Germany: Following a symposium on Non-Violence organised by Tibet Initiative Deutschland and Gandhen Phodrang Foundation held on 19 September at Darmstadt, His Holiness the Dalai Lama participated in a symposium on ‘Happiness and Responsibility’ organised by German-American Institute (DAI) on the celebratory occasion of International Science Festival in Heidelberg, Germany on 20 September.
The key highlight of the event was the panelist discussion comprising of prominent scientists of Heidelberg namely, brain researcher Prof. Dr. Hannah Monyer, gerontologist Prof. Dr. Andreas Kruse and astrophysicist Prof. Dr. Matthias Bartelmann and the moderator of the event Jakob J. Köllhofer, director of the DAI.
Deliberating on the concept of mind and consciousness, His Holiness conveyed that in order to retain mind consciousness, sensorial level of consciousness must be understood. However, the latter must not be confused with consciousness of mind as sensorial consciousness depends on the perception of sense organ.
Discussing on the same, His Holiness reiterated that anger, attachment and likewise various emotions can develop at the back of one’s mind when combined with mental state even when the brain is asleep.
His Holiness further noted that several mysterious and unexplainable cases of phenomena have been recorded where a person who is medically proven dead still persists to remain bodily fresh for many days which the scientists find it obscure and have no explanation for it. However, His Holiness affirmed the existence of such phenomena.
His Holiness explained that it is the subtle consciousness, the sixth sense that remains in the body after death which is why no traces and sign of decay could be found on a dead body even after several days.
“ Late 20th century scientists now began to feel there is something we need further investigation” said His Holiness while describing the recent efforts made by scientists on the subject.
Astrophysicist Prof. Dr. Bartelmann asked His Holiness few questions on mind vis-a-vis happiness to which His Holiness responded philosophy alone won’t cover entire humanity but science being a universal source of knowledge through its researches and findings can teach the importance of peace of mind.
His Holiness further explained that scientific findings have revealed that more compassionate mind bears more healthy body.
“Once you start thinking about the well being of others, thats when your perspective of thinking and mind broadens” confirmed His Holiness.
Meanwhile, on dealing with problems, His Holiness advised that diverting all focus on the problem may not bring desired solution but if approach the same problem from a wider perspective then the problem may not seem big anymore.
His Holiness emphasised on the need of promoting the inner values through education which His Holiness remarked that modern education seems to neglect.
“Education system today focuses only on the development of smart brains as a result smart brain becomes the disposition of anger, hatred, jealousy and self centred attitude” pronounced His Holiness.
Furthermore, His Holiness implored that eventually one’s happiness depend on the happiness of their community as man being a social animal.
“Take care of your community the way you take care of yourself” commended His Holiness.
Responsibility, according to His Holiness, emerges from sense of concern for other’s well being.
Therefore, His Holiness advised that one should divulge in making contribution no matter how small in creating world a happy world. Effort must be made in reaching a comprehensive understanding of not only focusing on material activity but also focusing on social and emotional activities.
The highly enlightening event concluded with an interactive Q&A session with the audience.
One participant had asked His Holiness how to maintain a peaceful world on the face of war and disaster, to which His Holiness recommended to reconsider the method used to deal with problem. Instead of weapons, dialogue should be adopted.
His Holiness cautioned that praying alone won’t suffice the need for a peaceful world. Therefore, effort and actions must be implemented through education.
His Holiness will be next visiting Switzerland to participate in the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Tibet Institute Rikon.
–Report Filed by Tibet.Net Intern Tenzin Choetso