Lost a great man, who lived a truly meaningful life: Dalai Lama on the passing of Archbishop Desmond Tutu

“Please accept my heartfelt condolences and convey the same to your mother and other members of your family. I pray for him,” the Dalai Lama wrote in a missive addressed to Archbishop’s daughter, Rev. Mpho Tutu condoling the death of South Africa’s anti-apartheid icon Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu.

Recalling his association with his fellow Nobel Peace Laureate, the Dalai Lama wrote that “As you know, over the years, your father and I enjoyed an enduring friendship.”

“I remember the many occasions we spent time together, including the week here at Dharamsala in 2015 when we were able to share our thoughts on how to increase peace and joy in the world. The friendship and the spiritual bond between us was something we cherished,” the Dalai Lama added.

The Tibetan spiritual leader has declared Tutu, a  “true humanitarian” and added that “With his passing away, we have lost a great man, who lived a truly meaningful life. He was devoted to the service of others, especially those who are least fortunate. I am convinced the best tribute we can pay him and keep his spirit alive is to do as he did and constantly look to see how we too can be of help to others.”

The Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, the two close friends have co-authored a book titled ‘The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World’ which was published in 2016.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu, the beloved anti-apartheid icon of South Africa passed away at Cape Town in South Africa in the early hours of Sunday aged 90.

South Africa has declared a week of mourning over the demise of the country’s moral compass and that his funeral is scheduled to be held on 1 January 2022 at Cape Town’s St George’s Cathedral.