BENGALURU: The Dalai Lama, who visited National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) on Monday, pitched for the spirit of inquiry than mere prayers.
The 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, had been invited to unveil the foundation plaque of the institute’s integrated centre for yoga.
“We are all equals; don’t think that I am someone special. We are all same emotionally, mentally and physically,” said the spiritual leader.
H
e urged the audience to look into religion with logic and scepticism. “Then the approach becomes realistic. Questioning events and beliefs with ‘why’ and ‘how’ helps develop scepticism. Don’t accept anything easily,” he said.
In a candid moment, he shared that he had been a ‘lazy student’. “But eventually, I gathered general enthusiasm and knowledge. I now admire the scientific way of thinking,” he said.
The religious head of Tibet said he would not propagate Buddhism as the best religion. “We cannot generalise and say any religion is the best. A religion that is suitable for one might not be suitable for another. In many cases, it might be harmful,” he said.
Instead, he advised his audience to take the path of enquiry. “Don’t accept a religion because of faith or emotions. Rather, accept it after thorough investigation, enquiry and research. Don’t accept a religion without understanding reality.”
He also said universities should enrich themselves with values of secularism as this will help foster compassion in the world.