I attended two lectures given by the Dalai Lama. The first was a general public talk on ‘Caring For Our World’, the main points of which are listed below:
a). Global interdependence – In today’s world there is little self-sufficiency, and countries rely on others, so there is a real need for tolerance and understanding.
b). Compassion – It is necessary to move away from the self-centred way of the modern world to develop compassion for others, and put others’ needs before your own.
c). Non-Violence – Life is the most precious thing. Killing is completely wrong. Dialogue leading to friendship and trust is the correct way. On a personal level, examine your motives. Are your actions for the benefit of others, or are you cheating or exploiting them?
d). Animals – exploiting animals and killing for profit, fur or ‘ornaments’ is completely wrong.
e). Tibet – There are significant benefits of being part of China, i.e. education and medicine but Tibet has a need for a ‘meaningful autonomy’.
f). Religion – He welcomed “a variety of religions for a variety of people”.
The second lecture, also within the theme ‘Caring For Our World’, was co-hosted by the BBC’s Jonathan Dimbleby and featured conversation and questions, dance and poetry from local schoolchildren.
In conclusion the Dalai Lama’s conversation and humour were engaging, (I was hoping for more Buddhist content, but it would appear that the main teachings were in subsequent lectures.) and as a significant world figure his efforts to inform, educate and bring peace to our world can only be applauded, and I enjoyed the experience immensely.
