The Dalai Lama issued a warning to the West last May. Europe has taken in too many refugees and is at risk of losing its identity, culture, values, he advised.
“Germany cannot become an Arab country,” the Buddhist leader warned.
A person with a better situation in life does have an obligation to help those who are in need, but refugees should only be admitted temporarily. The goal should be for them to go back to rebuild their own country.
The Dalai Lama, who has himself lived in exile for over half a century, said: ‘When we look into the face of every single refugee, especially the children and women, we can feel their suffering.
“A human being who is a bit more fortunate has the duty to help them. On the other hand, there are too many now.”
Germany last year took in 1.1 million people fleeing war in Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan and other countries in the Middle East.
In an interview with German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, he said: “Europe, for example Germany, cannot become an Arab country. Germany is Germany.”
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“There are so many that in practice it becomes difficult.'”
He said “from a moral point of view too, I think the refugees should only be admitted temporarily”.
“The goal should be that they return and help rebuild their countries.”
They need to be taken in reasonable numbers, he believes, but not more than can be handled. A long term solution has to be considered as well.
His opinion appears to coincide with Donald Trump’s but Trump is reviled for it and the Tibetan leader is revered.
Not everyone agrees with the Dalai Lama.
In announcing the exiled Tibetan leader would give the commencement speech at the University of California, UCSD’s chancellor, Pradeep K. Khosla, described the Dalai Lama as “a man of peace” who “promotes global responsibility and service to humanity.”
Some Chinese students at the university don’t see the Dalai Lama that way. They have condemned the choice of commencement speaker as culturally disrespectful and describe the Dalai Lama as a separatist leader intent on dividing their home country.
The Chinese Students and Scholars Association at UCSD went to the Chinese consulate to see how they should proceed.
Here’s an idea, skip the ceremony.
Buddhists, primarily in Myanmar, are pushing back against Muslims as well and are becoming more nationalistic as part of the “969 Movement”.
They write on their website: In accordance with the intent of the Buddha, the 969 Movement is tolerant insomuch as we extend hospitality, refuge, and loving-kindness to innocent peoples. 969 does not tolerate criminal or sinful behavior, violence against religious groups, or the enslavement of women. We have no qualms with the diversity of religions as practiced around the world but we must insist on the democratic rights of Buddhist countries to decide what is the correct policies for their nations religious and social affairs.
