Statement on recently announced partnership with lululemon athletica

Recent statements in social media have mischaracterized the partnership between the Dalai Lama Center for Peace and Education and lululemon athletica.

We are an independent charitable organization based in Vancouver. The formation of effective partnerships with other organizations and businesses is a long-established practice of the Center.

Our recently announced partnership with lululemon athletica is a wonderful example of how alignment of our visions can engage and empower healthy communities. This generous donation will support a variety of initiatives – all rooted in scientific research on heart-mind-body – allowing us to expand our work globally, beyond BC.

We are proud that our organization bears the name of the Dalai Lama because our work is inspired by His Holiness' secular call for heart-mind education, but we operate independently, and are accountable to our Vancouver- based Board of Trustees. It is therefore not our practice to seek approval from the Dalai Lama's Office for new partnerships or funding. The Dalai Lama’s Office was not involved in the donation and was unaware of the arrangement.

Geoff Plant, 

Chair of DLC Board of Trustees