His Holiness went on to praise India for the stability it has displayed since independence in comparison with several of its neighbours. He also remarked that among the world’s ancient civilizations, including Egypt and China, India seems to have produced far more great thinkers. Claiming to be a product of the Nalanda tradition himself, he noted that there is much in ancient Indian knowledge, such as its understanding of the workings of the mind and emotions, which is compatible with modern science today. He said that as a Buddhist he engages in prayer, but that he believes in the long run that we will solve our problems not through prayer alone, but by taking action. If we are to take action, we need vision. He suggested that for development to be effective in India it must take place in the rural areas, which means that educational and health facilities in rural areas must be improved. New graduates listening to His Holiness the Dalai Lama speaking at Tata Institute of Social Sciences Special Convocation in Mumbai, India on September 17, 2014. Photo/Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL Recalling his own Buddhist education that began with the memorization of texts at the age of seven, he sometimes wondered what it was for until he understood it was about transforming the mind and emotions. Tackling our destructive emotions like anger and hatred entails developing positive emotions like love and compassion. This is something that also interests modern psychologists and neurologists today. His Holiness expressed his admiration for India’s longstanding secular tradition of unbiased respect for all religious traditions and the ethical values they convey. It’s a model on the basis of which India can lead the world. He also voiced his belief that modern education is oriented towards material success rather than the fostering of inner values. He reiterated the need to limit destructive emotions and to nurture positive ones while developing a sense of concern for the well-being of all human beings. “Does this make any sense?” he asked. “If it does, tell others about it. If it doesn’t, then just let it go.”
Posted on: Thu, 18 Sep 2014 13:00:46 +0000
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015