When the Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama came to visit Oxford University in May 2008 he gave a talk at the Sheldonian Theatre and visited the Pitt Rivers Museum.
But he was met by noisy protesters who filled the air off Broad Street with raucous chants of "Dalai Lama stop lying".
The Dalai Lama was greeted by about 1,000 members of the Western Shugden Society, who turned up outside to make sure their voices were heard.
READ AGAIN: Ban the bus gates say Oxford's Tories
The society claimed the Tibetan leader had banned a traditional Buddhist prayer, adding his followers were abusing the human rights of Shugden Buddhists.
The Sheldonian Theatre was cordoned off to members of the public who were not invited to the talk and there was a strong police presence including officers on horseback.
Supporters of the Western Shugden Society were thought to have come to Oxford from as far away as Brazil, New Zealand and Hong Kong.
Many of the demonstrators had been following the Dalai Lama around the UK and also protested at his engagements in London and Nottingham.
READ MORE: Jeremy Clarkson gets shouted at for not wearing a mask
Kelsang Pema, spokesman for the Western Shugden Society, said at the time: "The demonstration is very loud and we hope the Dalai Lama hears our message.
"When the Dalai Lama was 50, he decided that one very simple and pure spiritual prayer should not longer be regarded as Buddhist.
"But even if he experienced a change of heart himself, he should not have inflicted this on Buddhist communities throughout the world.
"We have tried to petition him peacefully since the 1990s but he will not listen and now people are being expelled from monasteries and schools for trying to practice this prayer."
READ MORE: Second entrance could be added to Oxford train station
During his visit to the city the Dalai Lama also visited the Pitt Rivers Museum, which hosted the launch of his Tibet album website.
We’re excited to launch We Grew Up in Oxford, a new online community for everyone who loves our great city. In our new Facebook group, we’ll be delving into the archives - both recent and older - to bring you memories of what it was like growing up and living here through the years.
We hope you’ll join us and get involved in the project, and remember to let us know what memories from your glory days you want to see in the group. We Grew Up in Oxford, so now it’s time to celebrate that.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel