Prague, Oct 18 (CTK) – There are mnay problems in the world, but compared to the past, the situation is much better, the Tibetan Dalai Lama said at the Forum 2000 international conference on Tuesday, adding that he is optimistic about the future development of humankind.
Czech Catholic priest Tomas Halik warned of the threats of nationalism and religious fundamentalism.
The Dalai Lama said that seen from a broader perspective and a longer time horizon, everything is much more positive than it may seem.
There is a great desire for peace, humankind has more compassion than before, he said.
The Dalai Lama said compassion is of key importance for the future of humankind and children should be educated accordingly.
He said people must seek happiness and worldwide peace. At the same time he said only those who have reached their own internal peace can attain peace in the world.
Halik warned of new threats emerging in the world. “We can see a dangerous reaction to the process of globalisation in the form of revival of nationalism, the war of cultures and a rising intolerance,” he said.
He mentioned the tendencies towards isolation, which in Britain generated the decision to leave the European Union and in the United States support for the Republican presidential candidate, Donald Trump.
In Central Europe, these tendencies have the form of the reinforcing of populist groupings, Halik said.
He said religious fundamentalism is present mainly in Arab countries. “The new nationalism there uses Islamic religious symbols for its own purposes, Halik said.
The Saudi Arab fighter for women’s rights, Manal al-Sharif, also spoke about the abuse of Islam. Religion hasbecome an instrument in the hands of politicians, she said.
This has caused the world to consider Muslims madmen resolved to attack anytime.
But only a small aggressive group is like this. A majority of Muslims are peaceloving, she said.
The Dalai Lama stood up against linking any religion with terrorism.
He said killing a person in the name of a religion is a terrible deed.
He who promotes terrorism is not a true Muslim. That is why not Islamic terrorism, but simply terrorism should be spoken about, the Dalai Lama said.
