LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama, for
a lifetime dedicated to benefiting the entire world community

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and honor
extraordinary individuals who have dedicated their lives to inspiring
others to work to strengthen the bonds of cooperation and understanding
among people of all religions and ethnic backgrounds; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud and truly
humbled to honor Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama, for his many years
of distinguished, loyal and inspiring service to humanity, and to
welcome him upon the occasion of his highly anticipated visit to Albany,
the Capital of the great State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama is regarded as an exemplar
of moral and religious values by people throughout the world; and
WHEREAS, In these times of religious strife, he has tirelessly sought
to encourage respect and tolerance among the great religious traditions,
and has actively promoted dialogue and outreach between religious lead-
ers throughout the world; and
WHEREAS, He has promoted the use, study and refinement of secular
ethical principles as a basis for a better society in which people live
together, and in harmony; and
WHEREAS, He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989 for the leader-
ship he has shown around the world in advocating for peace and nonvi-
olence, even in the most difficult of situations, and for his efforts at
reconciliation for the Tibetan people using a "Middle Way" approach; and
WHEREAS, He was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 2006 for his
countless contributions to create a more humane and democratic world in
which all citizens enjoy freedom; and
WHEREAS, He has been a beacon of light for people throughout the
world, and especially for the millions of Tibetans in whom he continues
to inspire hope for a peaceful resolution to their struggle; and
WHEREAS, He has inspired countless individuals to lead more compas-
sionate lives, and to treat all world citizens with unconditional love
and kindness regardless of race, religion, country of origin, or any
other factor that serves to separate, rather than join, people; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such singularly noble aims and remarkable accomplishments are
brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by
all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama, for a lifetime dedicated to
benefiting the entire world community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Tenzin Gyatso, 14th Dalai Lama.