The Dalai Lama on Sunday stressed that India “must take the lead” in promoting “secular ethics” with “Indian tradition of non-violence and harmony among various faiths”, to present a model before the rest of the world.
He was speaking in Rishikesh where spiritual gurus drawn from various faiths said that voluntary efforts must complement governmental initiatives in cleaning the Ganga and addressing other pressing environmental concerns.
“You should be proud of your nation, and you should be proud of your spiritual heritage. You (India) must continue to promote non-violence and harmony among different faiths (no matter where you are),” the Dalai Lama told The Indian Express, when asked about the challenges facing the country.
“No matter where they are, the Chinese find a way to promote their food. Similarly, Indians, wherever they are present in a group, in any part of the world, should promote the ideals of ahimsa (non-violence) and harmony,” said the Dalai Lama. He stressed that “modern-day secular ethics (like compassion and kindness)” must complement “traditional values (like non-violence in society)”.
