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Use Human Intelligence to Promote Peace, not Violence: His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Varanasi

His Holiness the Dalai Lama inaugurates a two-day conference on ‘Mind in Indian Philosophical School of Thought and Modern Science’ at Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies, Sarnath, Varanasi, 30 December 2017. Photo/Tenzin Jigme/DIIR

SARNATH, Varanasi: Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama on Saturday asked the world to resolve conflicts through dialogue, and use human intelligence for promoting peace, and not violence.

While inaugurating a two-day International conference here on ‘Mind in Indian Philosophical School of Thought and Modern Science’, His Holiness pointed out, “Now we are entering the 21st century, over thousands of years, we have used human intelligence in a more destructive way. The very concept of war exist in human beings, not among animals. Now that century-old thinking is outdated according to new reality. Our marvellous intelligence has become a disposal of anger, and self centered attitude.”

We have same human language and brain so we can share our experience to promote inner peace, His Holiness said, adding that inner peace is key to physical wellbeing.

His Holiness also talked about the perils of secondary level of differences such as countries and faiths, and stressed that our future hinge on the wellbeing of others.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama speaking at the international conference on ‘Mind in Indian Philosophical School of Thought and Modern Science’ at Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies, Sarnath, Varanasi, 30 December 2017. Photo/Tenzin Jigme/DIIR

“7 billion human beings have to coexist on this planet. Future of east, west and north and south depending on each other. The national boundary is not so relevant given the new problems such as global warming and climate change,” he said.

He asked the participants to discuss ways to introduce compassionate thinking among the younger generation. “Our main purpose is to discuss how to introduce to younger generation, more compassionate mind combined with intelligence.”

Learning emotional hygiene is not about nirvana or next life. but just for achieving happiness and health in this life, he said.

Reiterating his newest commitment to reviving ancient Indian knowledge, His Holiness said, “Indian knowledge of mind and psychology is very relevant today. The practice of shamatha and vipasan, automatically include knowledge of emotions, mind. The very purpose of vipasan is to analyse the reality and shamatha channelise our mental energy. These traditionally come from religious texts. Now we should consider these as an academic subject to help us tackle our destructive emotions.”

His Holiness the Dalai Lama inaugurates a two-day conference on ‘Mind in Indian Philosophical School of Thought and Modern Science’ at Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies, Sarnath, Varanasi, 30 December 2017. Photo/Tenzin Jigme/DIIR

The 82-year-old Nobel laureate encouraged the participants to make serious efforts towards promoting inner peace and sense of oneness of the 7 billion human beings for a peaceful 21st century.

“This century should be the century of dialogue to usher peaceful world. I hope this kind of conference seriously consider and discuss the present crisis. This is the beginning of 21st century, we make efforts with vision and systematic plan, there is a possibility for certain change.”

The two-day conference being held at the Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies here was attended by over 150 Indian delegates and around 70 foreign delegates.