Dalai Lama: Too Many Lives Lost in Iraq
September 27th 2006
Long Beach, Calif., USA 27 Sep 2006 (Laura Kurtzman / AP) - Dalai Lama says violence in Iraq has cost too many lives, soured his view of U.S.-led war. The Dalai Lama said Tuesday that violence in Iraq has cost too many lives and soured his view of the U.S.-led war.
The Tibetan spiritual leader initially reserved judgment on the conflict, saying it would only become clear with time whether the invasion was a good idea.
'At the early stage I felt, and also I expressed, 'Too early to say, to judge.' But now, things not very positive,' he said in an interview with The Associated Press. 'Now in Iraq _ too many killings.'
To restore relations between the Muslim world and the West, he said, both sides should get to know each other.
'Close contact creates clear understanding,' he said. 'Then suspicion, fear may not find much room. Even some disagreement doesn't matter.'
The Dalai Lama was in Long Beach to address a women's conference presided over by California first lady Maria Shriver. He also met privately with Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.
The Dalai Lama said he has distilled his personal beliefs to a simple phrase: 'My religion is kindness.'
He would not comment directly on the furor aroused in the Muslim world after recent remarks about Islam by Pope Benedict XVI, but the Dalai Lama warned against the misuse of religion to foment social divisions.
'Mischievous people often use religious faith for their own interests and create conflict,' he said. 'We have to look at the real message of all these traditions.'
Latest News
The Dalai Lama receives Mahatma Gandhi International Award in Bodh GayaJanuary 4th 2012
Bodh Gaya, Bihar, India, 4 January 2012 (by Tendar Tsering, phayul.com) - His Holiness the Dalai Lama formally received the Mahatma Gandhi International Award for Reconciliation and Peace earlier today during his Kalachakra teachings at Bodh Gaya. Representing the Gandhi Development Trust in Durban, South Africa, Ela Gandhi, grand daughter of Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the Indian nation, personally presented the award to the Tibetan spiritual leader.
Chinese understanding of Tibetan issue is growing says the Dalai Lama
January 3rd 2012
The Dalai Lama begins ten-day Kalachakra teachings
January 2nd 2012
Thousands of devotees welcome the Dalai Lama in Bodh Gaya
January 2nd 2012
His Holiness the Dalai Lama Expresses His Sadness and Concern over the Recent Flooding in the Philippines
December 22nd 2011