Sunday, September 17, 2006 (Denver):
Thousands of teenagers who had gathered for the Peace Jam world convention rose to their feet and cheered, greeting the Dalai Lama like a rock star.
Addressing teens assembled from 31 countries, the Dalai Lama spoke for more than an hour, urging young people to keep open hearts and practice peace in their daily lives.
"At this moment, in 2006, the major part of this century is in your hands," he told them.
Facing a future with an ever-growing population, more and more demands for energy and food, and huge disparities in wealth, the Dalai Lama said the next generation will have to embrace globalisation and accept people from all countries as neighbours and collaborators, not rivals.
"There are no national boundaries. The whole globe is becoming one body," he said.
"In these circumstances, I think war is outdated. Destruction of your neighbour is actually destruction of yourself."
Destroying another country in war does not benefit the victor any more, he said.
"We need a sense of caring, a sense of concern for others," he said.
Peace Jam participants opened their first day of lectures and interactive sessions with 10 Nobel Peace Prize recipients at the University of Denver.
They gathered in "family groups" of 10 or 12 with a mentor to discuss the challenges that face them, the barriers to world peace, and the teachings of Nobel laureates. (AP)
Tags:
No comments:
Post a Comment