His Holiness the Dalai Lama said secularism is the basis of all religions

His Holiness the Dalai Lama smiles during the talk on A Good Heart : The key to Health and Happiness. 10 Nov. (Photo: Lobsang Wangyal)

Tokyo: : "Secularism does not mean rejection of all religions. It means respect for all religions and human beings including non-believers," His Holiness the Dalai Lama said speaking to a crowd of 8,000 Japanese and foreigners at Ryogoku-Kokugikan stadium in Tokyo.

"I am talking to you not as a Tibetan or a Buddhist but as a human being having a friendly discussion and sharing my experiences on the benefits of cultivating basic human values."

His Holiness the Dalai Lama in his lecture on 'A Good Heart : The key to Health and Happiness' emphasised on cultivating secular ethics, which he said has nothing to do with religion but benefits all human beings. He said strengthening inner values of warm-heartedness and compassion benefits both believers and non-believers in leading a happy and meaningful life.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama greets thousands of Japenese audience at the conclusion of the talk. (Photo: Lobsang Wangyal)

Underlining the importance of internal and external values for a happy life, His Holiness said Japan has the potential to combine both values with its rich spiritual tradition and technological progress. "You have a rich spiritual tradition. The Shinto values of protecting nature and respect for the environment are relevant to this day. Buddhism as Japan's traditional religion teaches humane values."

Responding to a question from the audience, he said Japan is the most relevant nation in taking the lead towards abolition of nuclear weapons as the country had suffered the deadly impacts of history's first nuclear weapon. He also called for a complete ban on arms sale especially to undemocratic nations.

"Peace does not mean absence of conflicts. Differences will always be there. Peace means solving these differences through peaceful means; through dialogue, education, knowledge; through humane ways," His Holiness the Dalai Lama said amidst a thunderous applause.

To a request from the audience to hold the next Kalachakra teachings in Japan, His Holiness the Dalai Lama said it could be organised if there were sufficient interests among the people.

Friday's event was organised by the Tokyo-based Liaison Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama for Japan and East Asia.

  (www.tibet.net is the official website of the Central Tibetan Administration of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.)

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