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I feel very optimistic about the future of humanity: His Holiness the Dalai Lama

His Holiness the Dalai Lama during his meeting with foreigners visiting Dharamshala, 5 March 2018. Photo/Tenzin Phende/DIIR

DHARAMSHALA: “On future of the humanity, I feel very much optimist. So I make some effort as my share as one of the 7 billion human being,” Tibetan spiritual leader, His Holiness the Dalai Lama said, as he was meeting a large group of foreigners at Dharamshala.

Over 600 people from more than 50 countries gathered here at the main temple of His Holiness the Dalai Lama for the meeting.

“My number one commitment is to promote the sense of oneness of entire 7 billion human being. We are same, physically, mentally and emotionally. Too much concern on nationality and religion is outdated,” His Holiness said.

He pointed out that current reality of climate change and interconnectedness of global issues have rendered the concept of national boundaries absolutely irrelevant.

He further averred that the new reality demands us to work together for the benefit of the whole world, not just for one’s nation or religious group. “We have a common responsibility towards the wellbeing of entire human beings,” he said.

“In the early part of the 20th century, when one nation declared war on the other, every citizen joined the war effort. This has no longer been the case from the later part of the 20th century. Many Americans were against the Vietnam War and during the Iraq War, millions expressed their desire for peace. So humans, I feel, are becoming more mature and reasonable in their thinking,” he said.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama during his meeting with foreigners visiting Dharamshala, 5 March 2018. Photo/Tenzin Phende/DIIR

Peace is the basis of happiness, development; war, on the other hand, is the seed of destruction and suffering, he noted.

Responding to a question on future of mankind, His Holiness explained that basic human nature is scientifically proven to be more compassionate, and therefore, is the basis of hope for a better, peaceful humanity.

He offered that the 21st century can bring positive change if human beings started making effort through actions and not simply pray. “In order to bring change, we must make efforts now; not through prayers but actions. The 21st century should be a century of dialogue. When we face different interest, potentially causing violence, we must solve through dialogue”.

The two-hour meeting focussed on His Holiness’ main commitment towards the wellbeing of 7 billion human beings, physical environment and emotional wellbeing. He also pressed on the need to reform existing education system and include hygiene of emotion in our curriculum to strengthen our basic compassionate nature.

In between, His Holiness informed his audience that because of increased physical tiredness, he had to cancel his long distance travels. “Therefore people from far places, who have come here, it is my duty to meet them”.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama poses for a photo with a group of foreigners visiting Dharamshala, 5 March 2018. Photo/Tenzin Phende/DIIR

His Holiness the Dalai Lama poses for a photo with a group of foreigners visiting Dharamshala, 5 March 2018. Photo/Tenzin Phende/DIIR

A member of the audience asking a question during the meeting with His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Photo/Tenzin Phende/DIIR

Members of the audience at the meeting with His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Photo/Tenzin Phende/DIIR

Members of the audience at the meeting with His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Photo/Tenzin Phende/DIIR

His Holiness the Dalai Lama poses for a photo with a group of foreigners visiting Dharamshala, 5 March 2018. Photo/Tenzin Phende/DIIR

His Holiness the Dalai Lama poses for a photo with a group of foreigners visiting Dharamshala, 5 March 2018. Photo/Tenzin Phende/DIIR

His Holiness the Dalai Lama poses for a photo with a group of foreigners visiting Dharamshala, 5 March 2018. Photo/Tenzin Phende/DIIR