HH the 14th Dalai Lama says of himself that he is a "simple Buddhist monk." By his talks and visits all around the globe, he teaches fundamental values such as compassion, tolerance, and forgiveness. HH the Dalai Lama mentions three essential purposes of life to which he feels committed:

1. Fostering of human values

His first aim as a human being is to serve humanity and the world. The Nobel Peace Prize laureate is convinced that basic human values such as compassion and patience are the genuine source of happiness. These attributes do not necessarily arise from religious faith. Each and every human being carries within the potential of compassion and non-violence. It is one of the Dalai Lama's core objectives to promote these inner values of compassion, tolerance, loving-kindness, and peace.

2. Promoting religious harmony

As a Buddhist monk and religious practitioner, the Dalai Lama has the aim of promoting the harmony between different religious traditions. All world religions have the same ethic values such as compassion, loving-kindness, mercy as their basis. Since human beings are of various dispositions, it is important and necessary to have different religions in our world. The prerequisites for a harmonious relationship between the different traditions are mutual understanding, respect, and esteem (deference).

3. Well-being of the Tibetan people

As the leader of the Tibetan people, HH the Dalai Lama cares very much indeed for the fate of Tibet. He therefore works untiringly towards a non-violent solution of the issue of Tibet. On his travels, in discussions with politicians and media representatives, the Dalai Lama insists on the need for Tibetans to be granted the right of genuine self-determination.

For additional information: www.dalailama.com

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