The Hindu : Karnataka News : `Tolerance, key to world peace'

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Dec 03, 2004

Karnataka

Karnataka

`Tolerance, key to world peace'

By Our Staff Reporter

BANGALORE, DEC. 2. The Dalai Lama has said that the world has been reeling more under the "stress of man-made problems than the devastating effects of natural calamities."

Participating in a public discourse, which contained more of Buddhist philosophy than political comments, organised by the Tibetan Buddhist Study and Meditation Centre here today, the Dalai Lama said that compassion and tolerance were the key to world peace.

He dwelt on the biological and psychological natures and socio-political activities of human beings and the cause and effect of innovative technology on the human mind and body in daily life. He felt that the stress on the mind and the increasing negative approach to life could be reduced through the principles of Buddhist non-violence, if not eliminated. Man-made problems, such as violence and the consequential war at different levels, could be vanquished through determination, as human will power was the basis of all human problems and solutions.

`Material development'

Referring to the advance of technology and science, which had given birth to new economic perspectives and policies and forged the notion of globalisation, he said all these developments could only be considered as "material development" devoid of spiritual growth. "The limitation of material values is becoming clearer and clearer with the passage of time. This material development cannot solve the innate problems of mankind, which are spiritual in nature."

In a broader context, which could be discerned in the dynamics and dialectics of human history, the clash between the mundane and metaphysical values was resulting in unwanted quarrels between religions and traditions. This did not augur well for humanity, he stressed.

Sheer common sense, a sense of responsibility and the realisation of inner values would be a positive approach in removing stress.

That would pave the way for peace and peaceful co-existence. When "negative reasons," such as violence, gained more news value, values such as love and compassion would be less observed, he said.

Education

Replying to a question on Indian education, the Dalai Lama said he had reservations. He was aware that India had great shrines of learning and Guru and Shishya traditions,

On the arrest of the Acharya of the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam, Sri Jayendra Saraswathi, the Dalai Lama just said, "Sad."

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