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hh the 14th dalai lama speaks in d.c. |
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Public Address by His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama of Tibet 2 July 2000, The National Mall, Washington D.C. Parenthetical inserts in the transcript are my own words. They are my clarifications of His Holiness' "old" English, or they are best guesses at what he said through the sounds of the breeze, a generator, the crowd and other noise on the tape. The recording begins with the gleeful chatter of the people who stood around me. This is soon followed by sounds of deflation and disappointment as His Holiness is directed to move stage-right, which meant that those of us who had had a three-quarter frontal view of His Holiness had our view blocked by a metal column.
My dear brothers and sisters, I am extremely happy to be here with you on this special occasion this afternoon. So I feel quite proud, and I want to express so to those people who really worked hard-- so thank you very much. And then also, to the monks who are here, from India, I very much appreciate. But at the same time, those people who come here hoping if you come with typical curiosity -- that's OK. (If you come here in the hope that) I will give a special aid to someone, come here with some expectation, then you will get disappointed. There are all kinds of tendencies when I talk, from those wanting aid for some people, who come here with some kind of belief that the Dalai Lama has the healing power. And, you see, they sometimes think, they are hoping to cure some of their problems. That is disaster! I have no sort of miracle power or nothing! So, so sometimes, when people call me as a 'living Buddha' -- but, actually, you see, I think the very term 'living Buddha' is, this I think is a mistake. So in the Tibetan word 'lama' or 'guru,' there is no such meaning as 'living Buddha.' So that very term is a mistake. So, I want to communicate with you as another human brother, as a human being. See, we are the same. Basically, emotionally, or mentally, or physically, we are same human beings. So, according to my own experience, yes, many may find some usefulness (in knowing) it's the same nature. I also, see, have a lot of problems. Emotional problems... and the physical problems, also. So, you also, see, have the same experience. Then we, not only human beings, but all sentient beings -- that means those living beings who have the experience of pains and suffering, and happiness and pleasure -- so all sentient beings have same the desire: to overcome suffering and to achieve a happy life. And I think as far as the right of existence is concerned, even, you see, those trees, those other sorts of living things like trees, flowers -- I think, today, grass here may suffer a little bit -- but basically, every living thing has the right to exist. So, basically, all sentient beings have the same right to have a happy life. So we human beings, certainly, from birth, everyone has the right to be a happy person and have a successful life. As a matter of fact, I feel the very foundation of our existence is our hope. Where there is hope, yes, we survive. So therefore, the very purpose of our life is happiness. Our hope is the purpose of our life. So now, the point that I want to share with you is... happiness, pleasure, and suffering, pains, which mainly we live with on physical level, or the sensory level, that is common even with animals. Animals also enjoy when they have enough food, have comfortable shelter, and some good companions, and reproduce sexually. These are common with the animals. But then we human beings, I think, that something different than animals is mainly human intelligence. Because of human intelligence, we human beings (have come into more ability). Our physicality, compared to some other species of mammal, our physicality is small. Compared to some of them, our physical strength is particularly small. But because of the intelligence, human beings have become most superior on this planet. So, it is because of human intelligence that that happened. So similarly, because of human intelligence, we human beings have greater potential in both construction and destruction. So because of that, you see, sometimes I jokingly tell audiences -- and also, myself, also sometimes feel -- that human beings, particularly because of human intelligence, we are, I think, the most negative among the thousands and thousands of different species of mammals. So if we really want peaceful world, then I think the human species should finish. It should disappear. Then I think the world will maybe become more safer (stunned laughter from audience). Because we are, because of this intelligence, our greed, our desire, also (can go) beyond limitations. And with that ability, you see, to exploit, these days human beings can be very negative, very destructive. So finally, the human beings themselves suffer. So therefore, because of the intelligence, we have the potential of both positive and negative. And another thing: Because of the intelligence, we human beings experience our pains and pressure mainly on level of mind. (pause, to speak to translator?) Of course, my English very bad. And especially, you see, when a person becomes older, my English also getting older. So, excuse me, if during the program I occasionally have to ask my teacher here, my English teacher, or translator. So... so we have these certain pains, certain experience of pains and pressures, mainly due to mental dilemma. So... it is quite obvious, because of our thinking power, our over-imaginations, thinking about long-terms... possible futures, that sometimes bring us more anxiety. More sorrow and angst. And also, you see, greed... desire... beyond limits, beyond necessary. Again, you see, if our desire goes beyond limitations, then, you see, more discomfort! So therefore, these are, I think, the unique sort of problems of human beings. Animals have not that kind of problem. So therefore, in one way, human intelligence is very precious. Very blessed. But at the same time, it can be very destructive and also can be source of problems, source of suffering. So then obviously, our pains and answer-searching and other sorts of problems on that level, cannot be overcome by physical comforts. We can see, we can witness, the rich people -- millionaires or billionaires -- all the facilities there. At the same time, that person can be very unhappy person. We can see that! So if the physical facility, the material facility, can fulfill all of our desire, then such rich people should not have any sort of mental problem or suffering. That is not the case. On the other hand, let's say someone who, materially, is not of that level. But can be a very happy person. Resulting mental level, experience on the mental level, is more superior, more effective, than the physical level. So now my main point is (and at this point, the sound system suddenly boosted in quality and volume): Why we are putting every effort, and paying attention, to material development? We must not neglect our inner values. If we become slaves of money, we can't be happy person. And if we expect all our problems can be solved through external means, that's a mistake. That's unfortunate. It's impossible. So therefore, while we are enjoying or making effort to further develop material facilities through science and technology, it is very essential, very useful to think, occasionally, inward. And here is a point that usually I call 'human values.' The entire human species are social animals. So because of that nature, because of (our being) social animals -- you see, by birth, by nature -- we have the sense of community. Because our individual survival very much depends on the community. So therefore... that we can see, according to established medical science. Even the child, before birth, the child already has some kind of capacity to recognize mother's voice. So that means, by nature, the child enitrely depends on that person. So that closeness feeling toward that person is, before birth, already developed. So afterward, after birth, the caring by mother or some other people, under those circumstances, the child survives and grows. More affection, more taking care, the physical development also healthier, and mental development also healthier. Obviously to those children, especially to unwanted children, (this is) really very unfortunate! You see, they grow in the atmosphere of insecurity, develop sense of insecurity. No one can thrive from harm. That's very, very harmful for development of the physical as well as the mind. So therefore, the sense of taking care and sharing one another, these are basic human qualities. Of course, aggressiveness is also part of human nature. But I think that comes later, I think. The affection for one another, that is the foundation of our survival. So that comes right from the beginning. Aggressiveness, it seems, the human intelligence develops. Then the aggressiveness also increases. This is my feeling. So basically, I feel, human nature is more positive, more affectionate. Some of my friends might argue that: "Human nature is aggressive." So some people, i think, have a very pessimistic attitude that human nature is bad. I think that is a mistake. If human nature is really bad, then there's no use to talk about a future! So therefore, as I mentioned earlier today, in this physical (sense), (newborns) very much need other's affectionate attitude. So again, you see, according to medical science, after birth, in the next few weeks, the physical touch of the mother or someone who takes care, the physical touch is very, very crucial factor for the development of the brain. So the physical development very much needs human attention. So then, obviously, those people who have more negative emotions such as hatred, fear, jealousy, these people won't be a happy person. And their lifespan also can be shortened. Again, this is some of the latest medical scientists who say from their some research that those individuals who often use words (like) "I," "my," "mine," "me" like that; that these people have greater risk for heart attack. So this shows too much, I think, self-centeredness, narrow-mindedness really brings disaster, brings unhappy life. And I think, quite logically, when we think with just one (perspective), we allow our mind to focus in really limited area. So we think in that very limited area that even small problems, you see, appear very big. So therefore, because of that kind of appearance, you feel unbearable weight or (discomfort). So when our mind thinks about hope, thinks about others, then ultimately our mind widens. So, as a result, one's own problems in that vast area cannot be of significance, cannot be big. So the same problems (encountered by different people), because of mental attitude, make big differences (in those people's existence). So therefore, to think just of oneself and these negative emotions -- hatred, fear, jealousy -- these are very bad for, even for health. So the basis of hatred is narrow-minded, self-centeredness. These are the foundations, the basic causes of hatred. Because if you accept, if you acknowledge or realize, that other people also have the right to have happy life, then you have respect for others. then, you see, these kinds of deep feelings would not come, would not arise. So therefore, these sort of negative emotions, these destructive emotions, are very bad for our health, as well as for our life. So then, how to transform our mental attitude? As I mentioned earlier, right from the beginning, we have both potentials, positive and negative. So under those circumstances, the development of these positive emotions and some kind of restraint of negative emotions, that is the transformation of the mind. In other words, training of mind. So, you see, (this is possible not just) through meditation. Meditation, here, means just to close our eyes then to sit without moving. or some prayer. Even some, I think, physical exercise (is) very much effective to transform our mind. I'm not saying in order to transform our mind, we should follow a religious faith. I'm not saying that. Just through awareness, analyze! Including those medical science findings. But also, you see, we can examine our daily experiences. One day, maybe previously you had some type of quarrel with others. Maybe some strong feeling of anger, hatred, jealousy, something like that. Even the next day, the next morning, your mood may not flow so smoothly. So then even though the anger is no longer there, the hatred is no longer there, some traces of that negative emotion is still there. So realize that, day by day, if more negative emotions constantly arise, your whole sort of daily life will become uncomfortable or (mired in) bad moods. So therefore, in order to achieve peace of mind, these negative emotions must be cut off, we must deal with these negative emotions. So that's the process of changing our attitude, of our transformation of our minds. Look, generally, throughout the education system, through education. (As we progress through such a system) our ignorance, our mind, our more ignorant mind transforms, (it becomes) more aware. So similarly, then also goes the transformation of our mind, through awareness. So similarly -- of course, there might be external danger, there might be some materials, something poisonous. Through awareness, we can avoid, we can overcome, the danger of that poison. So similarly, through awareness, we can avoid... (HH pauses, speaks to translator for several moments; the translator then speaks) so as you develop a deeper understanding of the dynamics of your emotions and your thought processes, then gradually you will be able to learn a way of discipline where you can distance yourself further and further away from these destructive emotional tendencies. (HH resumes) So that is, I believe, transformation to use our basic good qualities of human nature. Through that way we can master (our existence? mind?). So, in modern times, I feel, still, I think it is very, very important to promote basic human kindness. Otherwise, you see, in future, all of our material development goes to neglect our inner values. Then humanity will face more problems. So therefore, on the individual, or family level or community level, or even on the global level, the basic human values are very, very essential. So, let us try to have better awareness about inner values. Then, accordingly, try to promote, try to extend them, these inner values. This is the one thing I want to share with you. All of us have the same potential, or ability. First, on the individual level, try to be a more happy person through awareness. Then through that way, we can share our experience with family members, then on the community level; so that's a way to the transformation of humanity. Then, here's another thing i want to share with you. When we talk about the future, there's no guarantee about future. Anyway, the future is uncertain. But at the same time, the future is vast... very open, very open. So, it is quite clear, if we human beings, humanity, if we properly use our human intelligence, and properly use our energy, our ability, suddenly we can overcome many problems. Because many problems, essentially, are man-made problems. So therefore, if we utilise wisely our natural ability, then suddenly -- if not completely eliminate, but we certainly can improve man-made problems. And this is the one ("ecology," I believe HH was going to say, but that's the end of side one).
But now, with the population increasing, year by year increasing, quite rapidly. And also, the living standards -- of course, those materially advanced nations see your living standard. I think you are too much consumers, how do you say, consuming. This is too much. Then other people, also, you see, really copying American lifestyle. In Europe, or in Asia, like China -- it's everywhere. You see Russians copying American lifestyle. So, of course, they also have the right to a higher living standard. So the exploitation, or use of nature's resources, is also increasing. They also desire. Greed, too much greed. I think today in the West, you always say (HH speaks to translator, who states) one of the fundamental beliefs in the Western society is the belief in continual, perpetual growth in the economy. (HH resumes) That will never go indefinitely. Sooner or later you will find limitation. So therefore, it is much better -- some time ago, I told some of my Japanese friends it is better, you see, to have a more realistic attitude, as (with) the growth of the materials, there is a limit. So, better to have that kind of awareness, so that when you face the problem that now there is no possibility to increase, then you will not suffer, marginally at least. I think when we think of six billion human beings -- then I think your lifestyle, and your economic theory -- I think, sooner or later, you have to find some new way, more practical. Otherwise, eventually, you may find, really, disaster. So therefore, the ecology... the population increasing, living standard also increasing... therefore that issue becomes more sensitive. Serious issue. Serious issue. (HH speaks in Tibetan, and translator responds). (HH resumes) You know, when we have some sort of ritual teaching, the lama, you see, says one word, then audience repeats after that. So here, I'm repeating his words (HH begins to laugh). So... now, you see, the Mother Earth is really showing sign of warning. So this is one item that is a big challenge. We have to accept that. Then, the population itself, I think we should treat very carefully... of course, the developed countries, you have family planning. Then there is, you see, gap between rich and poor on global level and also on national level. One of my American friends -- this is very interesting -- she told me, in Washington, this is capital... the richest nation's capital, the most powerful. At the same time, in the very capital, there are some families, or some section of families, of the society, in very, very poor conditions. This is not only just morally wrong, but practically also. It's also a problem. (Applause) So if in economy, there are big differences, then this is very difficult on those poor people, poorer parts of community. See, while they are seeing these (perfect?) people, their life, their night-and-day wasting many things -- under those circumstances, it is very difficult to practice compassion. At least, I find it very difficult to say to these people, "Please practice compassion." So the result (for them is) big frustration, more frustrations. Under desperate situations, these frustrations. And anger. And then violence. So then, eventually, the violence becomes something like a daily pattern of life. Then some of these children, without any reason, just basically use weapons. So, some unfortunate events happen. We cannot blame these delusional people. The whole society is basically not very healthy. (Audience applause) So in order to address these problems, I think we have to think long-term for the answer, long-term plan. So mainly, the society has to be (examining) their lifestyle, their whole sort of night-and-day atmosphere in the society. That's very essential, I think it's very important. So, there is this huge gap between rich and poor. This is really a source of problems. But then, I don't know how to address, how to face it, how to overcome, how to solve this problem. One thing I feel quite strongly about, is that people from bigger (richer) section must make effort -- with self-confidence! -- have to make effort. On a few occasions, when I was in the huge continent of Africa, the few occasions I've been there, with some of my friends there, I've shared with them that instead of just blaming the other, through hard work, with self-confidence, initiative, they must take from bigger sections by themselves. Then the wealthier side will, of course, provide them, help them with facilities for education, training. That was my suggestion. And of course, these wealthier people, the billionaire, many dollars there, but still same size of stomach. If you want to consume some very precious things, still the same size of stomach. And if you want to put on some precious jewels and rings, still only 10 fingers. On each finger, if you put two or three rings, then it looks very strange. People may go, "Oh (HH spins his index finger around his ear), something is wrong with that person." (HH and audience laugh) So therefore, I think (HH speaks in Tibetan; translator follows) although your personal wealth may be tremendously great in size, when it comes to actually using it by yourself, as an individual, there are certain limits. (HH resumes) Then there is also the issue of those rich people -- or even, actually, sometimes i've found in the Western society, you see, even though you are not very happy, but you show (materially) that you are a happy person. And even though your knowledge is limited, you show -- almost like Buddha -- enlightenment. But that's hypocrisy. So anyway, my point is wealthier people, mentally, are not necessarily happy. And then also, you see, wealthier people, wealthier families, they are also very much concerned about the image of their family, image of the individual. You are constantly concerned about image, good image. So if you are really concerned about good image, then help other people, help poor people, share your money with unfortunate people. Your image will be overnight improved. (Applause comes in growing wave) Then also, you see, you will have genuine friends. I feel genuine friendship with poor people is something very precious. I think, generally speaking, friendship with poor people is really reliable. Otherwise, sometimes friendship is used just (HH consults translator) (as an) instrument (by others). So therefore, on the wealthier people's side, think about the long term... and more holistically. Then you will realize, then you will get some kind of spiritual points for willingness to share for health, for education -- especially for education -- for poorer section of the people... (HH asks for translation) sincerely. You see, you're helping them, not through a kind of attitude of "I'm rich, so I'm helping you, I'm giving this to you." not that way. "We are same human beings. The difference is, I'm more fortunate, you're a little unfortunate. So, since we are human brothers/sisters, it is my obligation to share with you, with respect, as human brother/sisters." So that's what I say about modern-day gap between rich and poor. It's very serious. Then, population I already mentioned, but here I feel very glad to see a lot of monks and nuns here. So we are making big contribution regarding human population. (HH and audience laugh) So, some are, I think more willing to make contribution to more population (HH laughs harder, then stops) OK. So, then, another thing I want to share with you is that in human society, some kind of problems are always there. That's taken for granted. Problems will happen. This is all because of human intelligence, and there are some kinds of disagreement, some kind of different views, always there. Or contradictions. So in the past, now; or in the past of human history, unfortunately, when we find some disagreement, some conflict, then we use force. So in human history, warfare, violence, has become part of human history. Now human beings, firstly, I think our lifestyle (is) much changed. Economy, much changed. Now I think the reality -- global economy, not just individual nations' economies, and then the environmental problems, and also population, too much population -- because of these factors, the world is becoming smaller. Because something happens in another (region), reprecussions reach here. Something happens here, reprecussion will reach there. So that's the nature of the village we have. So under those circumstances, I feel the very basis of the concept of war is a clear sort of demarcation: "my interests and their interests." So under those circumstances, yes, destruction of your enemy is victory for yourself. But now, today, the reality is not that (?). My interests very much linked with even so-called enemy, because of different ideology, different system or something like that. Still, your survival, your prosperity, is very much linked with them. Therefore, destruction of your neighbor is destruction of yourself. And then, another thing: If through warfare, we can eliminate all problems, then I feel -- (during) the past century, a lot warfare happened: first world war, second world war; a lot of killings happened -- now, today, there should not be anymore any kind of conflict, because we used I think the best part of the human brain, human intelligence, and lots of energy, lots of money spent on war machines. But the problems are still there. So, (warfare) is, I think, the wrong method, wrong method. Look at the former Yugoslavia, Bosnia, and also in Africa. Through killing! Sometimes, the solution (comes) through killing. It's foolish! Impossible. I think it's too much short-sighted. (HH speaks to translator) So, using force under such circumstances and finding some temporary solutions is nothing but gaining some kind of emotional satisfaction rather than really solving the problem. (HH resumes) That is foolish. That is unwise. So therefore, judging from that sort of situation, the concept of warfare, the concept of violence, is out of date. It is quite clear. So on the individual level, or family level, or national level, or the global level, now we must find another effective, human way to face the problem. So that's, I feel, dialogue. So while we find (HH goes to translator) while we are searching for this alternative (HH resumes) this is an effective way, dialogue. And here, in the spirit of innerness (?), anyway, we have to live together. My future depends on you. So I have to take that reality. So, you see, if I (bring) harm on you, I will suffer. With that awareness, on that basis, then the willingness to share (HH consults translator) willingness to recognize the interests of others (HH resumes) would say compromise. Keep in our mind their interests, and in the meantime not lose one's own interests. Sometimes it's a difficult thing. So in the meantime, then, we can promote the concept of non-violence, the concept of peace, world peace. So, once we find some kind of peaceful means -- effective, peaceful means -- to address this problem, on the national level, or international level -- then, there will be no use (for) weapons. Perhaps, because of some michievious individual here or there, we may need a few weapons. Otherwise, you see, no huuuge, destructive weapons. There's no need. So this famous, what do you call it? (to translator) Pentagon, Pentagon isn't it?, Pentagon, American defense ministry, Pentagon, yes. Then, I think, a lot of workers in the Pentagon, I think can retire. Then many of these brilliant scientists who are working under military establishment -- I think it is pity! Brilliant mind! Utilised for how to kill human beings. That's very sad! So therefore, then I think the whole system can be rearranged. That is something my German professor, I think, I heard one time he expressed: In the model society, there is no need for defense and foreign ministries. I think that's marvelous! Treat your neighbor as a model of your own country. No need for some kind of demarcation "we and they," and then (as a result) defense and foreign ministries. So this I think is marvelous. So, in anyway, then the idea, or our ultimate goal, is a completely demilitarised planet. That should be our goal. Oh, now not much time; I hope you (have not been bored; HH actually said "I hope you are not boring," which elicited laughter). Some of my old friends, They are familiar with all these talks, so I think for some of you it may be boring. Lastly, in order to promote basic human values, all major religious traditions also have, I think, very important tasks or important roles. So in order to make effective, the religious faith... first, ourselves, whether we accept religion or not, that is up to the individual. Yes, in reality, without religious faith, you see, we can be a happy person. And without religion, there can be a happy world. That's what I believe. But at the same time, the religions also, if you properly follow them, also have an important role. Therefore, once we accept religion, then we must follow very sincerely, very genuinely. So that way, harmony among the different religions can be achieved. Now lastly a few words in Tibetan. To those audiences not here. I think, maybe, their spirit may be here, but physically not here. Very far. (HH speaks in Tibetan for several minutes). So that is about my talk to people inside Tibet, my own people inside Tibet. The meaning of the message is something secret, I do not have to share any of it with you (HH, or his translator, laughs maniacally). But anyway, I really enjoyed this sort of occasion. So please, now, this is important. Let us be nice human beings, warm-hearted human beings, so that we, individually, also can become a more happy person. That's our goal, that's our base in life. And in that way, we can make a contribution for transformation of a better human society, for better human beings. Thank you very much.
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