Secular ethics is a must in education system: Dalai Lama

MODERN EDUCATION is not enough to create happy individuals, the Dalai Lama said on Friday, stressing on the importance of secular ethics in the Indian education system.

Speaking at the fifth annual convocation of Ambedkar University at Kashmere Gate, he explained that ‘secular’ referred to the “Indian definition” of respecting all religions and not the “Western” notion which meant “disrespecting” it.

“In order to realise the full potential of our brains, education is very important. It makes a big difference to humanity. Education brings equality. (But) existing modern education system is not adequate to create happy individuals, family, society and humanity on the whole,” the Dalai Lama said.

“According to Indian traditions, the secular way is very good but in the West, my friends told me secular means disrespecting religion. In this country, secular means respecting religions as well as the nonbelievers, which is wonderful. Secular ethics should be included in the education system,” he added.

Citing examples of the French Revolution and the Bolshevik Revolution, the Dalai Lama said, they, perhaps, were against “religious institutions” and not religion per se.

“In order to have a healthy body, you need a healthy mind. So the question arises, how do you have a healthy mind? Existing education system alone is not sufficient. It should include education about warm-heartedness. Ancient Indian knowledge identifies and explains different emotions, its causes and effects,” he said.

Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung, who is the chancellor, congratulated the university on its progress.

“In the last eight years, the university has done remarkably well and has made such measurable strides and progress to develop and maintain first class infrastructure,” he said.

Express The Dalai Lama at the fifth annual convocation of Ambedkar University, Friday.