The increase in violence in the Syracuse community has people here alarmed. And of even greater concern has been
frequent press reports of violent assaults with knifes and guns by minors here. The Buddhist ethos of peaceful coexistence is therefore welcomed here in Syracuse.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama has recently said that the young should preserve an ethos of non-violence. Although his recent comments about the importance of non-violence for the young as reported on his online office were directed to the youth in India where he lives in exile, clearly the Dalai Lama would like to see the young here in Syracuse too and across the world adhere to an ethos of non-violence, http://bit.ly/f8Fv0b.
In fact the Dalai Lama has commented he feels the youth where he lives should be playing a more active role in preserving their ethos of non-violence and propagating it to the outside world. He has said "On non-violence and spirituality I have nothing to say to Indians, you already know these things for at least the last 2000 modern years. But to the younger generation of Indians, who have a lot of interest in technology and science, I feel it is worthwhile to remind them of their traditions, I would say develop your country and also maintain these traditions."
The Dalai Lama has gone on to say that calling himself a "messenger of India's ancient thought" and describing his relationship with India as that of a "chela and guru", he feels Indians should take an active role in taking the message of non-violence inherent in their tradition to the world on a human level.
The Buddhist spiritual leader has asked young Indians to pay greater attention to eradicating the ills of their society, "like the caste system, the dowry system and other discriminations that are prevalent in your society". The Dalai Lama has also said while India might be behind China as far as economic progress is concerned, India has rich values of democracy and freedom which place it in a better position to play a positive and effective role in the world.
The message for a respect for non-violence by the youth where the Dalai Lama resides is a message welcomed here in a Syracuse community which has been plagued by violence. The Dalai Lama and his youth following in India are always welcome to bring their message of peace and goodwill for mankind to this community.
Mandel News Service: http://www.mandelnews.com
