His Holiness the Dalai Lama Addresses Two Parliaments in Melbourne
Wednesday, 9 December 2009, 1:46 p.m.
Dharamshala: His
Holiness the Dalai Lama visited the Parliament House in Melbourne this
morning and addressed a group of Australian parliamentarians in the
committee room, The Sydney Morning Herald reported.In his address, His Holiness the Dalai Lama promoted peace, harmony and secularism and urged Australian MPs to visit Tibet.His
Holiness the Dalai was introduced to Opposition Leader Ted Baillieu,
saying he always sides with the “minority”, to which Mr Baillieu
replied: “We are the strongest but we are the minority.”His Holiness the Dalai Lama later told the media he was not fazed by politicians that had not met with him.”My visit (is) non political,” His Holiness said.His Holiness also addressed the closing session of the 2009 Parliament of the World’s Religions.His Holiness said while humans enjoyed great material development they suffered from a moral and ethical crisis.The parliament drew about 5000 people from around the world representing 228 religions.”Unless
human emotions change to reason and we experience a holistic view, then
these problems won’t be solved,” His Holiness told the gathering of
about 2000 people in Melbourne.”The global economy is stuck in
emotions such as greed – too much greed – and short sightedness that
affects environmental issues and sees national interest take more
priority than global interests.”Some areas are materially much advanced but the rate of suicide is increasing.”Some
people describe this as a crisis of moral ethics. Without development
of our inner brain and compassion, concern for others, sense of
community, this crisis which humanity is facing will not go.”The
colourful closing ceremony treated the crowd to musical and artistic
performances and speeches representing major religions and indigenous
peoples including Australian Aborigines.The speakers said all
of the world’s religions brought the same message of peace but had
different styles of doing so and should collaborate more.
