Hope for Peace on Earth 

by His Holiness The Dalai Lama

His Holiness Tenzin Gyatso, 14th Dalai Lama, is both the political and religious leader of the people of Tibet and a spiritual ambassador to the world. The first Dalai Lama to travel to the West, he has helped spread the Buddhist teachings of compassion for all living things, religious harmony, and universal responsibility. In 1989, His Holiness was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his distinguished writings and his leadership in the peaceful solution of international conflicts, human rights issues, and global environmental problems. He is known to millions around the world for his ever-smiling face and his message of compassion, altruism, and peace.

I feel optimistic about the future. Some recent trends portend our great potential for a better world. As late as the ’50s and ’60s, people believed that war was an inevitable condition of mankind. The Cold War, in particular, reinforced the notion that opposing political systems could only clash, not compete or even collaborate. Few now hold this view. Today, people all over the planet are genuinely concerned about world peace. They are far less interested in propounding ideology and far more committed to coexistence. These are very positive developments.

Also, for thousands of years people believed that only an authoritarian organization employing rigid disciplinary methods could govern human society. However, people have an innate desire for freedom and democracy, and these two forces have been in conflict. Today, it is clear which has won. The emergence of nonviolent “people’s power” movements has shown indisputably that the human race can neither tolerate nor function properly under the rule of tyranny. This recognition represents remarkable progress.

Another hopeful development is the growing compatibility between science and religion. Throughout the 19th century and for much of the 20th, people have been profoundly confused by the conflict between these apparently contradictory worldviews. Today, physics, biology, and psychology have reached such sophisticated levels that many researchers are starting to ask the most profound questions about the ultimate nature of the universe and life, the same questions that are of prime interest to religions. 

The rapid changes in our attitude toward the earth are also a source of hope. As recently as 10 or 15 years ago, we thoughtlessly consumed its resources, as if there was no end to them. Now, not only individuals, but governments as well, are seeking a new ecological order. I often joke that the moon and stars look beautiful, but if any of us tried to live on them, we would be miserable. This blue planet of ours is the most delightful habitat we know. Its life is our life; its future, our future. 

I, for one, truly believe that individuals can make a difference in society. Since periods of great change such as the present one come so rarely in human history, it is up to each of us to make the best use of our time to help create a happier world.

Excerpt from In My Own Words: An Introduction to My Teachings and Philosophy. His Holiness The Dalai Lama. Edited by Rajiv Mehrotra. For more information or to order this book, please visit hayhouse.com.

His Holiness The Dalai Lama, Hay House Precious Moments: Hope for Peace on Earth, Retrieved on 10/6/2008 from http://affirm.hayhouse.com/hostedemail/email.htm?h=704a9583ad47d5a888dabedfccaa88ad&CID=3652742814&ch=578EB375BBE1BA7BEF5909FB1355C134#inspiration