Bodh Gaya (Bihar), Jan 11 (IANS) Stating that democracy was the best political system, Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama Wednesday said ‘a country belongs to the people, not religious leaders or kings or queens or presidents’.
‘The best way to rule or to govern people is by people… the best system is the democratic system,’ Dalai Lama told NDTV news channel at the Buddhist Kalchakra puja in Bodhgaya.
Referring to his giving up the political leadership of the community last year, the spiritual leader said he is the same person. ‘I came here, as a Dalai Lama, as a Buddhist monk. My energy stands on spiritual feet.’
Stating he was in ‘a semi-retired position’, the Dalai Lama said now ‘all major decisions are in the hands of the elected political leadership’.
‘I’m acting like a senior adviser… I have no direct control.’
He said the Tibetan refugee community outside has become quite mature about this democratic practice.
He said the Tibet problem is the issue of a nation and people should not rely on one individual. ‘I feel they take care of themselves, they look after themselves. So, I feel much happier, much calmer. The day I officially handed over, that night I had a very unusual sound sleep.’
