The Dalai Lama during his visit to the Nobel Institute May 8 said he was in California when he heard the announcement. He was asked how he felt.
"I said...not much different. I am a simple Buddhist monk, no more, no less. But since the prize was in recognition of my commitment to non-violence and my work for peace, I felt it was a great honour."
"Later, when Aung San Suu Kyi and Liu Xiaobo were awarded the Peace prize and they were in difficult circumstances, I felt it would have been a source of encouragement and inspiration for them."
The Dalai Lama, who has spoken in favour of "greater autonomy" for Tibet from China rather than complete independence, described conferment of the Nobel Peace Prize on him as a blessing for him.
"Of course, as a blessing. I remember Archbishop Desmond Tutu, my friend and spiritual brother, telling me how difficult it was for him to meet some people before, which became much easier after he was awarded the prize," he said in Oslo.
The Tibetan government-in-exile, which is not recognised by any country, is based in this northern Indian hill town.
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