Towards a world without borders

IN THE brief span of his stay in Chennai last weekend, the Dalai Lama, the spiritual head of the Tibetans, who was here to participate in the South Asia Peace Conference must have found himself coping with a tight schedule. Amidst all this, a gathering of special invitees, students, staff and management of the M.O.P. Vaishnav College for Women, had the privilege of a face-to-face with the Dalai Lama on the morning of August 5, at the college auditorium, Nungambakkam, for nearly an hour. His speech flowed with an informal yet purposeful tone and was topped off with an interactive spell that allowed his innate sense of humour to surface and infect the audience.

With the greatest humility, characteristic of a truly great monk, the Dalai Lama focussed on "the infinite potential of human intelligence, that makes human beings distinct from other living beings." Drawing analogies from the world around us, he explained how some animals and insects are driven to social life and display virtues like altruism. He quoted the example of the bee and the ant in this context.

" Physical fitness reflects mental fitness; and, therefore, human beings have to constantly strive to maintain harmony within and without. This helps to develop a happy society. The individual must function in an atmosphere of trust, friendship and mutual respect while at the same time, recognising the differences and individuality of each and everyone. Lack of trust leads to suspicion, and lack of respect for one another also to a situation where there is the chance to exploit, take advantage of, and thus, corrupt society. This starts from family units where even if one individual transgresses the rights of trust and respect, the whole family suffers. No matter what material possessions one may own, happiness is not based on this; it is inner peace and harmony that gives happiness. False methods to attain this inner peace such as resorting to pills, tranquillisers or alcohol, and even contemplating suicide should be avoided. Life is precious and must be cherished. So at all costs, negative emotions have to be discouraged. One of the purposes of education is to transform negative emotions and make individuals go beyond narrow-mindedness and short-sightedness."

The Dalai Lama said he was keen to share this view with all educational institutions whose major role in instilling ethical values along with educational degrees and qualifications could not be ignored. In ancient India, the method and manner of spiritual teaching had led to genuine learning along with fostering mutual care and respect between the teacher and the taught.

In the modern context that upholds secularism, education had to strive to develop a code of secular ethics that was not attached to any particular religion, including non-believers. This ethics developed basic human values, like a sense of caring and sharing, and a respect for oneness at the family and societal levels. This was a deep sense of spirituality, not to be confused with religious faith. This was a fallacy. If one followed this criterion, then Buddhists should be without ethics. And Communists, who denied God, reflected moral ethics when their actions were dedicated to the welfare of the people. They felt a small group of rich people exploited the poor and the weak, who comprised the majority. Based on his concern for the people, the Dalai Lama said he could be called a half Marxist and a half Buddhist.

"If we are all surviving today, it is because of basic human values and human affection. Universities and educational institutions should promote basic human values among students; for, once outside the protected precincts of a university, every student will have to face the world on an individual footing when these values will stand him/ her in good stead. Life after studies is not going to be easy. It may not go according to expectations and may be full of obstacles and problems. At all points, it is ethics along with education and intelligence that will help. Ethics should be the backbone of one's life. Irrespective of education one can be happy. The great Mahatma has shown how to share values like truthfulness and honesty, how to care and share for one another even as he fought the freedom struggle in India. His principle of ahimsa has become popular all over the world..."In a lighter vein he said: "India has perhaps imported too much of it and now has to find ways and means of generating more of ahimsa..."

"Society is not without mischievous people. We should learn to confront these without losing moral values."

He reiterated his commitment to the promotion of human values and religious harmony, even while being involved in the freedom struggle of Tibet.

In the brief interactive session that followed, he responded to questions on the common man's search for peace, education and global peace, and human rights issues.

The Principal of the college, Dr. Nirmala Prasad, proposed a vote of thanks, while earlier, the Secretary, P. Haridas, welcomed the dignitary who arrived amid tight security.

At a time when there is a general erosion of values and the role of educational institutions seems more degree-oriented, such thoughts on promotion of values and ethics along with education need to be seriously considered.

PADMINI DEVARAJAN

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