EXCLUSIVE: Dalai Lama will visit Manchester to discuss non-violence with youths in wake of riots

By Brendan McFadden

The Dalai Lama’s visit to Manchester in June 2012 will be targeting youths on the subject of non-violence, in what he describes as ‘ the Century of Dialogue’.

His talk follows in the wake of Manchester and Salford’s riots, and will take place in a large public venue, as yet unconfirmed as the MEN Arena.

The Tibetan spiritual leader, who last visited the UK in 2008, will also give an open talk and three teaching sessions held over two days on 17 and 18 June.

Geshe Graham Woodhouse, UK Tibetan monk and teacher of Buddhism, said: “We are very pleased he is coming to the UK again as we do when he comes here every two or three years.

“It is wonderful for all Buddhists everywhere not just in the UK but in all other European countries as well - it has a very wide appeal.”

Geshe Woodhouse went on to say: “I believe the theme the Dalai Lama may describe is if you bring non-violence into your life you will bring it into society. It’s not a political message it’s a spiritual one and understanding the value of that life change.

“If you have you own inner serenity and can control your anger, then you understand the major benefits of non-violence.”

The trip, which will also see him visit London and Scotland, was spearheaded by the Tibet House Trust and the Office of Tibet, who had their proposal accepted after negotiating throughout the summer.

Initially the Dharma Network, who organise Dalai Lama UK trips, had made a proposal for a smaller three-day trip in 2013.

An invitation for a larger visit was accepted though, with it not possible for His Holiness to visit the UK two years running.

Manchester Buddhist, Jason Briggs, of Stalybridge, said: “As a lay Buddhist from Manchester this event means so much to me because I believe he brings such a positive energy wherever he visits.

“The fact that he is addressing an issue directly such as youth violence is a rarity and I am very interested to hear such a holy man’s perspective on such a poignant subject.”

Tenzin Gyatso, the 14^th Dalai Lama, has lived in exile in India since 1959, after fleeing Tibet following a failed uprising against the Chinese Government.

In March 2011 His Holiness devolved his political powers over Tibet to an elected representative, while still remaining Tibet’s spiritual leader.