Hope

In 1950 the People’s Liberation Army of China invaded Tibet. The Tibetan people called on the Dalai Lama to assume full leadership of the country at the young age of fifteen. Throughout a half-century of conflict and uncertainty, the Dalai Lama has told his people, “our struggle must remain nonviolent and free of hatred."

The Dalai Lama has led Tibet in becoming a modern and democratic nation, initiating reforms in government and education. He has worked diligently to build a relationship with China and open dialogue about Tibet’s future. In 1989 he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his dedication to nonviolence.
A monk and scholar who rises at 4 a.m. to pray, The Dalai Lama has written or coauthored many books, including his autobiography and best-seller The Art of Happiness. He travels the world to promote “human values such as compassion, forgiveness, tolerance, contentment and self-discipline” among individuals and nations, as well as respect between religious traditions. Whether his listeners are monks or corporate leaders, diplomats or high-school students, many are inspired by his message, delivered with optimism, candor, and humor.

The Dalai Lama believes all things and people are interconnected. As the world enters an era of globalization, he emphasizes the great potential of nations and people to learn from and help each other — and our responsibility to make that happen. “The key to creating a better and more peaceful world,” he has said, “is the development of love and compassion for others.” This starts at the level of the individual. If individuals practice what the Dalai Lama has called “inner disarmament,” focusing on compassion for others rather than on selfish thoughts and aims, they will be able to help the world achieve peace. And kindness helps the doer, as well: “Taking care of more people, you get to benefit,” he has said. “Taking care of one’s self only, you lose.”

The Dalai Lama has called the 20th century “a century of violence.” He calls upon all people to make this new century into “a century of dialogue” that will lead to peace. The Dalai Lama is acquainted with the sorrow, suffering and violence in the world. Yet he has upheld a principle shared by belief systems worldwide – of compassion towards others, regardless of their beliefs or actions. In this way, the Dalai Lama hopes, and works, for a better world.

Sources: Tibet.com (government site), Nobel prize site, Dalailama.com (his web site), Wikipedia, http://www.fpmt.org/teachers/hhdl/hrurspeech.asp (Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition: Speech on Human Rights and Universal Responsibility, June 15 1993)