Wisdom of today by the Dalai Lama

“The outbreak of the coronavirus has brought about change in the world and given rise to anxiety and fear,” remarked Ms Ng as she introduced the dialogue. “Many people face unemployment. The world has become more complex and more interdependent. Today, more than 700 young people from eight South-east Asian countries are participating in this virtual dialogue. We hope to put several questions to you, but first would like to ask, ‘What is your advice for young people today?’”

“Thank you, I appreciate the efforts of all the organizers for creating this opportunity,” His Holiness replied. “First of all, I’d like to share with you the idea that as human beings, all seven billion of us are the same. From a Buddhist point of view, all sentient beings are the same in that all want to be happy and to avoid suffering. Human beings are intelligent, but when our intelligence is combined with destructive emotions, the results can be destructive. We develop science and technology, but dedicate them to war and destruction, creating ever more fearsome weapons. Other animals can’t do this.

“When our wonderful brains are under the control of destructive emotions, we create problems for ourselves. Therefore, since we also have the ability to reduce them, we have a responsibility to tackle these problems.

“Some scientists say that it’s basic human nature to be compassionate. We are social animals. We have a sense of community. Right from our birth we are familiar with the idea of being concerned about others and actively cultivating altruism gives us energy.

Source : https://www.dalailama.com/news/2020/dialogue-with-young-people-from-south-east-asia