Published by World Tibet Network News - Tuesday, March 25, 1997

TAOYUAN, Taiwan, March 25 (AFP) - The Dalai Lama Tuesday led a huge meeting bringing together the island's 11 main religions and sects in a Taiwan stadium to offer joint prayers for peace.

One by one representatives from each group walked up to an ornately-decorated stage at the Taoyuan domed stadium to offer prayers in front of an estimated 18,000 people.

They included Taoists, Catholic nuns, Buddhist sects and a sect of Taoism known as the I-kuan Tao.

After the prayers, the exiled Tibetan leader bowed on his knees three times before a large gold filigree throne with red cushions which had been imported from Nepal.

He then sat cross-legged on the throne and the crowds bowed to him. He told them the gesture was not because he was above them but because the preachings were sacred.

"What I preach is the wisdom of all the previous masters which has been handed down over two thousand years," he said.

He added he was very honoured to be present at such a gathering and impressed by all the different ways of praying, as he launched into his teachings on Buddhist philosophy.

He spoke for about two hours as a young monk translated from Tibetan into Chinese.

Earlier, the stadium had filled with a haunting chant as thousands raised their voices to sing a Buddhist prayer. They also then joined in voicing a Buddhist prayer.

A huge red-carpeted staircase led up to the stage, also painted red and decorated with white mythical beasts, Chilin, which are supposed to bring luck.

Among those who welcomed the Dalai Lama was county magistrate Lu Shiu-lien, a leading member of the opposition pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).

A former political prisoner after being arrested for organising Taiwan's first anti-government mass demonstration in 1979, she welcomed the Tibetan leader and said she hoped she could learn from his love, peace and wisdom.

"This meeting shows that religion crosses all countries and love is across all races. It gives the residents of Taoyuan county the chance to purify their souls," Lu said.

She added she hoped it would help erase the suffering caused by the brutal murders in November of eight people, including a former magistrate, gunned down at his home. The gunmen have never been found and the motive remains unclear.

Taiwan should also extend its hand to the Tibetans who had suffered under "the tyrannical rule of the Chinese communists," Lu added.

Buses had arrived all morning bringing devotees to the stadium in Taoyuan county south of Taipei. There was tight security at the entrance to the stadium, with all visitors having to leave bags behind.

Police have mobilised about 400 officers to follow the Dalai Lama on his travels around Taiwan.

"This is a rare chance to see a world-class religious leader. The Dalai Lama is a man of wisdom and mercy," said Hou Chao-wei, who said he had been a Buddhist for 10 years.

"His deeds match his words," added the insurance broker, a member of the Fakushan sect.

Another Buddhist, interior designer Wang Yu-sen, dismissed any political significance to the Dalai Lama's visit, adding "he tries to use the simplest way to spread Buddhism to the world."

Earlier in the day the Dalai Lama urged young people not to rush into marriage but to think carefully about his responsibilities.

At the end of his speech he descended the staircase hand in hand with Lu protected by a large yellow parasol, waving and smiling to people in the audience.

Later Tuesday he was due to address a youth gathering in the Taoyuan stadium.