Graft, a form of violence: Dalai Lama

Graft, a form of violence: Dalai Lama

The Dalai Lama has said that trust is essential between two individuals and two nations for peace. It should be transparent and honest, he added in an oblique reference to China, which has subjugated Tibet after its annexation decades  ago. “Distrust will destroy inner peace. It will lead to cheating and bullying. Like in many countries, growing self-centric attitude is leading to corruption. It is a form of  violence,’’ he noted.

The Dalai Lama was all praise for  India and its secular traditions.  The 1000-year-old cultural tradition of  India honours not only religions of  all hues, imbibed and home grown, but non-believers also. The religious harmony and thrust on non-violence, despite occasional mischiefs  here and there, are wonderful, he said.    

Buddhism was introduced in Tibet in the eighth century by Sankara Sidda, an eminent scholar and philosopher from the Nalanda university. We’re students of  the Nalanda tradition, he said.

Calling upon religions and communities to go beyond mere beliefs and faith, the Tibetan leader called for active interventions . ‘’It is not sufficient to remain in temples and perform poojas. You have to meet people and teach them values,’’ he said.

Health and education sectors are very important. The contributions of  the Church and Ramakrishna Mission in this fields are  great,’’ he felt. Marthoma Valiya Metropolitan  Dr Philipose Mar Chrysostum said that the pilgrimage  season of  Sivagiri brings out the goodness of  pilgrims.  ‘’A sense of  God in the world is quite necessary. The life and teachings of  Sree Narayana Guru are an antidote to the deteriorating morality and ethical nature of  man and make him realise the element of  God within him,”  he said.

Running away from trials and tribulations is not an achievement. One has to look at the opportunities in every situation, he advised.

Delivering the keynote address,Speaker G Karthikeyan said that no Guru had thought from the side of  man as did Sree Narayana Guru.

The topics and sessions dealt with at the Sivagiri pilgrimage season were  initiated by the Guru 80 years ago, he pointed out. It also shows why leaders of  the stature of Mahatma Gandhi, Nehru and Indira Gandhi had come here, he added. The Dalai Lama released a logo on an expo being organised as part of  the month-long pilgrimage season in Sivagiri.

He was presented with a memento by Swami Prakasananda on behalf of  Sivagiri Mutt. Mementos were gifted for the Yoga Kshema Sabha and Prajapati Brahma Kumaris also.

Sree Narayana Dharma Sangham president Swami Prakasananda presided over the meet. Sivagiri Mutt general secretary Swami Rithambarananda  welcomed the dignitaries. Swamis Sidhananda, Pramananda and Guru Prasad were also present.

Related Stories

No stories found.
The New Indian Express
www.newindianexpress.com