Senate Resolution No. 2801

BY: Senator COMRIE

CONGRATULATING his Holiness the Dalai Lama upon
the occasion of the celebration of his 82nd Birthday
on July 6, 2017

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 congratulate his Holiness the Dalai Lama upon the
occasion of the celebration of his 82nd Birthday on Thursday, July 6,
2017, at a ceremony orchestrated by The James Jay Dudley Luce Foundation
at the Marriott Essex House in New York City; 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 leaders 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
leadership he has shown around the world in advocating for peace and
nonviolence, 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 made pilgrimages to New York on many occasions and
visited the New York State Senate on May 6th, 2009, to deliver a message
concerning honesty, truthfulness and transparency; 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
compassionate 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
individuals 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
congratulate his Holiness the Dalai Lama upon the occasion of
celebrating his 82nd Birthday on July 6, 2017; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to his Holiness the Dalai Lama and The James Jay Dudley Luce
Foundation.