A Brief History of the Dalai Lama:
The title of Dalai Lama translates as "Ocean of Divine Wisdom." The current
holder of this title was born in Tibet, July 6 1935 to a peasant family.
Any who may have seen the movie "Kundun" or "Seven Years in Tibet" should
be somewhat familiar with his story: At the ripe old age of two, Tenzin
Gyatso was recognized as the 14th reincarnation of the previous Dalai Lama
by extensive testing. The Dalai Lama has taken a vow to keep reincarnating
until all mankind has been helped to reach enlightenment. In Tibet, the
Dalai Lama is the spiritual as well as the temporal leader of the country.
In Tibetan Buddhism non-violence is practiced exclusively. In
November of 1950, at only15 years old, the Dalai Lama was asked to assume
full political power for his country, as It was being invaded by 80.000
soldiers of the Chinese People's Liberation Army. In 1959, after negotiations
with the Chinese broke down, the Dalai Lama went into exile in India.In
1989, His Holiness, The 14m Dalai Lama of Tibet, Tenzin Gyatso received
the Nobel Peace Prize. The Tibetan government in exile, represented by the
Dalai Lama, continues to seek a peaceful resolution to the struggles of the Tibetan people.
I received an invitation from the office
of Tibet to a "Meet the Press" event on October 13, 1999. The Dalai Lama
spoke in a pleasant but firm voice. These were some of his comments, spoken
with great conviction.
To the Media:"The
Rule of Law is wonderful in this country [USA]. Sharing my beliefs with
the media is good. Have courage - investigate. Media should have a long
nose - as long as an elephant! As long as you see something wrong, write
honestly - truthfully. Not to write for bribe, but check constantly for
truth."
On Society:"The
methods in secular ethics stress our own happiness, a happy life, one's
own future - the independent mind. But in reality, we are part of society,
not separate. That is why society is getting more crime...To work, society
has to be a combination of the individual plus society. No one can do it
all alone."
On Education:"School
is also important. Many years ago, education was stressed - but now we must
teach "the warm heart." As the religious influence declines. society goes
down. Nobody paying attention to moral life [leads to] decline in society,
divorce, etc. We must pay attention to development of the person himself/herself,
to become "a warm heart" person. The whole society must change the way of
thinking... to higher values than just money: [such as] altruistic attitudes,
sincerity. These are important things to develop for happiness. Then we
can do something different in society."
To the Youth of Today:"Everyone
is talking about the next century. You are shaping the next century. Study
well; hard. have clear aim and vision of purpose. Learn how to use knowledge
for the larger areas...a sense of global responsibility."
On Religion:"In
ancient times religious groups remained more isolated. Then colonizing spread
- in interest of economy and propagation of religion. So many today ...the
religions clash. When I was in Mongolia, I told them, "Let them keep their
own faith." Far better to keep their own religion rather than to promote
more. It creates more confusion."
On Inner Peace:"Keep
perspective. Unhealthy things, these are trouble in the Samsara (this cycle
of existence). For example: I am left with a painful emotion. Ultimately
the pain is from the emotion, not the person. But we always blame the person.
Forgiveness is the means you no longer keep the feeling of revenge. That
doesn't mean you forget. You cannot change the past, but forgiveness is
needed. "Spiritual Emptiness" does not mean nothingness. Emptiness is full.
It is the absence of independent existence. If things existed independently,
we could not move. In absolute existence, anything is possible - anything
can happen."
His Holiness highlights the emotional needs of vulnerable children everywhere: Link to WholeChild International
