DALAI LAMA: Encouraging a Compassionate World
THE DALAI LAMA: That’s not my business. Actually, as early as ‘69 on my formal statement, I mentioned the very institution of Dalai Lama should continue or not is up to Tibetan people. So if the majority of the Tibetan people feel this century old, now almost I think institution itself I think, seven centuries, 700 years, then this institution with political responsibility then about four centuries.
LARRY KING: You want the people to choose the next?
THE DALAI LAMA: Yes. It is up to Tibetan people. If when you see, Tibetan people, majority of the people feel this is now no longer much relevant, then it automatically cease. Then as far as sort of political matter is concerned, as I mentioned earlier, I voluntarily retired like that.
LARRY KING: Okay. Do you – do you pray to God?
THE DALAI LAMA: God in what sense?
LARRY KING: In what sense do you see God? Is there a God?
THE DALAI LAMA: There is, what the theistic religions say, their fundamental sort of faith is creator God. As a creator. Then non-theistic religion, that’s ancient Indian religion. Then Jain philosophy. Then Buddhist philosophy. These three no concept of God, creator. Of course, there is Buddha: as a Buddhist, we consider Buddha as a teacher.
LARRY KING: Teacher. Not a God
THE DALAI LAMA: Teacher. Not God. Not creator. So some kind of the concept of self-creation there. The Buddha stated, “You are your own master.” So everything depend on yourself. LARRY KING: Do you believe in reincarnation? v THE DALAI LAMA: Yes, I believe. Reincarnation or rebirth. Rebirth we believe. According many Indian tradition. You see, we have the concept of rebirth.
LARRY KING: So, you lived before?
THE DALAI LAMA: Oh yes. You see, according the theist religion, this very life created by God. That was very powerful concept. So that concept brings some kind of feeling of intimacy with God. So then what is God? I think one aspect of definition of God is infinite love. So we actually created by that kind of infinite love. So that bring some kind of conviction. I have seed of compassion. So that very, very powerful. Then whereas– non-theistic religion, then everything depend on yourself. So your action helping other, you get benefit. If you harm other people, then you get negative consequences. So that also very powerful approach to practice of love and forgiveness like that.
