Dalai Lama promoting Gandhian values around the world

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New Delhi: Dalai Lama, the Tibetan spiritual leader, on his 74th birthday celebration in New Delhi on Monday said he is promoting secular values and different philosophy of humanities as preached by Mahatma Gandhi when travelling to different countries rather than propogating Buddhism.

Dalai Lama also echoed the secular thoughts of Gandhi, saying secularism doesn’t mean rejection of religion but it means respect for religion and even respect for non-believers.

“When I visited different countries in these years, I have not promoted or propagated Buddhism as said by many, but harmony, humanity and spirituality,” he said on the occasion, which also marks the 50 years of his Holiness in India.

“I am promoting secular values, message of love, compassion, dignity, spirit of common values and harmony as been promoted by great thinkers,” he said.

Dalai Lama also said that Buddhism is not only about reciting from scriptures and practicing it, but getting into the principals of the religion and the value it promotes.

“We have to make Buddhism relevant in our life ...and why it is not much relevant (is) due to lack of knowledge,” he said.

Commenting on the socio-religious changes Tibet is undergoing, the spiritual leader said “the region is passing through difficult times and Buddhism is not being promoted in the way it used to be before.”

“There is a steady depletion of the religion and our aim is to preserve and promote the religion. We need to work in the direction to strengthen Buddhism in Tibet and all over the Himalayan nations,” he said.

Looking back at his 50 years in India, the spiritual guru said “my life has not been a “waste” and I got chances to learn from religious leaders, scientists, politicians, businessman, ordinary people whom I had met in all these years.”

“From meeting these people, I have developed certain vision for life,” he said.

Striking an emotional chord with the audience, most of whom comprised Tibetans from Himachal Pradesh and other parts of the country, the spiritual leader said he is sure he will celebrate his 100th birthday.

“Through all your wishes, I will live longer. I do not know whether I can live for thousands years, but I am sure I will stay alive till I am 100 years old,” he said.

Dalai Lama also thanked India for whatever it has given to him in all these 50 years of exile.