Tibet has no religious independence: Dalai Lama

The Dalai Lama today alleged that Tibet has no religious independence and appealed to foreigners, who assembled here to listen to his discourse, to visit the place and witness the situation.
   
"There is no religious independence in Tibet and that is why I am still suffering the pain of being a refugee," the Tibetan spiritual leader said at the concluding session of his five-day discourse to foreigners held at the Kalchakra maidan here.
       
Referring to BJP leader LK Advani's statement on the occasion that India is strong and independent because it maintains its secular principles, he asked his disciples, including Hollywood megastar Richard Gere, to visit Tibet and see the situation personally.
       
The religious discourse was organised on the occasion of the the seven-day Geluk Monlam Puja at Mahabodhi Mahavihara, which ended this afternoon.