His Holiness the Dalai Lama optimistic about Tibet autonomy Monday, 11 Jan 2010, 12:08 p.m.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama speaks during a lecture titled “Art of Happiness” in Kolkata, Sunday, 10 January 2010. (Reuters)

Dharamshala: His Holiness the Dalai Lama on Sunday said he was optimistic about the eventual autonomy of Tibet despite the ongoing high-handedness of the Chinese authorities and human rights violations to crush the movement, reported India Blooms News Service.        “Tibetan spirit is very strong and basically I think things are really changing. I have a strong feeling that over a billion people in China have the right to know the reality,” His Holiness said.He was speaking on The Art of Happiness at an award function organized by the Ladies Study Group Charitable Trust. He handed over an award to city-based NGO Disha for their work among the underprivileged children on the educational front. His Holiness the Dalai Lama said it is more important to build hospitals and schools than temples if spiritual goals were to be pursued in right earnest.“Teachings of Buddha is more important than the statues of Buddha,” His Holiness said.“I think Indians should value their treasure of over 1000 years and not neglect it. I go everywhere as an ambassador of India to spread its message of religious harmony,” His Holiness said.His Holiness said India’s ideals of ahimsa (non-violence) and karuna (compassion and kindness) is what the world needs to pursue happiness and added “India is our guru (teacher) and we are chelas (followers).”His Holiness said happiness comes from the heart, from within and not through money, power or even knowledge.“Buddha says ultimate happiness is within yourself,” His Holiness said.His Holiness asked all to fight the forces of hatred and jealousy and urged all to work for the poor.