AMEN!!!
By ROSA CIRIANNI, Associated Press Writer
PISCATAWAY, N.J. – The Dalai Lama told 36,000 people at Rutgers Stadium that the concept of war was outdated and young people have a responsibility to make this century one of peace.
“This whole planet is just us,” the 70-year-old exiled monk said Sunday. “Therefore, destruction of another area essentially is destruction of yourself.”
Tibet’s spiritual leader also urged the audience to develop a wider world perspective, not just focus on “America, America, America.”
“His quiet mind is the kind of serenity New Jersey, home of strip malls, could use,” Arielle Gomberg said.
The speech was the largest nonathletic event in Rutgers history, topping visits by former President Clinton and former U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno.
A row of monks, wearing traditional gold and maroon, sat near the stage on blankets, pillows or mats spread across the 10- and 20-yard lines on the football field.
The Dalai Lama, who won the 1989 Nobel peace prize, accepted an honorary degree from Rutgers President Richard McCormick. He said it was an honor to receive it without having to work hard and study.
In his lecture, “Peace, War and Reconciliation,” the Dalai Lama said society’s dream should be a world free of nuclear and biological weapons.
He noted their danger — and their expense, saying some African states have an abundance of weapons, but not enough food.
Also Sunday, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg gave the Dalai Lama the key to the city, calling him “a moral beacon to millions around the world, with a clear and constant voice for human rights.”
The Dalai Lama fled Tibet in 1959 following an aborted uprising against Chinese rule in the territory and now keeps an office in exile in the Himalayan town of Dharmsala, India.
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I agree, but nobody’s buying it.
The preachings of the Dalai Lama simply aren’t persuasive in a practical way to Westerners. Our entire way of life is based on competition, and victory by any means (Hiroshima).
When I get cut off in traffic I do not consult my inner spirit to reflect on my feelings. I spew forth profanities fit for the offending driver.
What would happen to Hustler and Penthouse (not to mention internet porn) if everyone lived by the code of the Dalai Lama? Could we take that kind of disruption in our lives?
HA! You’re probably right. This guy makes a lot of sense to me…his books were life-changing. Have you ever read Sidhartha by Herman Hesse?
He makes sense to me as well.
But all of these philosophical/spiritual beliefs break down as soon as violence is introduced by one man. If someone attacked my family or friends I don’t think I could turn off my anger.
I propose that the Dalai Lama and all American peace activists and those of other nations who oppose war go to Iraq and have a “peace in”. Instead of talking about it do it ! The response by the Iraqis will be most interesting I am sure and it might work. Then again it may not but make the attempt! What do you think Chris?
Paul – everyone against the war should go to where the war is being fought? Whaaa?
A National Guardsman Heather and I have a care package heading over to Iraq for, he had finished his enlistment, 6 years, but was stop-lossed and forced to go to Iraq. His orders gave two dates of when he could return, and the larger amount of time was 2 years.
I think of this guy when it comes time to write about the Iraq War. My patriotism is grounded in the belief that we’re all in it together…one nation, under God, indivisible. But in this war we’re not ‘one nation’. I choose this national guard soldier over Bush.
Give peace a chance Chris. 🙂