Without ‘Oneness,’ Dalai Lama Warns of ‘Miserable Century’

WASHINGTON – Referring to the terrorist attack in Orlando, the Dalai Lama attributed violent extremism to the lack of a “sense of oneness” among those with “hate” in their hearts.

He warned of a “miserable century” if there isn’t global action, particularly from youth, to achieve “oneness through education.”

“Thousands of people killed and in some cases in the name of religion and many innocent people dying — terrible, unthinkable. So then when we saw this situation, each individual cannot remain indifferent, so we have to think,” he told the audience at the United States Institutes of Peace in Washington during a discussion titled “To End Violence, Engage Youth.”

The Dalai Lama said “when we think seriously of this sad event” people ponder the specific cause.

“So now the fundamentals of the cause, here — hate,” he said, pointing to his heart. “Self-centered attitude: we and they — a lack of a sense of oneness of human brothers and sisters.”

“So we really need a sense of oneness of every human being,” he said.

He added that on each continent, “their future depends on the other.”

“That’s the reality, not like ancient times. In ancient times, more or less, self-sufficient and independence. Now, interdependent including more global economy — that’s also an environmental issue,” he said. “So now global warming also create more and more natural disaster, so now the time comes. Every human being has to act.”

Otherwise, the Dalai Lama said, the 21st century would be a “miserable century.”

“Basic human nature is more compassionate,” he said, adding that “we have to hope” for a “universal love” on the basis of “oneness through education.”

If the “younger generation” makes an effort toward “oneness” right now, the Dalai Lama said, the future would be brighter.

“I think the end of this century could be more peaceful or more compassionate,” he said.

The Dalai Lama also rejected the notion that “compassion is something good for others, but not necessarily [for] oneself.”

“It’s totally wrong. The result of the practice of compassion, the first benefit, goes to oneself,” he said.