By Tenzin Dharpo
DHARAMSHALA, APR 15: Exiled Tibetan leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama has urged the global community to combat the COVID-19 pandemic through action and not just prayers. In a message published in Time Magazine on Tuesday, the 84-year old said everyone must “try to see things realistically and clearly, without the confusion of fear or rage” through what he called “emotional disarmament” during the difficult times.
“The outbreak of this terrible coronavirus has shown that what happens to one person can soon affect every other being. But it also reminds us that a compassionate or constructive act—whether working in hospitals or just observing social distancing—has the potential to help many,” the Tibetan leader said.
The octogenarian leader also said that in these difficult times, action inspired by compassion and a sense of universal responsibility is sorely needed. “Now we can see that nobody is immune to this virus. We are all worried about loved ones and the future, of both the global economy and our own individual homes. But prayer is not enough,” he said.
He advocated the pairing of “courage of the doctors and nurses” with “empirical science” to prevent similar threats in the future.
The foremost Buddhist figure in the world also said that impermanence being the cornerstone of existence, people should not lose hope and inspire confidence in the constructive efforts that so many are making. “Eventually, this virus will pass, as I have seen wars and other terrible threats pass in my lifetime, and we will have the opportunity to rebuild our global community as we have done many times before. I sincerely hope that everyone can stay safe and stay calm,” the Dalai Lama said.
Globally the number of people infected by the virus crossed the 2 million mark with as many as 1,32,835 people dead. Here in India, the government has extended the nation-wide lockdown until May 3 in what is being seen as efforts to ‘flatten the curve’ of infection rate.
3 Responses
We can all do our little bit. Some people have the connections, audience and funds to do more. But every person can try their best in terms of physical distancing and washing with soap. In these times, it’s important to remember that some of these measures that are more easier to implement in the developed world might need creative adjustments in the developing world.
Here is a video that illustrates the idea:
https://vimeo.com/407158159
I don’t understand why does PHAYUL says Exile Tibetan Leader?
It says “exiled” not exile.