Human values can combat terrorism: Dalai Lama

Sarjana Sharma “Non-violence is the counter measure for terrorism. Retaliatory action or military attacks cannot solve the problem. Terrorism is the result of hatred, and it is very important to prevent this hatred from spreading. If it does not stop, there will be more bin Ladens tomorrow,” - Dalai Lama on how India should react to Mumbai attacks. The Dalai Lama stressed on the need to give more importance to human values and tolerance to combat terrorism. He was visiting Gujarat’s Mahua as chief guest in ‘Dharma Samvad’ on the invitation of Morari Bapu, the well-known spiritual Guru. Dalai Lama said the feelings of secularism and cooperation are important for peace across the globe. He emphasised that friendship, compassion and tolerance are vital for harmony in a family, society and country. According to Dalai Lama, unity in diversity and compassion are the back bone of durable peace and that these cannot be manufactured in a factory nor can they be purchased from a market. This is also something humans can achieve with their own efforts. Citing the example of Mother Teresa, the Dalai Lama described friendship, love, compassion and truth as not the property of just one religion. These are desirable qualities, desired for those who believe in God as well as those who don’t. It is not important to use religion to send across the message of human values, he said. Every religion has its own traditions and philosophy and every religion has its own philosophical disagreements as well. Even Buddhism has four different philosophies. When Lord Buddha had given his philosophical lectures to people, his motive was not to confuse them but to generate friendship and compassion in their hearts. Those who believe in God can be inspired to tread on the path of non-violence through knowledge and devotion. On the other hand, the atheists must be informed that violence is the root cause of sorrow and non-violence is the basis for lasting happiness. Everybody should be made to understand this as per their own dispositions. The Dalai Lama called for an urgent need to end the struggle that is going on around the world in the name of religion. He said it is the responsibility of religious heads to take an initiative in this direction. To bring down clashes between people from different faiths, religious heads should make people understand that they must respect all faiths The Tibetan spiritual head also appealed to common people that they be happy even in limited means and keep their tempers stable and hearts calm. This will keep them healthy and cheerful; create a favourable environment in their home, family, society and country. Dalai also praised India’s culture of unity in diversity and open heartedness. History shows how religions like Judaism, Christianity and Islam have peacefully co-existed in India for a thousand years, he said. Giving respect and devotion to other religions is a forte and an invaluable heritage of Indians. Time had come that the world applied these Indian values in every region, where there is intolerance and political motives are at loggerheads. His Holiness also termed the media as the most important tool to further religious brotherhood and world peace. Adaptation by: Abhishek