President Obama Visits Buddhist Temple in Laos!
(By Tsem Rinpoche)
Dear friends around the world,
I like this article by Mr. Craig Lewis and sharing it for educational purposes. I like it when world leaders show respect to other cultures and religions. Each country have cultures and unique traditions that is one of the treasures of mankind and when leaders pay respect and homage, this shows enlightened leadership. It shows the magnanimity of the leader themselves.
Tsem Rinpoche
Obama Tours Temple, Lauds Buddhism in First Visit to Laos by a Sitting US President
By Craig Lewis | Buddhistdoor Global | 2016-09-08
US president Obama toured the Buddhist monastery complex of Wat Xieng Thong during a visit to Luang Prabang on Wednesday. From nytimes.com
US president Barack Obama’s historic and widely publicized visit to Laos—the first by an incumbent US president—included a tour of the ancient northern city of Luang Prabang on Wednesday, where Obama stopped off at a centuries-old Buddhist Temple and posed for a photo with a group of monks.
A professed Protestant Christian, Obama has had more than a few brushes with Buddhism during his two terms in office, meeting His Holiness the Dalai Lama on two separate occasions, as well as Buddhist nun, teacher, and author Pema Chödrön. He has also made several references to Buddhism and Buddhist teachings during public appearances.
The US president and his entourage conducted a brief tour of Luang Prabang yesterday, which encompasses the UNESCO Town Of Luang Prabang World Heritage Site on the banks of the Mekong River. Luang Prabang was a regional center for Buddhism when the city was the capital of the ancient kingdom of Lan Xang from 1354–1560 and is renowned for its numerous centuries-old Buddhist monuments and monasteries.
Obama’s first stop in the historic town was the ornate 16th century Wat Xieng Thong temple complex, sometimes known as the “Temple of the Golden City.” Respecting traditional custom, the US president removed his shoes before entering the complex’s carriage house, where he was shown a row of golden sculptures. Outside, he took a short moment to pose for a photo with 21 assembled novice monks in saffron robes.
Obama greets a group of novice monks outside Wat Xieng Thong. From huffingtonpost.com
In a formal speech to the people of Laos a day earlier, during which he touched upon various aspects of the checkered relationship between Laos and the US, Obama paid tribute to Buddhism and traditional Lao culture. “In countless stupas and in your daily lives, we see the strength that draws so many of you from your Buddhist faith,” he observed. “A faith that tells you [that] you have a moral duty to each other to live with kindness and honesty, and that we can help end suffering if we embrace the right mindset and the right actions. And in literature, like the epic of [Sang] Sinxay,* we see the values that define the people of Laos, such as modesty and compassion, and resilience and hope.” (YouTube)
Obama also broached the sensitive subject of the US military activity in the country in the 1970s, during its war with Vietnam, when the US secretly dropped more than 2 million tons of bombs on Laos, making it the most heavily bombed country on a per-capita basis in history. The US president pledged to double the amount of aid provided to to Laos for the removal of unexploded ordnance, committing US$90 million over a three-year period.
Obama’s visit to Laos is part of a US initiative to seek closer economic ties with Southeast Asia at series of meetings this week following the Group of 20 summit in Hangzhou, China, on 4–5 September. Obama is one of several world leaders arriving for a conference of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Laos, which is taking its turn to chair the regional forum.
Or view the video on the server at:
https://video.tsemtulku.com/videos/ObamaToursTemple.mp4
The Lao People’s Democratic Republic is a predominantly Buddhist nation, with about 66 per cent of the population identifying as Theravada Buddhists, according to 2010 data from the Washington, DC-based Pew Research Center. Laotian folk religions account for the bulk of the remainder. There are an estimated 5,000 Buddhist temples in this country of 7.2 million people and some 22,000 monks, including roughly 9,000 senior monks who have engaged in several years of monastic study. Most Buddhist men in Laos spend part of their lives at a monastery as a monk, even if only for a few days.
*Sang Sinxay, an epic poem written by the poet Pang Kham in the 16th century, is considered one of the three masterpieces of Lao literature. Scenes from the poem are depicted in numerous Buddhist temples. Sang Sinxay is considered by many to be a non-canonical Jataka. In one section of the poem, the hero Sinxay is identified as the Buddha.
Source: https://www.buddhistdoor.net/news/obama-tours-temple-lauds-buddhism-in-first-visit-to-laos-by-a-sitting-us-president
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So nice to see a world leader show his respect for another religion or set of beliefs that he does not believe in.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this article. I am really impressed and have respect for President Obama as he shows great respect to other country’s religion and culture. He is really a living example that many other world leaders should follow.
With folded palms,
Vivian
I heard this morning that restaurants have been ordered to remove the word “dog” in “hot-dog” on their menus to retain their “kosher” certificate. It’s only a word. What’s in a word?
We hear of so many cases of stray dogs being caught and treated inhumanely while cats are free to roam and multiply.
Not long ago, residents of a housing community were averse to the sight of a crucifix on the wall of a church and demanded that the church remove it.
I remember when Tina Turner had a concert in town for the first time many years ago, she had to wear a long skirt. I mean, that’s so un-Tina. No wonder that artistes bypass this country and all the concert revenue is going to our neighbours.
The crown price of one of our states (whom I respect and admire very much) was derided by netizens for shaking hands with someone’s wife in public, as they claimed it was contravening some religious law. I particularly enjoyed his subsequent video of himself shaking the hands of his subjects wearing a hulk glove.
This is aversion taken to the extreme. It is not even cultural. It is a group of people imposing their ideology onto others who don’t have the same ideology. If these people make up the powers to be, they solidify their beliefs into regulations. They also bow to peer pressure to remain popular.
It is reversing backward from being a progressive, multicultural, diverse and accepting society that is peaceful, secure and happy. It creates the kind of temperament that turns away potential foreign investment with so many absurd restrictions. More importantly it fans the seeds of fanaticism, intolerance and hatred that can eventually erupt into violence and harm.
I do like what I read here. Though diplomats are trained in diplomacy therefore this would be expected of any diplomat, nevertheless it is beautiful to see acceptance and respect for those different from you or who have different ideals from you. Obama’s stepfather is Indonesian and he even lived there for a couple of years. Therefore, he was no stranger to eastern cultures and religions.
There are those who have aversion to people of a different belief as well as their religious artifacts. To me, if you have confidence in the strength of your own spiritual beliefs, you will have no fear that by looking at or being near such places, you’re going to get shaken or converted. Visiting those places doesn’t mean you are disloyal to your own religion.
I’ve even had people tell me that any religion other than their own was of the devil and prayers and mantras were the sound of satan and they close their ears and run the other way in case I drag them to hell with me. That is extremism. This kind of extremist behavior is the seed that develops into hatred, violence and wars.
One thing that I have always admired about President Obama is that he is aware of other smaller countries and is open to many different beliefs and religions. I believe a world leader should posses these qualities if countries are to maintain good relationships.
The fact that Obama visited Laos is already very good. The size of Laos is nothing compared to the size of the US. But yet Obama chooses to visit. And I am sure that Obama, not being a Buddhist, didn’t need to visit a Buddhist temple, but he did anyway. I am sure by choice. That is very good and I respect Obama very much for doing that.
Hurray to President Obama for showing that whatever our own religion, we can still appreciate and respect others’ religion and find the common group between religions that benefit self and others. In that way the world will be a better place, because we cannot change others’ religion; we can certainly appreciate the virtues that others’ religion teaches and embrace it as one own. Certainly chances are these virtues are the same on one’s own.
President Obama shows that we should all have freedom to practice whatever religion we wish to, without fear or repercussion. This is a mandatory feature of a true leader.
This is truly a remarkable man, the most powerful man in the whole world yet he would step foot in a small Laotian Buddhist temple illustrate that he practice what he preaches that is equality among all irrespective of the ethnicity, color, race or creed.
President Obama you have my deep respect and I honor you for your integrity, your steadfastness on issues regarding humanity; you create awareness in your visit to the world at large that no matter how powerful, high position or mighty one is but when in the eyes of the almighty we are all like a small fish swimming in this vast ocean.
You have efficaciously managed the most diverse nation on earth with liberty, free from all prejudices, a land of the free and have continued this legacy in what Americans believe and I am sure the next new president would keep on holding this flag and fly it high with faith, integrity and honor.
A visit of President Obama to a century old Buddhist temple is really promote Buddhism to people around the world. Obama did praise that Buddhism quality of compassion and kindness which is helping many people to end their suffering.
I wish Buddha teachings will be flourish in future to benefit more people and bring them to relief from sufferings.
It’s really a great example to be shown to the world leaders, to pay respect to other religions that are different from one’s. This is definitely one of the lofty virtues in mankind. There is so much more to learn and respect for all the differences we have in life, be it religion, culture, beliefs, values or even lifestyles. A great leader can demonstrate and lead people to be respectful and compassionate to one another in all aspects of life.
Apart from the political ties between US-Laos, the visit of Obama also brings the attention of the world to many aspects of Laos. Despite the impoverished natural resources and economic situation, I find that Laos people are happy, compassionate and hospitable by nature. If you walk along the streets of Laos, you will always greeted by locals with smile on their faces and no one rushes to do anything. The serenity, calmness and the practice of Buddhism has permeates the life in Laos. They seem to know the secret of life, the true happiness and not be disturbed by the outer environment. It’s a place where you can understand Buddhism more, and it’s not uncommon to see many children become novice monks to learn during young age. And the historical town of Laos, Luang Prabang is definitely a perfect town to understand the Laos culture, the beautiful scenery and to experience an uncomplicated, uncrowded and unpolluted environment.
Of all the living presidents of the United States that I know, President Obama came across as a very human and humane president from day 1. He has always shown respect and acceptance of others in the various aspects of human life on earth.
That he is aware of the subtle requirements like removing his shoes before entering the temple shows that he is aware and is sensitive to these cultural and religious differences.
From the photo, the way he greets the monks and novices also reflect this sensitivity. If we all can emulate him in being aware and respectful, there surely would be more peace and harmony in this world.
President Obama is truly a great world class leader whom deserves all our respect. He respects all religions and make it into actions. Very powerful message that he convey to the world for having an open mind for acceptance to all religions. Its very nice to see him visiting temples in Laos and paying his respect to the Monks.
The POTUS paid visit to Buddhist temple in Laos and showed respect to Buddhism is a good example of how a good world-class leader should be. He encourages acceptance of all faith and embraces diversity. As the leader of the world’s super-power nation, President Obama put into action his word (quoted from an interview in 2012) “… in protecting our ability to advocate for our own positions—we must protect the ability of those who come from different backgrounds and beliefs to do so as well.” He deserves all the respect and love the world shower him with, for he walk the talk.
Thank you for sharing this article with us.
President Obama has been consistent in sharing with the world the message of embracing diversity. Perhaps the world is fortunate to have a President of the United States who is of mixed ancestry.
Today, on the 15th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, President Obama call on Americans to embrace the nation’s character as a people drawn from every corner of the world, from every religion and from every background. I remember watching a video interview where President Obama showed what he carry in his pockets: along with a rosary gifted to him by Pope Francis, a small Buddha statue given by a Buddhist monk, a Hindu “Monkey God” Hanuman, a coptic cross, and a lucky poker chip. Carrying these items given to him by people he met shows that he respects various faiths and traditions.
President Obama thinks that what makes America exceptional are the bonds that hold together the most diverse nation on earth. Indeed, not only the United States of America, but many nations in the world derive strength from the diversity of its population, hence we should appreciate the richness of the different cultures, religions and ethnics. Harmony is precious and fragile, and so we must all protect and work towards maintaining it.
US president Mr Obama, is the most powerful man in the world and yet he is very humble and respectful when dealing with other people’s traditional cultures and faith. During his recent visit to Laos, he and his entourage visited the ancient temple, he paid homage to the Buddhas and greeted a group of novice monks outside the temple with folded hands, a very respectful gesture before a group photo was taken.
President Obama visiting a Buddhist temple in Laos and taking pics with the monks shows the world the importance of respect and harmony. It’s important for leaders in general to be promote peace and harmony always, because without peace and harmony, countries won’t prosper and people suffer at the end of the day.
Diversity is natural just like each planet in our solar system is different. What is there not to accept? The State is a representation of the citizens of a country chosen by the people to manage and improve the welfare and livelihood of the people. Religion is a personal choice and no one has the right to scrutinise it.
Should any politician or government mix religion and State together, it is very obvious that they are using religion to control the people for personal agendas. We can see this repeating itself throughout history.
Not only does Obama have genuine respect for other religions and faiths, but he shows it. Most recently (one or two days ago, in fact), he put a temporary block on the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline just hours after a federal judge ruled that there was nothing wrong with the project. Why? Because the Sioux tribes were protesting against the pipeline cutting through the reservation, putting their water sources at risk of contamination and pollution, and running very close to sacred ancestral grounds.
So it appears that with Obama, he doesn’t just pay lip service towards other religions, faiths and cultures when he says he respects them. He actually puts it into action, despite the criticism he may receive for his actions, and he has been consistently doing this throughout his two terms in office. It’s probably part of the reason why the world has so much respect for Obama.
President Obama Visits Buddhist Temple in Laos. He is an example to the others world leaders showing respect to other cultures and religions.The US president and his entourage even took some time off to visit the regional center for Buddhism which is renowned for its numerous centuries-old Buddhist monuments and monasteries.Thats wonderful indeed he even had photos taken with the monks there.He believes in religion freedom could bring harmony to the world.
Thanks Ronpoche for sharing this beautiful post for us.
Once again, President Obama shows that he is one of the best presidents. He is a true leader as he is confident with himself and he accepts all different religious and respects them. A true leader is that when they show support to all other religions as well no matter what is their stance to it. Showing that there is religious freedom and supporting another religion even though we are of the different faith is always the most beautiful thing that can happen.
Through his actions and him being so accepting shows how he is as a person that is willing to open his mind up to new ideas and think on a deeper level to see what is the true meaning of life and acceptance to everything that is around.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing such a beautiful article with all of us here.
The visit of US President Barack Obama is a historical one, for he is the first sitting U.S. President to step foot in the isolated Southeast Asian nation of Laos. Apart from some of the signifcant political meanings, the visit of Mr Obama to Buddhist temple in Loas shows to the world this US President is open, and able to accept all different cultures, religions and faith, despite he himself as a devoted follower of particular faith.
A country’s leader especially should not interfere in religion matters. An attitue of openess and acceptance to all kinds of faith only show magnanimity a leader should have, as Rinpoche stated. This reflects one of the quality a leader of 21 century should have.
Despite what everyone says… I think President Obama is one of America’s best president. Here he is seen so humble, he would actually take off his shoes, respecting other people’s culture and tradition.
A leader who is sensitive to people’s customs and values makes him or her relatable and admirable and Obama certainly is one. I’ve always liked his down-to-earth nature. It says a lot about a leader that is for the people instead of for themselves. And do we tell the difference, is simply through their humility and kindness.
Thank you for this blog post, really nice to see such respectable leaders which the world needs more of.
President Obama had time and again showed his confidence in his own religion to be accepting of other religions. When one is assured in their own religion then there is not insecure need to step on others for their religious difference. President Obama in quoting references to Buddhism and Buddhist teachings again showed his confidence and willingness to open up his mind to the good teachings as it does not contradict the tenets of his religion, which is to encourage the humility and kindness of humans toward one another. Other world leaders or even leaders in any capacity should take a leaf out of President Obama’s acceptance of others.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this interest article which teaches us to learn and realise our religion, then we will not have the insecurity of accepting others as their own.
The auspcious U.S. President, Barack Obama’s historical and purposeful visit to Laos, the first visit by an incumbent of a U.S.President, has a logical and valid reason. Obama’s visit to Laos is part of U.S. initiative to seek closer economic ties with Southeast Asia of meetings this week, following the Group of 20 Summit in Hangzhou, China on the 4th-5th sept., 2016. Obama, who represented one of the seven World leaders arriving for the conference of the “Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) in Loas, and is taking its turn to chair the Regional forum! In his formal speech to the people of Laos earlier, it was reported he touched on various of the checkered relationship betwwen Laos and the U.S. in which he respectfully paid tribute to Buddhism and the traditional Loas culture, to which he and many others have seen the high values that define the people of Loas – such as “modesty, compassion, resilence and hope”. Om mani Padme Hung.
We are living in a vibrant world that has a variety of cultural sites, races, religion and etc. We must have mutual respect of each other beliefs and cultural in order to live peacefully and in harmony. Mr Obama shows a great leadership by visiting the temples in Laos as people there place great respect in ther religious belief. I hope other leaders will take Mr Obama as an example; practicing compassion, kindness, respect are not by merely saying but to put it in action.
Its heartwarming to see a world class leader with different faith and believes folding his hand paying respect to the monks and Buddha images inside the temple. With open mind and understanding, we learn new knowledge. With open heart, we could get closer to make lots more friends and NOT war.