Katherine Fleming
The key to inner peace and a harmonious world is to foster compassion for others, particularly in a world where corruption and the pursuit of wealth are so prevalent.
That was the Dalai Lama’s message to 14,500 people at Burswood Dome yesterday. It was the final leg and the biggest crowd of his Australian speaking tour.
In a wide-ranging speech, punctuate regularly by his trademark giggle, the 75-year-old Buddhist monk also lamented that global efforts to tackle climate change were being stymied by nation’s refusal to make short-term sacrifices for the long-term benefit of the global community.
The broadness of the Tibetan spiritual leader’s appeal was clear from the crowds streaming into the venue. There were hipsters in jeans, families with children, Buddhist monks wrapped in robes and older couples.
Central to the theme, the Dalai Lama said, was that religion was not the only path to happiness. But the happiness that comes from material possessions and “sensory” joys such as good food, beautiful music and sex would only be short-term.
“Whether we accept religion or not is individual,” he said. “If you have no interest in religion, no problem, but you should not neglect that inner value of compassion and sense of others’ wellbeing because it brings inner power and inner strength.
“It reduces fear and insecurity, which bring anger and frustration and many destructive emotions. Compassion and warm-heartedness is their antidote.”
Asked about celebrations after the death of Osama bin Laden, he responded that he opposed the death penalty.
“Give them life imprisonment and give them our forgiveness,” he said. “We must forgive the sinner but oppose their sin.”
The Dalai Lama leaves Australia today.
The West Australian pg.7 Print Edition Only, Monday 20 June 2011.
Asked about celebrations after the death of Osama bin Laden, he responded that he opposed the death penalty.
ReplyDelete“Give them life imprisonment and give them our forgiveness,” he said. “We must forgive the sinner but oppose their sin.”
Hang on! the Dalai Lama refers to sin, sin is transgression against the law, therefore you need a moral law giver..so who is the law giver ?
No God no rules, you can't have it both ways Mr Lama.
Dallas
Thanks for the Comment Dallas.
ReplyDeleteYou do need to realise that he was using language that the mixed audience could understand. English is not his first language. He could have used Offender and Offence and it would suit your purpose.
There is much to be learned from God all around us and he uses the unexpected to get his message across