His Holiness the Dalai Lama graciously attended the panel discussion on ‘Universal Human Values and Education’ at Zurich University of Applied Science in Winterthur, Switzerland. Likewise, netizens across the globe were glued on to “Dalai Lama” official Facebook page for the live stream of His Holiness’ public engagement.
While addressing the gathering, His Holiness opened his speech with ‘Dear brothers and sisters.’ In fact, he pointed out whenever he sees a human face, he sees another human being like brother and sister.
As a champion of peace and non-violence, he enunciated that the reason we are unhappy is one that emerged out of our own creation!
He continued, in the past, there were killings in the name of religion; community clashed that ultimately led to world war. Despite the past conflicts, he said he sees signs of hope in today’s world. Additionally, he admired the spirit of the European Union that decided to live together for the common interest.
Furthermore, His Holiness stressed that we must embrace or inculcate compassionate nature in us as human beings. “On the contrary, constant anger, fear and hatred undermine our immune systems.”
Since human beings are interdependent on each other, we need friends and friendship is based on trust. Money and power can’t buy trust nor trust can be forced. On that notion, he said we have a global responsibility to ensure that peace prevails on earth.
He also elaborated on the essence of inner values in today’s world. Such value needs to be incorporated into education that has nothing to do with religion but purely from a secular point of view.
“And just as we teach physical hygiene to stay physically fit, we need to cultivate emotional hygiene, learning to tackle our destructive emotions, to achieve peace of mind. Wherever I am, I share these ideas with whoever wants to listen—was it clear?” His Holiness said, concluding his remarks.
The event was moderated by Swiss TV anchor Susanne Wille, and other panellists include Dr Christiane Hohenstein, Professor of Inter-Culturalism and Linguistics; Dr Andreas Gerber-Grote, Professor of Public Health and Head of Research; Leanardo Huber, President of the Students’ Association; and Dr Rudolf Högger, Tibet-Institute Rikon, at Zurich University of Applied Science in Switzerland.
Glimpses of netizens’ reactions to the panel discussion on Universal Human Values and Education with His Holiness the Dalai Lama: