In the wake of the Paris attacks of last Friday, and the ongoing flight diversions and air raids in Syria by French and Russian jets, many of the world’s political leaders have been asking us to pray for Paris. But one of the world’s most spiritual ones, the Dalai Lama, is recommending that we stop praying and start working for peace.
Speaking to the German international broadcaster Deutsche Welle, the Buddhist leader espoused his views that praying merely asks God to resolve a problem that humans created.
“We cannot solve this problem only through prayers. I am a Buddhist and I believe in praying. But humans have created this problem, and now we are asking God to solve it. It is illogical. God would say, solve it yourself because you created it in the first place,” the Dalai Lama said.
The Tibetan leader went on to say that the fundamental issue facing mankind today is that we value national interest before the collective global issues we all must work around.
“We need a systematic approach to foster humanistic values, of oneness and harmony. If we start doing it now, there is hope that this century will be different from the previous one. It is in everybody’s interest. So let us work for peace within our families and society, and not expect help from God, Buddha or the governments.”
The Dalai Lama also said that much of the violence in the world today is a result of superficial squabbling.
“Furthermore, the problems that we are facing today are the result of superficial differences over religious faiths and nationalities,” he told Deutsche Welle. “We are one people.”
When pressed on the role of the Dalai Lama, who Buddhists believe is reincarnated at the moment of death, and whether the people of Tibet still want to follow the leadership of future Dalai Lamas, the current leader said he would leave that decision up to the people of Tibet.
“If the people think that this institution is no longer relevant, it should be abolished. I am no more involved in political matters,” he said. “I am only concerned about Tibet’s well-being.”
