Bengaluru: Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama on Tuesday said deprivation of social justice in the name of caste was due to feudal systems that exist in our societies, and it has nothing to do with religion.
Calling himself the messenger of ancient Indian values and knowledge, the Dalai Lama said, "India is a guru and we are chelas (followers), we are reliable chelas, because we have preserved its ancient knowledge."
"I also consider myself as the son of India as every part of my brain cells are filled with ancient Indian knowledge and my body is because of Indian rice and dal."
Deprivation from social justice in the name of caste was not from religion, but it was from existing societal systems like feudal system, the Dalai Lama said speaking at the state level seminar on 'Social Justice and Dr BR Ambedkar' in Bengaluru.
He said culturally it was a negative aspect that exists in our society and it must be removed. Even in the name of religion and religious systems, there were some feudal practices and ‘they should not be there’.
Stating that through education caste related injustice could be wiped out, the Dalai Lama also said through education the sense of inferiority present in certain sections of the people must be wiped out.
"...so that there is a sense of equality, so that they can build self confidence. Through self confidence, hard work and education one can achieve equality," he said.
On ancient Indian values and knowledge, the Dalai Lama said it must be revived in the country, as ‘they are not ancient, but most relevant’.
He said ancient Indian knowledge and values along with modern technology can do great for the country as one can attain mental comfort with ancient knowledge and physical comfort through modern knowledge.
"...ancient knowledge and values side by side with modern science is worthy of the society," he said.
Noting that everybody wants to be happy and they have that right, he said, "if we consider rest of the humanity as brothers and sisters, there is no chance for exploitation.”
Buddha dharma is Indian dharma as most of its teachings and knowledge came from the country, he said pointing out that ancient Indian values like karuna and ahimsa had reached millions of people across the world with the spread of Buddhism, he added.
Pointing out similarities with other religions, Buddhism also has different philosophies originating from different schools of thought, he said, "we need different philosophical views." Wonderful people with great teachings have come from diverse faith and philosophical backgrounds, but with a common message of love and compassion, as also good 'karma.'
"Any activity which brings happiness is a positive karma and that makes one uncomfortable is negative karma," he added.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and leader of Congress party in Lok Sabha Mallikarjuna Kharge participated in the seminar organised by the Social Justice Department of Karnataka government to commemorate Ambedkar's 125th birth anniversary.
