June 6 – The second day of Synthesis III conference began with an hour of question and answer session, during which the participants were asked to write down any specific issues that they personally feel deeply about the world. These questions were then asked to His Holiness, who responded to each of them in great depth. The questions were included
i) What are the particular moral and spiritual qualities individuals must cultivate to become future leaders of spiritual awakening in the world;
ii)How can we bring to bear the fundamental ethical and spiritual values upon governance;
iii) How can we bring these values particularly in the realm of economics;
iv) How can spiritual practitioners help promote the spirit of forgiveness and reconciliation in communities in conflict. After responding to these questions, His Holiness invited other participants to respond to His comments so that a genuine dialogue could emerge in the conference.
In the afternoon session, the discussions centred on the exploration of specific program actions that could result from this Synthesis Conference. The conference participants took to heart His Holiness’ advice that it is important to think seriously of how to share many of the sentiments and ideas that the participants of the conference uphold, in particular His Holiness’ advice that each participant could share these ideas with their communities once they return home. One participant underlined the fact that the networks of people already connected with the conference participants would exceed several millions so the kind of sharing His Holiness suggested can really have an impact. Several participants raised the need to work for the peaceful resolution of the Tibetan problem so that Tibet, which is the roof of the world, can be transformed into a genuine oasis of peace as aspired for by His Holiness. They suggested that helping to bring about the realization of this aspiration should be a priority for the Synthesis group and the Association for Global New Thought, which organized the event. His Holiness thanked for their sympathy and support and acknowledged that, since the Tibetan struggle is intimately related to the survival of a rich spiritual tradition as well, it is most natural for fellow spiritual brothers and sisters in the other faith traditions to empathize with the Tibetan people and support its aspirations.
His Holiness also granted an interview for a documentary film of the organizers of the Synthesis Dialogues, and a portrait was taken for the Swiss Guest Book, a project aimed at personalities who inspire internationally.
His Holiness leaves for New Delhi, India today morning, Monday.
