SHILLONG: Recognising the value in our fellow human beings can help India make a positive impact in the world and that begins with the practice of non-violence.
That was the thrust of the Dalai Lama’s convocation address to the graduating students of Martin Luther Christian University, held at U Soso Tham Auditorium here on Monday.
There was no pomp or ceremony as one of the most celebrated religious leaders stepped into the auditorium, but the entry of the Nobel Peace Prize winner did not go unnoticed with a sudden hush descending on the audience as the Dalai Lama entered the venue.
A large group of politicians, government officials and members of society, as well as students, gathered for the 30-minute address, which was delivered with the Buddhist monk’s characteristic humour and insight.
He first congratulated the graduating students and then issued them a warning.
“I want to express my deep and hearty congratulation to those students who have graduated. At the same time, I also warn that now you are really starting your life. It’s not easy,” he said with a laugh.
“It is also a real opportunity to translate all your knowledge into action. Your education is not only for your own interest or your life, but in the interest of the nation.”
The spiritual leader, who was awarded an honorary Doctorate in Philosophy earlier in the ceremony, also dwelt on ) the contributions of ancient India, especially the educational traditions of the centres of learning in Taxila and Nalanda, of which he is a student.
“All my ideas, concepts come from India. You Indians have traditionally been our gurus. India I think is the greatest contributor to human knowledge. India, for at least 3,000 years, has had the concept of Ahimsa (non-violence),” the Dalai Lama said, adding that his adopted home is an example of how followers of different religions can live together.
The “gospel of peace”, as Meghalaya Governor Dr. KK Paul referred to him in his earlier address, then expounded on what he means by human value.
“My main commitment is promotion of human values. That is what I call secular ethics… Secular means respect for all religions. No preference to this religion or that. It also means respect to non-believers. We have to find ways and means to educate non-believers to be honest, truthful and compassionate. They have every right to be happy, but they do not know the real basis of a happy life or peace of mind,” the Nobel laureate said, explaining that non-believers tend to shy away from ideas of compassion and forgiveness, seeing them as religious matters.
The Dalai Lama went on to urge the students to pay more attention to secular ethics and to resolve disagreements and conflict through dialogue.
The Tibetan spiritual leader’s commitment to non-violence was noted in the introduction given by MLCU’s Pro Chancellor, Glenn Kharkongor.
“The Dalai Lama is the leader of his people, a humanist, a social activist and a preacher. But most of all he is a teacher. And his teachings have inspired people all over the globe,” Kharkongor said.
He drew similarities between the chief guest and Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela and Mother Teresa and their universal message of peace and compassion.
The need for peace was a theme that ran through the length of the Dalai Lama’s speech.