
"Whether you call it Buddhism or another religion, self-discipline, that's important," he said. "Self-discipline with awareness of consequences."


Ouch! When you have an ego the size of Mr. Woods - that had to hurt.

And finally on this subject - HIs Holiness is now twittering! I love it.



On the economic front, I ran across this sad bit of news -

Another Recession Casualty: Cuban Cigars
By CATHERINE RAMPELL

David Dennis (Creative Commons)
Cuban cigars — that quintessential emblem of high living, celebration and excess — have not weathered the downturn well, according to The Associated Press.
Cuban cigar sales fell 8 percent in 2009. The article attributes the decline primarily to a dwindling demand in Spain (the biggest market for Cuban cigars) and less international travel (and therefore, fewer sales at duty-free shops at airports).
It also probably doesn’t help that people cut back on smoking in general during recessions.
Faced with such challenges, Cuba’s state-run tobacco company is turning its sights to an untapped market: women.

As a long time lover of a good cognac and a really fine cigar to accompany it, this news saddens me. I know, I know tobacco is bad for you – but all things in moderation eh?

Ciao.

9 comments:

James Higham said...

The problem with Tiger Woods might not be addiction to sex but the problem I have - addiction to women. There is no known cure for this affliction. Not even age seems to help.

lady macleod said...

James
It is a burden to bear my dear cyber friend but in your case I should think it would be the women chasing you that is the problem. No? Personally, I find my desire for 'yoga' increases year to year. (she said grinning ear to ear)
Thank you for coming by.

Brian Miller said...

i smoked a cuban at the rail of a ship staring into the sunset...nice.

interesting tidbits from the dalai lama...like his come back on woods...

lady macleod said...

Brian
Nice imagery...
Thank you for coming by.

French Fancy... said...

Hello there - have you given up on your sexy blog?

Lynn said...

I am actually relieved that the Dalai Lama hadn't heard of Tiger Woods.

lady macleod said...

FrenchFancy
No but YOU have reminded me that I need to get back to it! thank you. I had the idea, started it, then the MIgraine Monster was after me for almost three months running. I'm much improved and will post today and make an effort to post there on the odd days off on Braveheart. thank you for reminding me, and for your interest. I'm looking at it as notes for the upcoming book about the romance with the adorable husband from when we were youngsters to the marriage in 2008.
and Thank you for coming by.


Lynn
I knew someone would ask him the question and I couldn't imagine he WOULD know who Mr. Woods is or about his 'troubles'.
Thank you for coming by.

Kathy M. said...

Self-discipline with awareness of consequences. Words to live by. Thanks for the link and the recap!

lady macleod said...

KathyM
Thank you and thank you for coming by.