More Peaceful World Depends on the Younger Generation: His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Students

Dharamshala: His Holiness the Dalai Lama graced a Conference on Science, Religion and World Peace at Government Degree College Auditorium, organised by Bhaktivedanta Institute Karnal at Dharamshala today on 4 November.

In his opening remarks, His Holiness said he does not like to be formal while addressing the audience and instead preferred to call them brothers and sisters. He spoke about how everyday news carry only disturbing news on killings and corruption, in which cases, only the ordinary people suffer the most.

In fact, sometimes religion too has to do with this cause of violence. Even science brought out machines to kill people, he said.

While addressing the students at the conference, His Holiness said, “The generation who belongs to 21st century must think more seriously and try not to be like 20th century where there were chaos and suffering,” His Holiness said.

His Holiness further elaborated that we have responsibilities to eliminate these human made sufferings. “According to scientific finding, basic human nature is compassionate, logically speaking we are social animals; even animals like elephant and others have a limited sense of altruism that we must learnt. “

His Holiness called for oneness of seven billion human beings as brothers and sister. “As I believe that entire world is our community. Religion carries message of love but at the same time it can also be cause of separation. In the name of religion massacres taken place in the past due to lack of moral principles, thus religion can become destructive force,” the Tibetan spiritual leader said.

His Holiness said education is key to make this century a peaceful and happier society. Furthermore, he added we need serious efforts from our part in the promotion of secular ethics. Indian ancient tradition is the best example to be stated. His Holiness said India has potential in terms of secular ethics. His Holiness said we are reliable chela that has kept the ancient Indian Nalanda tradition for so many years.

He pointed out his fourth commitment about re-introduction or revival of ancient Indian knowledge of psychology (Nalanda tradition of philosophy.

“If we can make an effort, start from now. With the combination of modern education with ancient Indian knowledge on psychology, within this century we will witness a new world, a world of peace and compassion,” His Holiness said.

Before the felicitation ceremony, His Holiness had brief interaction in Tibetan with Tibetan students from TCV Lower and Men-Tsee-Khang. Speaking on the Tibetan language, His Holiness spoke about how Tibetan language has kept Buddhism intact. “You all should be proud of but yet it is necessary to be humble,” he told the young students.

Singing appreciation for His Holiness, the chairman of the conference said, “Who else can inspire us more than His Holiness the Dalai Lama, especially in the context of today’s topics.”

Professor P. B. Sharma, the president of Association of Indian Universities in his remarks stated education alone cannot create peace nor does science alone, it can be created by integrating science with spirituality that will create everlasting peace.

Dr. B.D. Mundra expressed that he was grateful to be invited to be in the presence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

The day-long conference was thronged with more than 1000 students and members from 14 different schools and colleges.

-Filed by Correspondent Tenzin Jigme-