Dalai Lama visit to Raleigh off for now

The Dalai Lama was expected to visit Raleigh in April, but his representatives recently sent a letter to Raleigh Mayor Nancy McFarlane explaining that he won't travel to the U.S. in 2018.

"It is with deep regret that I inform you of a change in His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s schedule, obliging him to cancel the majority of his travels abroad, including the United States of America," Tenzin Talklha, the Dalai Lama's secretary, said in the letter. "We understand that there are many plans already in place to support Raleigh’s Compassionate City designation, and His Holiness looks very much forward to support these wonderful initiatives."

He left open the possibility of a U.S. visit next year.

McFarlane went to India, where the Dalai Lama lives in exile from his native Tibet, early last year to invite him to Raleigh. His visit was initially planned for last October, but it was later rescheduled to April.

"The citizens of Raleigh, North Carolina, are honored that you plan to visit our city and respect your decision to delay all visits to the United States until after 2018," McFarlane wrote in a letter to the Dalai Lama. "We will continue, with the residents of Raleigh, to forward our commitment to promote the fundamental principles that you have championed, such as compassion for all sentient beings and secular ethics, with a particular focus on the youth.

"We remain hopeful you will grace us with your presence at a future date and are committed to making such a visit an enriching experience with lasting benefits," she wrote.

McFarlane expressed disappointment Tuesday evening about the latest delay.

"We are all disappointed, but like I said, we are going to stay in touch, and hopefully, if he decides to change his plans or come in '19, we hope we are first on the list," she said. "He was very excited about Raleigh."