Dharamsala(Himachal Pradesh): Revered by the Tibetans as a 'living god' and idolised in the Orient and the West, Dalai Lama said prayer is not enough to fight coronavirus. Also, it is high time to extend a helping hand to those who have been affected, the spiritual leader said.
"This pandemic serves as a warning that only by coming together with a coordinated, global response will we meet the unprecedented magnitude of the challenges we face," the Nobel Peace Prize winner said in a post on his official website on Wednesday.
"Sometimes friends ask me to help with some problem in the world, using some 'magical powers'. I always tell them that the Dalai Lama has no magical powers. If I did, I would not feel pain in my legs or a sore throat. We are all the same as human beings, and we experience the same fears, the same hopes, the same uncertainties," said the elderly monk known for wearing his trademark maroon robes.
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"From the Buddhist perspective, every sentient being is acquainted with suffering and the truths of sickness, old age and death. But as human beings, we can use our minds to conquer anger and panic and greed," he said.
"Ever since news emerged about the coronavirus in Wuhan, I have been praying for my brothers and sisters in China and everywhere else. Now we can see that nobody is immune to this virus. We are all worried about loved ones and the future, of both the global economy and our homes. But prayer is not enough," the Dalai Lama said.
"This crisis shows that we must all take responsibility where we can. We must combine the courage doctors and nurses are showing with empirical science to begin to turn this situation around and protect our future from more such threats.
"In this time of great fear, it is important that we think of the long-term challenges and possibilities of the entire globe. Photographs of our world from space clearly show that there are no real boundaries on our blue planet.
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"Therefore, all of us must take care of it and work to prevent climate change and other destructive forces. This pandemic serves as a warning that only by coming together with a coordinated, global response will we meet the unprecedented magnitude of the challenges we face.
"We must also remember that nobody is free of suffering, and extend our hands to others who lack homes, resources or family to protect them. This crisis shows us that we are not separate from one another, even when we are living apart. Therefore, we all have a responsibility to exercise compassion and help.
"I sincerely hope that everyone can stay safe and stay calm. At this time of uncertainty, it is important that we do not lose hope and confidence in the constructive efforts so many are making," an optimistic Dalai Lama added.
(IANS report)
