H.H. the Dalai Lama Speaks
on
Compassion
at
Event Honoring India
Source: Rajiv Malik, HPI Correspondent Delhi
NEW DELHI, INDIA, December 18, 2002: Hundreds of Tibetans and a large number of
New Delhi's social elite gathered to attend the closing ceremony of the
Tibetan Festival of Compassion.
The festival included the presentation of the Light of Truth Award to The
People of India. The award has been instituted by the International Campaign for
Tibet, whose chairman, Richard Gere, was also present at the function.
The award was presented to India for its continuing support of the Tibetans
and was received on behalf of the People of India by Sri Rabi Ray, former
speaker of Lok Sabha [lower house]. His Holiness the Dalai Lama delivered his
keynote speech on the subject of "Compassion: An antidote to Terrorism."
In his address His Holiness said, "Compassion is a human emotion that is
there in every human being since his birth. Compassion is a part of a human
being. And it is compassion which gives a person a deeper satisfaction and is
the basis of permanent happiness. Compassion is nothing special for Tibetans, it
is a way of their life."
His Holiness continued, "Compassion is the essence of all religions despite
there being philosophical differences in them. Compassion can transform the
human mind and human emotions. Human beings all over the world today are
interdependent and interconnected. We have to realize that our future depends on
others. Human future depends on inter-relationships. You have to see everything
from this point of view. Then you will perceive the complete picture of the
humanity and of the world."
In his speech Richard Gere said that there was a very special relationship
between India and Tibet.
Mr. Gere said, "It is because of India's support that the Tibetans have been
able to rebuild their secular and monastic traditions even while living in
exile. This has made Tibetan Buddhism available to people from around the world,
like myself."
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