Peace won't come through mere UN resolutions: Dalai Lama

Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama on Saturday asked humanity to make the 21st century an era of peace, but said peace would not fall from the sky or by “resolutions” passed at the United Nations (UN).

Addressing the “Message Proclamation of the 80th annual pilgrimage of the Sree Narayana Mutt” at Sivagiri here, the Dalai Lama said peace would come through compassion and understanding of the views and concerns of other individuals and not by passing mere resolutions.

“The United Nations’s nice resolutions will not bring peace. Compassion is the alternative source of happiness and universal religion,” he said.

“The new era has just begun and 88 years are yet to come. So, here is an opportunity to make the century a peaceful one,” the Nobel Peace Laureate said.One should overcome anger and hatred. “Actually, anger and hatred come on the basis of fear,” he said.

Whether between community, individuals or nations, trust can be built only through compassion, he said, adding, exploiting and bullying others should be avoided.

Quoting historians, the Dalai Lama said 200 million people were killed in the last century in violence, war and civil wars. “The 20th century can be described as the century of violence and bloodshed. Even nuclear weapons were used. So, we have to make efforts to make this century a period of peace. There is an opportunity to make this century a peaceful one,” he said.

The spiritual leader said, though 20th century saw development in the field of science and technology, it was an era of violence and bloodshed. Science and technology also brought destruction and fear, he added.He also denounced corruption rampant in many parts of the world including India and said, “corruption is also a form of violence.”He said, India’s tradition of “ahimsa” (non-violence) and secularism were very much relevant in the present-day world. Relationship between individuals and nations should be made only on the basis of trust, he added.

Praising the religious harmony in India, the Dalai Lama said, minor trouble created by mischievous elements in religions was understandable. Sivagiri Mutt is hallowed by the samadhi of saint and reformer Sree Narayana Guru who preached the message of “one caste, one religion and one God”.The Mutt attracts devotees from far and wide during its annual pilgrimage held from December 30 to January 1.