Dalai Lama on Paris attacks: Prayer is not the answer

November 23, 2015;

By Elizabeth Shim, 18 November 2015, UPI

The Dalai Lama criticized the attackers but also suggested the event should be put in perspective, saying that only a small percentage of people subscribe to violence.

JALANDHAR, India, Nov. 18 (UPI) — The Dalai Lama said praying to God for an answer to a man-made problem won’t work in the aftermath of the Paris attacks, in an interview where he also said co-existence with China is the best option for the people of Tibet.

The Tibetan spiritual leader, 80, who lives in exile in India, said a systematic rather than a spiritual approach to violence is needed, Deutsche Welle reported.

“The 20th century was a violent one, and more than 200 million people died due to wars and other conflicts. We now see a spillover of the previous century’s bloodshed in this century,” he said, adding more efforts need to be made toward “serious attempts to achieve peace.”

The Dalai Lama criticized the Paris attackers, calling them “short-sighted” in a world where “people want to lead peaceful lives.”

But prayer is not the answer, the Tibetan leader said.

“We cannot solve this problem only through prayers. I am a Buddhist and I believe in praying. But humans have created this problem, and now we are asking God to solve it. It is illogical,” he said.

The Tibetan leader also suggested the event should be placed in perspective, saying that only a small percentage of people subscribe to violent discourse.

On the issue of Tibet, the Dalai Lama said he and his followers do not seek independence.

“When I meet Chinese students, I tell them that we are not seeking independence from China. They understand our approach, and they feel close to our cause,” he said.

China’s hardline approach to Tibet’s activists, however, has drawn international condemnation, and U.S. politicians have rallied around Tibet’s cause.

On Tuesday, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and other House Democrats briefed reporters on their recent trip to Tibet, The Los Angeles Times reported.

Contrary to Chinese state media reports, the delegation had “very heated exchanges with Chinese government officials over a whole range of issues,” including the Dalai Lama, according to Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Mass.

Pelosi said Chinese officials escorted the delegation to showcase their investments in Tibet, but added the trip was still “very valuable.”