THE DALAT LAMA MESSAGE Whenever I have the opportunity I try to explain that many of the problems we face in the world today are of our own making. I believe in the sameness of all human beings no matter what our educational, social, professional or family background may be, which are merely secondary differences. Alll the world’s major religions convey a message of peace and compassion, so it is especially saddening when we hear of violence being used in the name of religion like the very unfortunate events concerning the Muslim community in Burma. Just as I had appealed then to the Sri Lankan authorities to seek a humane solution during the conflict between the Sinhalese and Tamil people there, I have made public appeal and also privately communicated to Nobel Laureate and Burmese leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to use her influence to bring about a peaceful resolution of this problem. It seems the issue is complicated, but Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is the only leader that I know personally and to whom I have directly shared my thoughts. More generally, I have also appealed to Buddhists in Burma and elsewhere that should they feel angry or prompted to act aggressively towards members of other communities, to pause and recall the face of the Buddha. I suggested that if the Buddha were to be among us today, I am certain he would offer those victims his protection. At the same time I will continue to share my concerns on such situations wherever and whenever possible. “7 bas A ( Wy AE a ena February 24, 2017