According to the spiritual leader, Ahimsa and Karuna are the basis for happiness. In the last century, Mahatma Gandhi showed how effective adopting a non-violence stance could be. In the present century, India can demonstrate how effective non-violence and compassion can be in interpersonal relations.

These motivations can be combined with the philosophical insight that nothing exists as it appears. His Holiness reported that the Indian nuclear physicist Raja Ramana once told him that although quantum physics seemed to be something new in the west, several of its insights were anticipated in Nagarjuna’s thought. His Holiness ended his introductory talk by confirming that one of his personal commitments is to encourage the revival of interest in ancient Indian knowledge in India.
He drew attention to the links between physical and mental well-being, pointing out that finding peace of mind means you’re not subject to anxiety and fear, but that you also tend to have low blood pressure. When your mind is at ease, you experience less physical stress. Non-violence and compassion lead to peace of mind, which in turn brings you a sense of physical well-being. On the other hand, a self-centred attitude attracts problems, but it can be countered by cultivating altruism.
His Holiness emphasised not only the importance of contentment, but also the fact that inner values are more important than clinging to physical possessions.
The Dalai Lama admitted that the moment he wakes in the morning he repeats to himself lines from Chandrakirti that are indicative of reality, while also cultivating a sense of altruism. He finds this a very useful way to start the day.
His Holiness conceded that the current pandemic is a severe problem, but mentioned that things change and nothing stays the same. He observed that global warming is also a serious threat to human well-being. He spoke of his concern for the ecology of Tibet, because the major rivers of Asia rise on the Tibetan plateau and should they dry up, as some scientists have predicted they might, the consequences will be far-reaching for a large number of people.
He praised the material and technological developments that have taken place across the world. He warned however of such developments being taken to extremes, with little regard for their side effects. He encouraged taking a more holistic approach.
A question about panic and anxiety prompted His Holiness to mention the importance of learning more about our inner world. He observed that it’s when fear is exaggerated that it causes us problems. He recommended reading Shantideva’s ‘Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life’. Chapter six explores how damaging anger can be and how positive patience is instead. Chapter eight examines in detail the drawbacks of self-centredness.
We need to analyse the problems we face, investigating whether they can be solved. If they can, then implementing the solution is what we should do. If there is no solution and nothing can be done, we have to accept that. Worrying about it won't help.
His Holiness told a student, who felt that his inclination to act out of compassion was too often contrary to his own interests, that we are social animals. From the moment of our birth our life depends on others. He suggested that in this context, helping others is actually the best way of looking after our own interests. Taking care of others is to take care of ourselves.
Invited to comment on the existence of God, His Holiness admitted that Muslims, Christians and Jews all believe in God, a creator God characterized by loving kindness. That makes all of us, he said, children of a loving God — and so brothers and sisters.
His Holiness laughed and recalled an episode that took place when he was with his good friend Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Tutu declared that as a practising Christian he is looking forward to going to heaven when he dies. He lamented that when the time comes, the Dalai Lama will go somewhere else. His Holiness remarked that some people have said that where the Dalai Lama goes, they hope to go too.
“I have great respect for Christianity,” His Holiness added. “But I haven’t found an answer to why, in a world created by God, there is so much trouble. I find it easier to understand the idea of karma, that what happens to us is a result of our actions. Helping others brings positive results; harming them is a source of suffering.”
Invited to comment on the existence of God, His Holiness admitted that Muslims, Christians and Jews all believe in God, a creator God characterized by loving kindness. That makes all of us, he said, children of a loving God — and so brothers and sisters.
“I have great respect for Christianity,” His Holiness added. “But I haven’t found an answer to why, in a world created by God, there is so much trouble. I find it easier to understand the idea of karma that what happens to us is a result of our actions. Helping others brings positive results; harming them is a source of suffering.”