Darjeeling, December 7 – The devastation caused by militancy and war and the need for religious tolerance and peace made up the Dalai Lama’s address at St Joseph’s College today, the last day of his visit to the hill town.
In a piquant statement, the Dalai Lama during his speech at St Joseph’s College said many people lived in the misconception that Muslims were only terrorists.
“All religions profess love, contentment and self-discipline. All followers have this quality,” His Holiness said.
The spiritual leader said the attack on World Trade Center on September 11 three years ago was unbelievable and only after switching on his TV could he come to terms with the tragedy.
Speaking on the issue, he added that a Muslim friend of his had said those indulging in militant activities were not Muslims.
“I had written to President Bush as a friend,” the Dalai Lama said, adding that he had stated in the letter that non-violence was the only long-lasting way to counter violence.
His Holiness said fundamentalists were not followers of any religion but were only bending religion to meet their own goals.
Those involved in the terror attacks on the twin towers were highly committed and focused individuals but used modern technology for the wrong purpose, the spiritual leader said.
“India’s secular environment can develop tolerance towards other religions,” said the Dalai Lama, ruing that the atmosphere had been vitiated in many Arab countries.
The spiritual leader said as a society, it was imperative to stress the need for several religions and several truths.
“This is important to promote religious tolerance,” said His Holiness.
The Dalai Lama spoke on the need for disarmament of nuclear weapons and said the mindless slaughter of innocent people in the two World Wars had opened the eyes of the West.
About talks with China on the issue of autonomy within China, he said the onus of restarting the negotiations lay with Beijing.
