Statement by His Holiness the Dalai Lama
2012 Templeton Prize Laureate

When I heard today your decision to give me this quite famous award, I really felt this is another sign of recognition about my little service to humanity, mainly, nonviolence and unity around different religious traditions.

I totally dedicated my life to bring a more close understanding among these different religious traditions.

And then, any problem, we human created problem, we must find ways and means to face these problems through strictly nonviolent approach. And that is through dialogue.

I am often used to telling twentieth century very important human history. But that through the centuries, more or less, it becomes centered on bloodshed.

Now, that immense sort of violence, if it really brought a better world, then there is some justification for that immense violence. But that is not the case.

So we must use our common sense from our past experience. Whenever we face a problem we have to find a nonviolent way to solve that problem. Use violence, rely on force cannot solve the problem.

That is my fundamental belief. So accordingly I always try to make awareness to more people wherever I go.

So this award, I feel, is your recognition about my little service to this field. I am very proud, very happy indeed, great honor.

But at the same time, personally, when Nobel Peace Prize announced my name, at that time I expressed that I am no more, no less, just a simple Buddhist monk. So still, I am a simple Buddhist monk, no less, no more, after receiving this award.

Of course more people may pay some attention about my talks, my thoughts, so in that sense, I think, very very helpful. You are helping my effort. Thank you very much.