DALAI LAMA, ISLAMIC LEADERS MEET

Dalai Lama had an encouraging meeting with several prominent American Muslims in Indiana University jointly searching common grounds for sustained relationships. He and several Muslim leaders issued statements recognising a potential breakthrough in relations between the two religions that encompass much of Asia and count nearly two billion people as followers worldwide.  “All major religious traditions (are seeking) something beyond words,” said the Dalai Lama, the 74-year-old spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhists and for many the most recognisable face of Buddhism in the world. He said it’s “very unfair” to paint all Muslims as terrorists for the actions of some. “All have some ability to bring holiness to all of humanity,” he said. Ingrid Mattson, president of the Indiana-based Islamic Society of North America, praised the Dalai Lama for “remaining dignified in the face of persecution” from Chinese authorities and thanked him for defending Muslims from accusations that their religion is inherently violent.