Thousands gathered in Yokohama to listen His Holiness

Wednesday, 21 November 2007, 11:00 a.m.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama greets a huge gathering at a Buddhist conference at the National Convention Hall of Yokohama Tuesday commemorating the 50th and 40th annivesaries of the All Japanese Buddhist Federation (AJBF) and Kanagawa Buddhist Federation (KBF) respectively(Photo:Tenzin Rigden)

His Holiness was invited by the All Japanese Buddhist Federation (AJBF) and Kanagawa Buddhist Federation (KBF) to speak on the theme" Believing one's faith and peace" at the Buddhist Conference commemorating their 50th and 40th anniversaries respectively.

His Holiness presented the Federations with statue of Buddha each as a symbol of goodwill and implication that they are disciples of Buddha.

While giving a positive implication that humanity is heading towards a better future, His Holiness said, "Although even now violence are there, but I find the world is heading toward a better future. People have realized that violence is not the ultimate solution to all the problems."

His Holiness added, "Many political parties committed to humanity and environment has come up. Science and spirituality has also come closer which will usher a new era of peace and harmony."

His Holiness speaking on the theme" Believing one's faith and peace" at the Buddhist Conference

Outlining that humanity is a source of our future hope, His Holiness told the Buddhists gathering that "Development within one century clearly shows that humanity has gained much experience through difficulties."

His Holiness said, "Humanity has learned much through its past mistake, negligence and ignorance, we have realized that we are all same human beings on one blue planet, whether we are believer or non-believer, eastern or western, our future is same."

On the importance of developing positive approach in solving problems, His Holiness said, "Too much reliance on modern development has made us to model the education system on brain development, but not on warm heartedness and compassion. Due to lack of our perception and awareness of reality, many new problems come up."

His Holiness said, "Economic power and prosperity of a nation depends on other countries." Realising this reality, he said, "It is important to adopt a global approach at all the problems based on Buddhist concept of interdependence."

Speaking on the promotion of human inner value, mainly compassion, His Holiness said, "We have many religious traditions. Despite the difference in names and philosophies, they all have great responsibility in promoting human value based on love and compassion."

He said Buddhist concept of inter dependencies is very effective in all walks of life. It can be said as a Buddhist contribution to the humanity.

"Everybody should keep his own faith and it is not necessary to become Buddhist. Practicing one’s own faith with open heart is good for oneself as well as for others," His Holiness concluded.

His Holiness left the auditorium amid standing ovation from the gathering.

Besides attending the Buddhist Federations’ function, His Holiness conferred audiences to a group of Taiwanese monks, Mongolian community and to some Japanese supporters. He also gave an exclusive interview to Nippon Television of channel four.

His Holiness will leave for Tokyo tomorrow and give a public talk on "Material development and Spiritual Harmony" at Hachioji New Grand Hotel.

--Based on the report send by the office of Tibet, Tokyo, Japan

  (www.tibet.net is the official website of the Central Tibetan Administration of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.)

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