Moral and secular ethics go beyond religious belief: Dalai Lama

JAIPUR: The Dalai Lama on Thursday called for adopting moral and secular ethics, which go beyond the religious belief. The Tibetan spiritual leader told a gathering on the opening day of the Jaipur Literature Festival that one might be a believer or a non-believer, but secular and moral ethics were very important.

He was in conversation with Pico Iyer in a session titled 'Kinships of Faiths: Finding the Middle Way', based largely on his latest book 'Beyond Religion: Ethics for a Whole World'.

"If you do not have interest (in religion), it's OK. Secular ethics are the most important," he said. "Secularism is the base of India's history, her constitution." Secularism did not mean disrespect to any religion, he said. "Accept all religions. Despite the obvious difference between religions and traditions, all religions preach the basic principles of love, faith, truth and trust."

Earlier in his talk, Dalai Lama drew similarities between science and philosophies of Buddha. "Science and Buddhism share the desire to analyze and investigate the truth. Buddha said 'never take my word, challenge it.' The Nalanda masters, whom I often refer to as skilled professors, are always investigating his teachings and have the liberty not accept a teaching if the literal meaning goes against logic," he said, adding that till date, he considered himself a student.

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Moral and secular ethics go beyond religious belief: Dalai Lama