His Holiness the Dalai Lama addresses thirty thousand in Mexico City

Mexico City, Mexico, 11 September 2011 - Before departing the hotel for Cruz Azul (Blue Soccer) Stadium to deliver a public talk on ‘Finding Happiness in the Troubled Times’, His Holiness briefly met with Governor of Zacatecas State, Mr. Miguel Alonso Reyes. During the meeting, Governor also extended an invitation for His Holiness to visit the State of Zacatecas in the near future. His Holiness in principal accepted the invitation.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama addressing the over 30,000 strong crowd at the Cruz Azul Stadium in Mexico City on September 11, 2011. Photo/Oscar Fernández/Casa Tibet Mexico

Some of the banners hanging in the Cruz Azul Stadium in Mexico City during His Holiness the Dalai Lama's talk on September 11, 2011. Photo/Yeonsuk Ka

When asked to comment about Mexicans carrying Tibetan Flag, His Holiness said that in 1954 when he visited China and met with Chairman Mao Tsetung, he was told by Mao that Tibet had its ownflag and Tibetans should use it. So if people complained about displaying Tibetan flag, His Holiness told the crowd, you should tell them that even Chairman Mao had no objection to displaying the flag. AsHis Holiness narrated these words, all the people carrying small Tibetan flag raised the flags in the air.

At the stadium, massive banners reading 'Mexico loves Tibet’ hanged from the awning of the soccer teams' benches and thousands of people were carrying small Tibetan flag drew attention of the media people.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama with some of the musicians who performed after his talk in Mexico City on September 11, 2011. Photo/Oscar Fernández/Casa Tibet Mexico

Later when His Holiness concluded his talk andwhen a host of the event delivered his thank you remark, the crowd recited in unison in Spanish a popular longlife prayer for His Holiness the Dalai Lama, which says: “In this land surrounded by mountains of snow; You are the source of all solace and joy; All powerful Chenresig, Tenzin Gyatso; Please remain until samsara ends.”

This was followed by the musicians of the traditional Mexican songs ‘Mariacha’ coming up on the stage and played a very emotional farewell song for His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The crowd also joined in singing the song.

Before he left the stage at the stadium, His Holiness had a group photo with the members of the Religious Council of Mexico City as well as with the musicians of the Mexican traditional song.

The Leandro Valle Culture Center venue for His Holiness the Dalai Lama's address in to Mexican educationists in Mexico City on September 11, 2011. Photo/Oscar Fernández/Casa Tibet Mexico

In the afternoon, His Holiness departed for Leandro Valle Culture Center, where addressed the Mexican educationists on “A Holistic Approach: Sharpening the Mind, Nurturing a Good Heart”. This high profile talk was attended by one thousand members of the Unionof Education Workers in Mexico. The talk was simultaneously telecastedall over Mexico by Azteca TV.

After completing his three days visit to Mexico, His Holiness will depart tomorrow morning to Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, wherehe has two-day program.