Dharamshala: “At a time when humanity is at a critical crossroad, school teachers, mentors and administrators play a vitally important role in leading the new generation towards a more compassionate and happier world,” Tibetan spiritual leader, His Holiness the Dalai Lama said on Thursday, addressing over 300 Tibetan school administrators and teachers from across India and Nepal.
“I should make it clear that Secular ethics is not to dictate moral values. It will not be effective if we try to impose moral principles from outside, or by command. Therefore I call upon each of you to come to your own understanding of the importance of inner values and then teach its importance to the children.”
On Secular ethics, His Holiness said, it is these inner values which are the source of both an ethically harmonious world and individual peace of mind and happiness.
He argued that the reality of the world today is that grounding ethics in religion is no longer adequate, “which is why we need secular ethics.”
Dwelling extensively upon Buddhism-based culture and values of Tibet in the hour-long audience, His Holiness said, “Tibetans are truly courageous and vigorous people with rich spiritual and temporal heritage. The strength, will and courage of our people comes from our culture that is deeply embedded in the teachings of Buddha and Buddhist philosophy.”
“I am of the firm opinion that we have within our grasp, a means to contribute to Buddhist community and to humanity as a whole,” His Holiness told the 300-strong audience of Tibetan school teachers, including Buddhist philosophy teachers and school administrators.
“Study of logic and system of debate as it flourished in Tibet has had a tremendous influence in shaping the science of Tibetan Buddhism. This system is preserved only in the Tibetan tradition. Hence, whether one chose to follow Buddhism as faith or not is not another matter. But as Tibetans, we must all study the Buddhist philosophy and preserve the Tibetan culture of love, compassion and non-violence,” His Holiness made an appeal to all the teachers present.
The participants of the workshop on Secular Ethics-organised by Department of Education, CTA-were granted a special audience with His Holiness the Dalai Lama on 8 June 2017.
A total of 303 members from 12 TCV Schools, 25 Sambhota schools, 3 Mussoorie Foundation, 14 schools under CTSA, 8 Nepal Tibetan schools, Sarah College, Dalai Lama Institute in Bangalore and 24 dealing staff of the Department of Education and project sponsors received an audience with the Tibetan spiritual leader.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama speaking on Secular Ethics to over 303 school teachers and administrators from Tibetan schools across India and Nepal at His Holiness’ private residence, 8 June 2017. Photo/Live/OHHDL