Dalai Lama says he admires Mother Teresa

The head of Tibetan Buddhism sends a letter to Sister Mary Prema, superior of the Missionaries of Charity. In 1988 he met the saint in Oxford, and immediately realised that she was someone "exemplary". “She revealed the true practice of love in her charitable activities.”


Dharamsala (AsiaNews) – In a letter sent to Sister Mary Prema, superior of the Missionaries of Charity, the Dalai Lama expressed his appreciation for the saint of Kolkata and her canonisation.

The head of Tibetan Buddhism calls himself an "admirer" of Mother Teresa, whom he met for the first time in Oxford in 1988. The Dalai Lama recognised immediately that the Mother was an "exemplary person".

Today her work is carried out by the Missionaries, to whom the Buddhist leader offers his best wishes that they may continue to serve those in need. His message follows.

I rejoice at this recognition as an admirer of her dedicated service to humanity, particularly the way she cared for the poorest of the poor. I join you in celebrating her extraordinary life.

Meeting Mother Teresa it was clear she was an exemplary person. I was reminded of this when I made a special visit to the Missionaries of Charity in Kolkata last year to pay tribute to her and the Sisters’ work. She revealed the true practice of love in her charitable activities. Although she is no longer physically with us, her spirit lives on in the work you all do.

In conclusion I take the opportunity also to express my abiding respect for the humanitarian service of the Missionaries of Charity, praying that it may continue as long as there are poor among us who need help.