–present)
The Great Fourteenth Dalai Lama — His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s Principal Commitments
His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama—widely regarded as a global icon of peace, compassion, and wisdom—has dedicated his life to four principal commitments. These commitments transcend cultural, religious, and national boundaries, offering a path toward a more ethical, compassionate, and harmonious world.
- Promotion of Human Values
At the heart of His Holiness’s vision is the cultivation of basic human values such as compassion, forgiveness, tolerance, contentment, and self-discipline. He often refers to these as secular ethics or universal values—essential for individual well-being and global peace.
He frequently reminds us: “As human beings, we are all the same. We all seek happiness and wish to avoid suffering.” These values, not tied to any specific religion, are accessible to all and promote a deeper sense of shared humanity.
- Promotion of Inter-Religious Harmony
His Holiness is deeply committed to fostering understanding and harmony among the world’s major religious traditions. While acknowledging doctrinal differences, he emphasizes that all religions share the common goal of cultivating ethical, kind, and compassionate individuals.
He advocates mutual respect and open dialogue, urging people to appreciate that while one spiritual path may resonate personally, humanity embraces many traditions—each offering valuable insights into the human experience.
- Preservation of Tibetan Culture and Environment
As the spiritual leader of the Tibetan people, His Holiness is devoted to preserving Tibet’s unique cultural heritage and fragile environment. He works tirelessly to promote global awareness of the richness of Tibetan language, spirituality, and philosophy.
He continues to advocate for a peaceful resolution to the Tibet issue and calls for urgent protection of the Tibetan Plateau—an ecologically vital region often called the “Third Pole.”
- Revival of Ancient Indian Wisdom
His Holiness remains committed to reviving India’s ancient wisdom traditions, particularly teachings related to the mind and emotions. He encourages young Indians to explore their heritage—especially practices like meditation and ethical self-discipline—and to integrate these insights with modern education.
His vision is to nurture a new generation grounded in compassion, emotional resilience, and holistic intelligence.
