The Dalai Lama is the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism and is considered one of the most important figures in the world of Buddhism. He has been living in exile in India since 1959 after he fled Tibet following a failed uprising against Chinese rule.
The Dalai Lama has visited Paris on several... occasions in the past to give talks and meet with French leaders. In 2016, he visited Paris to attend the COP21 climate conference and meet with French President Francois Hollande. He also gave a public talk at the Palais Omnisports de Paris-Bercy, which was attended by thousands of people.
In 2008, the Dalai Lama's visit to Paris was met with controversy when China criticized French President Nicolas Sarkozy for meeting with him. China considers the Dalai Lama a separatist seeking Tibet's independence, while the Dalai Lama maintains that he is seeking greater autonomy for the region.
Overall, the Dalai Lama's visits to Paris have been significant events, both for the Buddhist community and for political and social issues related to Tibet and China. (more)
