By Tenzin Monlam
DHARAMSHALA, May 29: The Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama said that we must think of oneness of entire humanity during an interactive session with Emory University students at his private residence in Dharamshala today.
“Unlike ancient times, in today’s world every country is interdependent on each other. I must pay my respect to the US President (Donald Trump), the leader of the free world. However, his ‘America First’ agenda means putting the rest of the world second. But future of America depend on the rest of the world,” the Dalai Lama said in response to a question on the rise of nationalism and how can the present generation can make 21st century peaceful.
An admirer of the European Union (EU) and its set up as an example of spirit of oneness, the octogenarian spiritual leader feels that Britain’s exit from EU was ‘shortsighted’ for thinking only about its own nation.
“In the long run, we need sense of oneness of entire humanity and I have always tired to spread awareness on the need of having the spirit of oneness of humanity. Personally for me it is the best source of happiness,” the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader said.
He further added that sense of oneness of entire humanity must be developed through awareness and education and that the 21st century should be ‘a century of peace’ by making efforts in making friendship and reducing distrust.
“The violence in the beginning of this century are the result of previous century’s negligence and way of thinking of relying on force to solve issues, which is still prevalent today. That’s why these problems happen. Through force, we can control human physically, not emotionally,” said the Nobel Peace Laureate, who is also the Emory Distinguished Presidential Professor.
Emory University has been actively involved with the Tibetan community through various programs such as Emory Tibetan Mind/Body Sciences Program and Emory-Tibet Science Initiative.
