An Appeal to the World: The Way to Peace in a Time of Division. Dalai Lama

want peace.

      We must use more effective methods. Arms exports are a major impediment to building peace.

      Whenever we face difficulties or there is an economic crisis, or even when religious disputes arise, we must work towards a model where the only correct method is dialogue.

      We must learn that we are all brothers and sisters. The past century was the century of violence. This twenty-first century should be the century of dialogue! We can never change the past, but we can always learn from it to create a better future.

      The idea that problems can be solved with violence and weapons is a disastrous delusion. With rare exceptions, violence always leads to more violence. In our interconnected world, war is an anachronism that contradicts reason and ethics. The Iraq War, which George W. Bush began in 2003, was a catastrophe. This conflict still hasn’t been resolved to this day and has claimed the lives of many people.

      It is plainly not enough to appeal to politicians’ desire for peace. It is more important for increasing numbers of people throughout the world to speak out for disarmament. Disarmament is compassion put into practice. But the prerequisite for external disarmament is an inner disarmament of hatred, prejudice, and intolerance. I appeal to all current warring parties: “Don’t arm yourselves! Disarm!” And to all people: “Overcome hatred and prejudice with understanding, cooperation, and tolerance!”

      Notwithstanding all the suffering that China has brought upon us Tibetans for decades, I am deeply convinced that most human conflicts can be resolved through sincere dialogue. This strategy of nonviolence and reverence for all life is Tibet’s gift to the world.

       Dalai Lama

       Dharamsala, India

EDUCATING THE HEART A Conversation with His Holiness the Dalai Lama

       In the United States, President Donald Trump governs according to the mottoes “America First” and “Make America Great Again.” Are these mottoes still up-to-date in this age of globalization?