His Holiness the Dalai Lama sent a letter of congratulations to President Obama today on being named the recipient of the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize.
His Holiness, who is in Washington, DC, wrote to the President to say that he was pleased that the Nobel Committee had “recognized your approach towards resolving international conflicts through the wisdom and power of dialogue.”
The Norwegian Nobel Committee stated that President Obama has “created a new climate in international politics” where “dialogue and negotiations are preferred as instruments for resolving even the most difficult international conflicts.”
In his letter, His Holiness the Dalai Lama said: “The Committee has rightly noted your efforts towards a world without nuclear weapons and your constructive role in environmental protection. The 20th century was a century of bloodshed and all of us have the responsibility to make the 21st century a century of dialogue and co-operation. There is thus the need for concerted efforts from all sides in this highly interdependent world to promote and adopt a more compassionate approach.”
His Holiness continued: “I have maintained that the founding fathers of the United States have made this country the greatest democracy and a champion of freedom and liberty. It is, therefore, important for today’s American leaders to adopt principled leadership based on these high ideals. Such an approach will not only enhance the reputation of the United States, but also contribute tremendously to reducing tension in the world.”