Varkala (Kerala): Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama on Saturday asked the humanity to make the 21st century an era of peace but said peace would not fall from sky or by "nice resolutions" at the United Nations.
Addressing the `Message Proclamation of the 80th annual pilgrimage of the Sree Narayana Mutt` at Sivagiri here, the Dalai Lama said peace would not come just by resolutions passed by the United Nations but through compassion and understanding of the views and concerns of other individuals.
"The new era has just begun and 88 years are more to come. So, here is an opportunity for us to to make the century a peaceful one, the Nobel Peace Laureate said.
However, he said peace will not come just by the United Nations passing resolutions or will fall from the sky.
One should overcome anger and hatred. "Actually, anger and hatred come on the basis of fear," he said.
Whether between community, individuals or nations, trust can be built only through compassion, he said, adding, exploiting and bullying others should be avoided.
Spiritual leaders said though 20th century saw development in the field of technology and science, it was an era of violence and bloodshed. Technology and science also brought destruction and fear, he said.
Quoting historians, the Dalai Lama said 200 million people were killed in the last century in violence, war and civil wars. Even nuclear weapons were used against human life."It is terrible," he said.
"The 20th century can be described as the century of violence and bloodshed. Even nuclear weapons were used against human beings. So, we have to make efforts to make this century a period of peace. There is an opportunity to make this century a peaceful one," he said.
"The United Nations`s nice resolutions will not bring peace. Compassion is the alternative source of happiness and universal religion`, he said.
The Dalai Lama said the 21st century is also a century of development especially in the field of technology but technology would not bring peace.
He also denounced corruption growing in many parts of the world including India and said "corruption is also one form of violence."
He said India`s tradition of `ahimsa` (non-violence) and secularism were very much relevant in the present-day world.
Relationship between individuals and nations should be made only on the basis of trust, he added.
Praising the religious harmony in India, the Dalai Lama said minor trouble created by mischievous elements in religions was understandable.
Sivagiri Mutt is hallowed by the samadhi of saint-reformer Sree Narayana Guru who preached the message of "one caste, one religion and one God for men."
The Mutt attracts devotees from far and wide during its annual pilgrimage held from December 30 to January 1.
PTI
