His Holiness the Dalai Lama Talks on Relevance of Universal Ethics in Modern Age at Tumkur University

TUMKUR: His Holiness the Dalai Lama gave a talk on ‘Relevance of Universal Ethics for Modern Age’ at Sree Shivakumara Mahaswamiji Auditorium, Tumkur University, Bengaluru.

The event was jointly organised by Sera Jey Monastic University and Tumkur University. More than 2500 student and staff of Tumkur institute were present at the function.

After a 70km drive towards the northwest of Bangalore, His Holiness was warmly received with a traditional Kannadigan welcome by representatives of Tumkur University along with monks and lamas of Sera Jey Monastic University. Joining him on the dais were Prof Jayasheela, Vice-Chancellor, Prof BS Gunjal, Registrar of Tumkur University and Tenzin Choesang Rinpoche, abbot of Sera Jey Monastery.

Followed by prayer service to Lord Buddha from university staff and resonant invocation by the Sera-Je monks, Professor Jayasheela gave an introductory remark where he spoke about the student exchange program between Tumkur University and Sera Jey as per MoU signed.

Tenzin Choesang Rinpoche briefly appraised the annual report of collaboration projects between the two institutes, sidelining few of international conference and debates.

Highlighting India’s vibrant religious harmony, His Holiness said, “There are different spiritual traditions whose philosophies are also different, but all of them carry the same message of love. India’s treasure is that all major religious traditions co-exist in harmony.”

He also spoke about the relevance of ancient Indian knowledge in modern times. “Scientists and educationists have the same view that modern education alone is inadequate. So holistic education of comforting both mental and physical should be carried forward in India. Modern education must include, at least as a subject, the study of ancient Indian knowledge. That way, ancient Indian knowledge can be revived,” he noted.

His Holiness further talked about human intelligence and its ability to identify destructive and constructive emotions. Medical research proves that anger is eating our immune system. “This proves that physical and mental hygiene are equally important and must be paid attention,” he remarked.

Comparing human societies with that of the zoo, His Holiness said human societies are more vile and troublesome. He mentioned an incident in an open zoo where he noticed a tiger and deer living together without any disturbance.

“Human nature is more compassionate… there is a real possibility of creating a peaceful individual, family, community and world. Modern education must pay more attention to this,” he said.

Closing his remarks, His Holiness urged Indians to pay more attention to rich ancient Indian Nalanda tradition and help to revive it back in the land of its origination.

“Future of India can be a good example for the rest of the world to bring happiness both externally and internally,” he said.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama launched few translated books by Sera Jey Monastery at the event.

His Holiness’ speech was followed by the question and answer session from student and staff of Tumkur University.

Prof BS Gunjal gave a vote of thanks at the end of program

His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s last visit to Tumkur University was in 2014. He gave a talk on “Ethics in the New Millennium” organised by the University, in collaboration with Sera Jey monastery based in Bylakuppe.

-Filed by Correspondent Tenzin Phende-