Sir.
This has reference to Dalai Lama’s commitment of promoting humanity and solving man-made problems including senseless killing of humans published under the headline ‘Dalai Lama reaches Leh’ (DE, July 26). Such an assertion from a religious head of Dalai Lama’s stature that that these man-made problems are to be solved through our efforts and actions and prayers are no substitute for them is worth consideration by all right thinking persons. He has also committed himself to promotion of religious harmony and admired India for the same because all major old rich traditions live here together. The need for such a declaration may have been prompted by growing intolerance among certain sections resulting into an atmosphere of hatred, conflict, violence and even killing. Hence the need to promote mutual understanding and humanitarian values- universal love, compassion, empathy, respect for each others’ religion, tolerance and acceptance. He has stressed upon all of us to contribute to world peace and the path for which he has suggested is inner peace. Unless we are at peace in our hearts, we can’t bring peace to our families, society, country and the world at large. This peace can come by following the path shown by Gotama, the Buddha and other founders of great religions. Human tragedy is that instead of following the teachings in letter and spirit of our respective religions, we follow only the dogmas and rituals and forget the essence.
Therefore religion can’t bring the promised peace and happiness. Wrong interpretation of teaching and exploitation by the vested interests to divide people in the name of religions to gain power is another reason of growing restlessness and conflict in the society. More so there are very few role models like Dalai Lama who practise the values preached by religion and people are not getting the right guidance due to absence of living examples. Though there is much talk of religion in the form of sermons and religious gatherings yet people fail to lead a pure and simple life in tune with nature. His emphasis on strengthening the education system based on inner values and moral ethics without religious biases also need to be implemented and secular ethics be introduced in the education curriculum from kindergarten to university level. Children must be taught to develop inner peace and that is possible only if sincere efforts are made in this direction and there are more individuals in the society who have attained inner peace so that they can transmit it to others also. Mere sermons and seminars won’t serve the purpose.
Yours etc…..
Pragya Mahajan
Talab Tillo Jammu
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