Dalai Lama: 'We are not anti-Chinese'

For that reason, if we take bloodshed method, the laws of the Chinese they will feel something difficult. Because we already, now we prove, we follow sincerely, non-violent method, non-violent principle. And secondly, not seeking independence.  Therefore, many Chinese scholars, many Chinese intellectuals, many Chinese history, artists and many officials, deep inside, very sympathetic to us. And very supportive. I feel that is-- a result of our approach.  I feel like that.

ANN CURRY:

You are a realist.  In your darkest moments, as you have suffered, you said at the beginning of this interview.  You, yourself, have suffered, thinking of the suffering.

THE DALAI LAMA:

Hmm.

ANN CURRY:

That's going on.  In your darkest moments, do you fear, as a realist, for the survival of Tibet?  Do you fear the possibility that you might be the last Dalai Lama?

THE DALAI LAMA:

That's Okay.  That is not a-- a problem.

ANN CURRY:

Why is that Okay?

THE DALAI LAMA:

It's not a problem.

ANN CURRY:

It might be a problem for the Tibetan people.

THE DALAI LAMA:

The Tibetan people-- as early as '69, I made clear, whether the Dalai Lama institution should continue or not for the Tibetan people.  It doesn't matter.

ANN CURRY:

Then what does matter?

THE DALAI LAMA:

Tibetan nation.  Tibetan culture.  Tibetan Buddhist culture. I think culture of compassion.

ANN CURRY:

Compassion.

THE DALAI LAMA:

And Tibetan Buddhist philosophy.  Or Buddhist-- Buddhist knowledge. I think-- I think one of the ancient treasure of India. Now not only ancient treasure of East, but also relevant to today's world. Now, the next few days here.  How do you say--my program.

ANN CURRY:

Yes, Seeds of Compassion.

THE DALAI LAMA:

Actually, some kind of seminar or discussion. How to utilize some of these ancient in-- Indian treasure. You see, to improve our health.  Health means not only physical health but also mental health.

ANN CURRY:

And--

THE DALAI LAMA:

And-- and through that way, how to-- how to-- how to become a happier human individual. Happy human family and human community. That is, I think, very, very important. Now-- now to the first century. Inspite of many material development, individual cases, human being, even billionaire or leaders mentally, emotionally, deep inside are not very happy. Very-- too much stress and unhappy person. I-- I can see it is so.  Now, for example here-- I-- in spite many difficulties, many sort of anxieties, or fear, and feeling of helplessness. But, at least, since the 10th of March, into-- intellectual level or certain level, lot of worry. Lot of sort of suspicion or lot of sort of expectation. Lots of sort of imagination. Many, many things. Unrest.  But-- among the intelligence-- certain intelligence.  Now, for example, realistic, realize the situation. The suffering which we are facing. I am facing. We are facing. Including myself, I am facing. If there is way to overcome, then no need worry. If there's no way to overcome. no need worry. I really believe that. So some intelligence side is thinking these lines send some signal on my emotion. So emotion--inspite some sort of turmoil in intelligence side, but the emotional side still calm. As a result, now since tenth of March my sleep never disturbed. (CHUCKLES) So this is practical sort of a benefit!

ANN CURRY:

So you're saying, you realize that no matter what happens, worrying is useless.  Fear is useless.

THE DALAI LAMA:

Right.  That's right.

ANN CURRY:

No matter what happens, is what you're saying?

THE DALAI LAMA:

That--that's right. So be realistic and without confusion, look at the truth. And then try to find realistic approach. If that fail, no regret.

ANN CURRY:

No regrets.  Hmm.  Hmm.

THE DALAI LAMA:

That's my view. (LAUGHS)

ANN CURRY:

I think it's a good view.  It's a very good view.  Do you want when you-- are looking at-- I know you are a humble man.  But when you-- but you have also an op-- a way to influence people.  Do you want to be remembered as, in your life, when people are coming after you, do you want to be remembered as--

THE DALAI LAMA:

No.

ANN CURRY:

What do you want your life to have meant?

THE DALAI LAMA:

No.

ANN CURRY:

Nothing.

THE DALAI LAMA:

No concern.

ANN CURRY:

You don't want to think about this.

THE DALAI LAMA:

As a Buddhist practitioner, should not think that line.  So long your life should be something meaningful.

ANN CURRY:

You want to be useful while you're alive.

THE DALAI LAMA:

That what people say.

ANN CURRY:

And what is the greatest use of your life?

THE DALAI LAMA:

To serve.

ANN CURRY:

To serve.

THE DALAI LAMA:

To help other people. You see I have three commitments.  Three responsibilities, up to now.  Number one, promotion of human value. Now next few days, this is the main sort of, my--interest in the field of interest how to improve human value in order to be better human being. Then, second, as a Buddhist-- promotion of religious harmony. So these two, till my death, I involve. So my death--how soon my death come, I don't know. Perhaps after five years, or ten years, fifteen years, 20 years, 30 years, I don't know. (CHUCKLES) But in any way, as long as I remain, I-- I survive-- alive.  I fully committed.  The third commitment is about the Tibetan res--Tibetan struggle.  Now this is concerned since 2001. We already have elected political leadership.  Since then my position is something like semi-retired position.  So now I'm looking forward to complete retirement.  (CHUCKLES)

ANN CURRY:

Do you think you'll ever see Tibet again?

THE DALAI LAMA:

Yes, I believe.  I believe.

ANN CURRY:

Thank you.

THE DALAI LAMA:

Thank you.

ANN CURRY:

Thank you very much.  Thank you for that.  Thank you.

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