The Dalai Lama’s 2020 endorsement of World Localization Day

Today we are in the midst of dealing with one of the gravest challenges in recent years. The coronavirus pandemic has shown us, beyond all doubt, how all the countries of the world depend on one another for their well-being. A problem that begins in one place soon affects many others. 

We should therefore act on the basis of global interest with clear understanding of the oneness of humanity: we must develop a big ‘we’. That way, we can develop a genuine sense of the well-being of all. With more sensitivity to the needs of others, and with a conviction that all 7 billion humans equally deserve to overcome suffering and achieve happiness, we can gain more self-confidence. That in turn brings inner peace. 

It is ironic that the increase in our material progress and technology has somehow not been sufficient in bringing about peace and happiness. Nor has it protected us from a crisis like the pandemic. 

In the light of this new reality, we need to reflect upon what traditional societies may have to teach us. When I was growing up in Tibet, our society was economically undeveloped and people’s choices were limited. Yet Tibetans did enjoy some sort of self-sufficiency in their own neighbourhoods, whether in a village or a nomadic community. Most of the limited items that people needed for their survival were produced within the community, with farmers producing crops, and blacksmiths tools, and everybody contributing something. When a family did not have sufficient resources, neighbours came to their assistance. 

Of course, there is no way to return to those old ways of living. But the lesson we can learn from the past is to act locally even while thinking globally. We must take care of our blue planet, which is our only home. We must extend help and compassion to vulnerable members of our society with a sense of global responsibility. If we make such efforts locally, the effects can be felt globally. I therefore wish the World Localisation Day every success your deliberations.

22 May 2020

 

 

 

 

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