Spiritual Leaders Discuss Human Values and India’s Role in Global Peace Sunday, 5 April 2009, 4:43 p.m.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama (centre) addresses the IInd conference on ‘The Indian View for Global Peace’ at Tsuglagkhang, the main temple in Dharamsala, India, on Sunday, 5 April 2009. Dr Bhupendra Kumar Modi, chairman, India Splendor (L) and H.H. Jagadguru Shankaracharya Swami Divyanand Teerthji Maharaj, of Bhanpura Peeth (R) are also seen in the picture/Photo:Sangey Kyab/tibet.net)

Dharamshala: A
galaxy of eminent religious leaders representing Buddhism, Hinduism and
Jainism gathered today in the sacred land of Dharamsala to discuss the
promotion of universal responsibility and India’s role in guiding the
world towards peace and non-violence. The gathering was the
2nd conference on the ‘Indian view for global peace’ themed as
“Reciprocity: Base for Universal Interconnectedness”. It was organised
by the India Splendor and sponsored by Purna Holistic Center, Indian
Council of Religious Leaders, Mahabodhi Society of India, Sri
Jwalamukhi Mandir Trust, Ekal Vidyalaya, Vaish Federation, Parmarth
Niketan, Himalayan Buddhist Cultural Association and Jyotimarth
Avantar, Bhanpura Peeth. His Holiness the Dalai Lama, His
Holiness Jagadguru Shankaracharya Swami Divyanand Teerthji Maharaj of
Bhanpura Peeth, His eminence the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa Rinpoche, His
Holiness Chidanand Saraswati, Jain Muni Acharya Sri Roopchandra ji,
Rev. D S Uchida and His Holiness Swami Parmanand Saraswati, Ven Lama
Chosphel Zotpa and Dr Bhupendra Kumar Modi, chairman, India Splendor
took part in the event. In his address, His Holiness the
Dalai Lama said India has a tremendous potential to lead and start a
world-wide movement to promote global peace and harmony. His Holiness said today’s world needs India’s rich and ancient traditions of ahimsa (non-violence)
and peace which has worked for thousands of years. His Holiness lauded
India’s rich and unity among different religious faiths in maintaining
harmony and peace through non-violent principles. Speaking
about his vision to make a demilitarised world, His Holiness said first
we need to bring internal disarmament through the treading the path of
non-violence and being compassionate. His Holiness said
peace cannot be achieved through military strength. The actions which
are motivated by compassion and sense of care and respects for others’
wellbeing are non-violent actions, His Holiness added. His
Holiness said mere reciting of religious texts will not help to promote
peace and non-violence, they can be only achieved if we take practical
steps with sincerity and commitment for the welfare of humanity and all
the species living in this planet. During the conference, the
spiritual heads from different faiths expressed their common concern
over the growing violence and conflicts in today’s world despite having
made tremendous strides in technology and material development.
In order to bring peace and harmony in the world, we have to create an
era of interconnectedness based on love and compassion, where
heart-to-heart interaction has to take place, they said. The leaders also emphasised that Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism and all other faiths do not endorse terrorism.
Describing His Holiness the Dalai Lama as the living incarnation of
compassion having a full passion to serve for humanity’s wellbeing, the
leaders implored His Holiness to guide the world towards peace and
non-violence. On a request to accept the citizenship of
India, His Holiness the Dalai Lama said he felt honoured and considered
himself to be a son of India, the country which shone the light of
Buddhism on Tibet. Also during the occasion His Eminence Gyalwa Karmapa Rinpoche was honoured as the symbol of ‘non-violence and compassion’.