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Like an experienced medical practitioner, the Tibetan spiritual leader straightaway sought to find and treat the cause of life’s difficulties.
“Lack of ethics, principle, and righteousness is the root of our problems,” the Dalai Lama said while calling corruption “a new world epidemic”.
“We all say relaxation and rest is important but with a mind filled with conflicting emotions, even on the most comfortable chair, you cannot relax,” the Dalai Lama said.
Stressing on the vital role that the training and transformation of the mind plays in facing and resolving difficulties, His Holiness called for social ethics education in schools and daily life.
“Social transformation through secular ethics education is very possible. Changing society through prayers is difficult,” the Dalai Lama said with a gentle laugh.
Referring to research works being carried out in the US, the 76-year old Nobel Peace laureate noted that the initial results of practicing mindfulness and compassion in schools have been “encouraging”.
“Research on the mind and research on how to incorporate social ethics in education,” the Dalai Lama said.
“Concerned people should investigate on how to improve mental attitude towards oneself, others and the world.”
Drawing parallels between the advancements in technology and the need for advancement of the mind, the Dalai Lama pointed out that even the most technologically advanced cameras fail to take a picture of the human mind.
“Little transformation of the mind, which we cannot see, is very important,” the Dalai Lama advised.
Heeding to a request for regular visits by a Japanese in the audience, the Tibetan spiritual leader said that he was looking forward to holding wider discussions with the public and scientists in Japan.
The Dalai Lama is currently on a 10-day visit to Japan and is scheduled to visit Koyasan tomorrow to participate in the 125th founding anniversary of the Koyasan University.
One of the Dalai Lama’s books (The Art of Happiness) changed my life in university so I always heed whatever he says. In this article, the importance of teaching social ethics at a young age is stressed. While I agree with this, I feel like the bigger problem with corruption is poverty. It’s a chicken and the egg arguement, isn’t it? People are often corrupt because they live in poverty and need money while corruption breeds more poverty by empowering a few at the cost of many.
I am not sure I agree with the equation that if you live in poverty you will necessary have a tendency to make corrupt choices
As someone who has taught social ethics for thirty years, I think it is important but I am not convinced that teaching the subject makes us any more empathetic or responsible in our behaviours. Do we have evidence-based data to prove me wrong? Are what are we teaching — should it be ethical absolutism (one set of common beliefs for all) or moral relativism (when in Rome do what the Romans do)?