[Fwd: The Dalai Lama on war and the Iraq conflict]

[Guest guest]

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The Dalai Lama on war and the Iraq conflict

 

Sun, 30 Mar 2003 22:03:12 -0800

 

Lee Robbins <LeeRobbins (AT) post (DOT) Harvard.edu>

 

"MSR List" <msrlist (AT) aom (DOT) pace.edu>

 

<msrlist (AT) aom (DOT) pace.edu>

The Dalai Lama on war and the Iraq conflict

Dear MSR colleagues,

Not that it provides "answers" but I though you might find the following

of interest during these troubled times.

Lee Robbins, MSR Chair <LeeRobbins (AT) post (DOT) Harvard.edu>

415-552-9800, 415-442-7027

4433 17th St.

San Francisco, CA. 94114

work FAX: 415-442-6579

HIS HOLINESS THE DALAI LAMA'S VIEWS ON WAR AND IRAQ CONFLICT

March 11 2003, in Dharamsala

The following is the English translation of His Holiness the Dalai Lama's

views on war and Iraq conflict shared with Buddhist devotees and others on

the first day of the Great Prayer Festival.

http://www.tibet.com/NewsRoom/iraq1.htm

The Iraq issue is becoming very critical now. War, or the kind of organized

fighting, is something that came with the development of human civilization.

It seems to have become part and parcel of human history or human temperament.

At the same time, the world is changing dramatically. We have seen that we

cannot solve human problems by fighting. Problems resulting from differences

in opinion must be resolved through the gradual process of dialogue. Undoubtedly,

wars produce victors and losers; but only temporarily. Victory or defeat

resulting from wars cannot be long lasting. Secondly, our world has become

so interdependent that the defeat of one country must impact the rest of

the word, or cause all of us to suffer losses either directly or indirectly.

Today, the world is so small and so interdependent that the concept of war

has become anachronistic, an outmoded approach. As a rule, we always talk

about reform and changes. Among the old traditions, there are many aspects

that are either ill-suited to our present reality or are counterproductive

due to their shortsightedness. These, we have consigned to the dustbin of

history. War too should be relegated to the dustbin of history.

Unfortunately, although we are in the 21st century, we still have not been

able to get rid of the habit of our older generations. I am talking about

the belief or confidence that we can solve our problems with arms. It is

because of this notion that the world continues to be dogged by all kinds

of problems.

But what can we do? What can we do when big powers have already made up

their minds? All we can do is to pray for a gradual end to the tradition

of wars. Of course, the militaristic tradition may not end easily. But, let

us think of this. If there were bloodshed, people in positions of power,

or those who are responsible, will find safe places; they will escape the

consequent hardship. They will find safety for themselves, one way or the

other. But what about the poor people, the defenseless people, the children,

the old and infirm. They are the ones who will have to bear the brunt of

devastation. When weapons are fired, the result will be death and destruction.

Weapons will not discriminate between the innocent and guilty.

A missile, once fired, will show no respect to the innocent, poor, defenseless,

or those worthy of compassion. Therefore, the real losers will be the poor

and defenseless, ones who are completely innocent, and those who lead a hand-to-mouth

existence.

On the positive side, we now have people volunteer medical care, aid, and

other humanitarian assistance in war-torn regions. This is a heart-winning

development of the modern age.

Okay, now, let us pray that there be no war at all, if possible. However,

if a war does break out, let us pray that there be a minimum bloodshed and

hardship. I don't know whether our prayers will be of any practical help.

But this is all we can do for the moment.

Translated and issued by:

The Department of Information and International Relations

Central Tibetan Administration

Dharamsala INDIA