| |
| |
|
|
R E S O L U T I O N
|
|
|
WHEREAS, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama is receiving an |
|
|
honorary degree from Southern Methodist University and speaking at |
|
|
the SMU Hart Global Leaders Forum on May 9, 2011; and |
|
|
WHEREAS, Born in 1935, the Dalai Lama is the spiritual leader |
|
|
and former head of state of Tibet; he is revered by Tibetan |
|
|
Buddhists as the 14th reincarnation of the Buddha Avalokiteshvara, |
|
|
who achieved spiritual enlightenment; and |
|
|
WHEREAS, The homeland of the Dalai Lama was invaded by China |
|
|
in 1949, and the following year, he was called on to assume full |
|
|
political power; in 1959, he was forced to escape into exile, and he |
|
|
has since lived in Dharamsala, India, the seat of the Tibetan |
|
|
government in exile; he retired from his political role in March |
|
|
2011; and |
|
|
WHEREAS, Over the years, the Dalai Lama has become a beloved |
|
|
and world-renowned champion for the ideals of compassion, |
|
|
nonviolence, interreligious cooperation, and human rights; he has |
|
|
traveled to more than 60 countries on 6 continents, speaking to the |
|
|
public and meeting with presidents, monarchs, and other heads of |
|
|
state, as well as clergy and scientists; he has authored more than |
|
|
72 books and received countless awards, honorary degrees, and |
|
|
prizes in recognition of his important work; in 1989, he was awarded |
|
|
the Nobel Peace Prize for his nonviolent struggle for the |
|
|
liberation of Tibet; and |
|
|
WHEREAS, The Dalai Lama is an inspiration to people of all |
|
|
faiths and backgrounds, who look to him for guidance in an |
|
|
increasingly complex world, and it is indeed a privilege to welcome |
|
|
him to the Lone Star State; now, therefore, be it |
|
|
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas |
|
|
Legislature hereby honor His Holiness the Dalai Lama on the |
|
|
occasion of his visit to Southern Methodist University in Dallas |
|
|
and extend to him sincere gratitude for his continued efforts in |
|
|
behalf of global peace and understanding; and, be it further |
|
|
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be |
|
|
prepared for His Holiness as an expression of high regard by the |
|
|
Texas House of Representatives. |