Dalai Lama Addresses Wisconsin State Legislature

May 13, 1998

It is an honor for me to be invited to address the Wisconsin State legislature on Wisconsin's 150th anniversary.

Elected legislatures around the would such as the US Congress and the European Parliament has passed a number of resolutions supporting Tibet. This is something that I really appreciate and has given us great encouragement in this difficult period. Also, many states, provinces and cities around the world have passed resolutions calling for improvement in Tibet. In addition, in this country governors calling for improvements in Tibet. In addition, in this country, governors in more that 20 states have issues proclamations on Tibet. When elected officials speak for Tibet, this often reflects a genuine and widespread concern of the people for the plight of Tibet.

Today I want to pay tribute to democracies and especially to elected legislatures like yours. Free elections are a previous freedom that does not exist in many parts of the world. people in this country take such freedom for granted, but in some countries people are struggling and losing their lives for this rights.

The fact that the US Administration is now taking a more serious interest in Tibet is to a large extent the result of strong bi-partisan support demonstrated by the US Congress for Tibet. Similarly, in some European countries and elsewhere, government support for Tibet is almost always the result of strong support from elected legislatures. In fact, every country where there is substantial government support for Tibet is a democracy.

I also want to commend those human rights organizations, which have been keeping the focus on Tibet. Documenting human rights abuses and working to alleviate them is urgently needed. These groups really are making a difference in peoples lives. I consider human rights work to be a kind of spiritual practice. Defending those people who are persecuted for their race, religion, ethnicity, or ideology is such important work. It is often leaders of various fields -- science, education, medicine, and literature-- who dare to speak up against government abuse and are punished for it. This can have a terrible impact on society. Democracy -- free elections, a free press and an independent judiciary-- this is the best guarantee for human rights. Therefore, it was my distinct pleasure to help launch an international human rights campaign, "Make Your Mark," in Atlanta on May 11, on behalf of human rights defenders around the world and to honor the 50th Anniversary of the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights.

I come from the east and there are some who believe that we have a different concept of human rights. But all human beings are basically the same. We all want happiness. Whether you are from the east, west, north or south you should have the right to express your feelings, your opinions and to be free from arrest and torture. These things are truly universal.

If customs or traditions conflict with basic principles of human rights, those customs and traditions should change, not the other way around.

As a Buddhist, I also believe that if you are imprisoned or tortured, you should both see your tormentors as your enemy, It is important to have compassion for everybody, because everybody has the capacity to improve himself or herself. Our goal must be to help every person to be a positive member of the human family.

Now, I would like to say a few words about China. I have always expressed my sincere belief in the importance of good relations between the US and China. The basic policy of engagement with China is, I think, the best policy. However, this must be an active and responsible engagement.

It is important to bring China to the fold of the mainstream of the world family. I held this position even during the Cold War period, when many nations, including the United States, were refusing to recognize China. I also believe that the concept of containment is not only unrealistic but also immoral. At the same time, we must not label those who are calling for a respect of human rights and establishment of rule of law in China as advocating a policy of isolating China. In fact, by calling for human rights and file of law, these individuals are only making efforts to bring China close to the international community. I personally know of many leaders, particularly in the United States Congress, who have been tirelessly speaking out for the issue of Tibet and for human rights, including religious freedom in China, for many years. They are people who have a deep sense of friendship for the Chinese people, and it is such people that I hope China will eventually come to consider its genuine friends rather than those who are motivated solely by commercial gains.

An active and responsible engagement means that human rights norms must be at that core of relations with China. At the same time, I always believe in the importance of direct, face-to-face dialogue. So I am glad that President Clinton is going to China. This will give President Clinton an opportunity to directly raise important issues such as human rights and Tibet.

One reporter asked me what I thought about President Clinton going to Tiananmen Square during his forthcoming visit to China. While symbolism is important, I think substance is of greater importance. It will be unfortunate if it were only symbolism and little of substance.

Recently, we have seen a new generation of leaders in China easing some economic controls and thus creating a new energy in Chinese society that is not easily contained in the economic realm. We have yet to see substantial changes in the political sphere. But I am optimistic when I look at the overall picture of the situation in China.

On of the reasons why I feel so optimistic is because there is a trend of more people in China beginning to understand the problem of Tibet. And many Chinese, both in and outside of China, are openly supporting my middle way approach. This approach is for genuine self-rule, not independence. By self-rule, I mean an opportunity for the Tibetan people to maintain their distinctive religious and cultural heritage and develop their social and economic well being.

In conclusion, I want to thanks the people of Wisconsin for welcoming nearly 300 Tibetan refugees in recent years. Although this is not a large number, your help and hospitality had been very gratifying. I hope these Tibetans will be able to enrich the cultural diversity of this state. It is also a pleasure to be here because Madison is home to one of the earliest Tibetan Buddhist centers in America, founded by Geshe Sopa, who taught at the University of Wisconsin for many years. The Tibetan program at the University has become one of the finest in the country.

I also want to take this opportunity to thank the American people, in particular, those from the younger generation, who have been consistently supporting us in our endeavor to solve the Tibetan problem. The tremendous support that we receive from young Americans is, I believe, a reflection of the United States rediscovering the values of the founding principles of this great nation, namely liberty, freedom, and justice.

With my prayers and good wishes.

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