The Dalai Lama holds prayer session in view of threat of war in Iraq Says in any war the poor and the helpless suffer the most
Dharamsala, 11 March 2003: His Holiness the Dalai Lama said that differences in opinion must be resolved through dialogue and discussion rather than settling them by waging wars. His Holiness the Dalai Lama said wars produce temporary victors and temporary losers and that the result of this kind of victory or defeat will not endure.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama was speaking at a special prayer session held in view of the threat of imminent war in Iraq. This special prayer session was part of the eight-day annual Great Prayer Festival that began today at the Tsuglhakhang, the main Buddhist cathedral opposite the residence of the Dalai Lama. The chairman and vice-chairperson of the Tibetan parliament, the officials of the Tibetan administration, the Buddhist clergy and the Tibetan public attended the first day of the annual Great Prayer Festival, which is organised by the Department of Religion and Culture of the Central Tibetan Administration.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama said, The Iraq issue is becoming very critical…Now think of this. If there is any bloodshed, people in positions of power, those who are responsible, will find safe places and escape the consequent hardship. They will find safety for themselves, one way or the other. But what about the poor people, the defenceless, the children, the old and infirm? They are the ones who will have to bear the brunt of devastation.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama said the concept and the practice of war has become an anachronism and must be consigned to the dustbin of history.
Kalon Thubten Lungrig, the kalon for the Department of Religion and Culture of the Central Tibetan Administration opened the annual Great Prayer Festival by commenting that all Tibetans pray that the imminent war in Iraq could be averted and requested the members of the Buddhist clergy for their prayers.
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