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For the Tibetans, Hawai'i's cluster of
islands in the middle of the Pacific was as remote as their native
homeland encircled by snow mountains. Due to its geographic location and
antiquated foreign policies, these mountainous people did not travel
beyond the boundaries of the Asian continent prior to 1959. Then living
in exile, under a refugee status, travel documents and visas were not
readily obtainable. So despite Hawai'i's multi-ethnic culture, rich
Asian heritage, and large Buddhist population, it had not become a
destination for Tibetans.
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The first Tibetan lama to come to the Hawaiian Islands was His Holiness
Dudjom Rinpoche, the head of the Nyingma lineage.He came to Oahu on Thanksgiving Day, 1972 on his
initial visit to the West. A teaching was given at the Honpa Hongwanji
Mission on the Pali Highway, under the sponsorship of the Buddhist
Studies Center.
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Himalayan Mountains
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Dudjom Rinpoche's message was "'The main responsibility
for religious people is to spread the teachings of peace, brotherhood
and happiness to all sentient beings.' He emphasized that it was not his
purpose to 'disturb existing religions in this country, but, rather, to
spread goodwill to all faiths.' He is a greatly realized master, known
for his keen scholarliness, and is regarded as a living treasure of
Tibetan Buddhism." (Honolulu Advertiser, Friday, November 24, 1972)..
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