Dalai Lama Urges People To Become Spiritual

The conversation with Cardinal Paul K.S. Shan in the southern city of Kaohsiung drew an audience of more than 1,000 people, including Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chu and Taiwan High Speed Rail Corp. Chairwoman Nita Ing.

Stressing that trust is an indispensable element in society, the Dalai Lama urged people to use their wisdom to resolve differences and avoid using harsh words to create rivalry.

According to the Tibetan leader, the purpose of religion is to discover the good of humanity and allow followers to understand universal values through various doctrines.

The Dalai Lama said he believes all religions should teach mutual tolerance, respect and cooperation with each other in order to promote world peace.

Agreeing with the Dalai Lama, Shan said birth, aging, disease and death are the normal occurrences in life, and the cultivation of spirituality will help people better control their emotions and sensual pleasures and relieve their suffering through "the power of love." Shan recalled that when he was diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma three years ago, his doctor told him that he had only six months to live.

But he decided to undergo therapy and transform his sufferings into "the power of love," cherishing every day of his life and devoting himself more to helping others, Shan said.

He lamented the fact that when many countries around the world are working to promote their development, they have neglected ethics and morality and have even been opposed to religious beliefs.

He said materials and science should not be the sole focus of national development, because there is also a need for ethics, morality and religious beliefs among people.

The Dalai Lama pointed out that many people lack spiritual values and pay attention only to making money, mainly because modern doctrines and school systems are not paying enough attention to moral discipline.

The main purpose of the Tibetan leader's current visit in Taiwan is to console and pray for the victims of Typhoon Morakot. He is scheduled to leave the country Friday.

(By Y.F. Low)