Time to Remember: Hopi Declaration of Peace/Dalai Lama Speech

[Guest guest]

" Zeus " <info

Time to Remember: Hopi Declaration of Peace/Dalai Lama Speech

Mon, 19 Dec 2005 14:29:29 -0000

 

 

 

 

NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS

 

 

THE UNITED NATIONS WORLD CONFERENCE ON HUMAN RIGHTS

 

15 JUNE, 1993

Vienna, AUSTRIA

 

HUMAN RIGHTS AND UNIVERSAL RESPONSIBILITY

 

HIS HOLINESS THE XIV DALAI LAMA OF TIBET

 

Our world is becoming smaller and ever more interdependent with the

rapid growth in population and increasing contact between people and

governments. In this light, it is important to reassess the rights and

responsibilities of individuals, peoples and nations in relation to

each other and to the planet as a whole. This World Conference of

organizations and governments concerned about the rights and freedoms

of people throughout the world reflects the appreciation of our

interdependence.

 

No matter what country or continent we come from we are all basically

the same human beings. We have the common human needs and concerns. We

all seek happiness and try to avoid suffering regardless of our race,

religion, sex or political status. Human beings, indeed all sentient

beings, have the right to pursue happiness and live in peace and in

freedom. As free human beings we can use our unique intelligence to

try to understand ourselves and our world. But if we are prevented

from using our creative potential, we are deprived of one of the basic

characteristics of a human being. It is very often the most gifted,

dedicated and creative members of our society who become victims of

human rights abuses. Thus the political, social, cultural and economic

developments of a society are obstructed by the violations of human

rights. Therefore, the protection of these rights and freedoms are of

immense importance both for the individuals affected and for the

development of the society as a whole.

 

It is my belief that the lack of understanding of the true cause of

happiness is the principal reason why people inflict suffering on

others. Some people think that causing pain to others may lead to

their own happiness or that their own happiness is of such importance

that the pain of others is of no significance. But this is clearly

shortsighted. No one truly benefits from causing harm to another

being. Whatever immediate advantage is gained at the expense of

someone else is short-lived. In the long run causing others misery and

infringing upon their peace and happiness creates anxiety, fear and

suspicion for oneself.

 

The key to creating a better and more peaceful world is the

development of love and compassion for others. This naturally means we

must develop concern for our brothers and sisters who are less

fortunate than we are. In this respect, the non-governmental

organizations have a key role to play. You not only create awareness

for the need to respect the rights of all human beings, but also give

the victims of human rights violations hope for a better future.

 

When I travelled to Europe for the first time in 1973, I talked about

the increasing interdependence of the world and the need to develop a

sense of universal responsibility. We need to think in global terms

because the effects of one nation's actions are felt far beyond its

borders. The acceptance of universally binding standards of Human

Rights as laid down in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and

in the International Covenants of Human Rights is essential in today's

shrinking world. Respect for fundamental human rights should not

remain an ideal to be achieved but a requisite foundation for every

human society.

 

When we demand the rights and freedoms we so cherish we should also be

aware of our responsibilities. If we accept that others have an equal

right to peace and happiness as ourselves do we not have a

responsibility to help those in need? Respect for fundamental human

rights is as important to the people of Africa and Asia as it is to

those in Europe or the Americas. All human beings, whatever their

cultural or historical background, suffer when they are intimidated,

imprisoned or tortured. The question of human rights is so

fundamentally important that there should be no difference of views on

this. We must therefore insist on a global consensus not only on the

need to respect human rights world wide but more importantly on the

definition of these rights.

 

Recently some Asian governments have contended that the standards of

human rights laid down in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

are those advocated by the West and cannot be applied to Asia and

others parts of the Third World because of differences in culture and

differences in social and economic development. I do not share this

view and I am convinced that the majority of Asian people do not

support this view either, for it is the inherent nature of all human

beings to yearn for freedom, equality and dignity, and they have an

equal [opportunity?] to achieve that. I do not see any contradiction

between the need for economic development and the need for respect of

human rights. The rich diversity of cultures and religions should help

to strengthen the fundamental human rights in all communities. Because

underlying this diversity are fundamental principles that bind us all

as members of the same human family. Diversity and traditions can

never justify the violations of human rights. Thus discrimination of

persons from a different race, of women, and of weaker sections of

society may be traditional in some regions, but if they are

inconsistent with universally recognized human rights, these forms of

behavior must change. The universal principles of equality of all

human beings must take precedence.

 

It is mainly the authoritarian and totalitarian regimes who are

opposed to the universality of human rights. It would be absolutely

wrong to concede to this view. On the contrary, such regimes must be

made to respect and conform to the universally accepted principles in

the larger and long term interests of their own peoples. The dramatic

changes in the past few years clearly indicate that the triumph of

human rights is inevitable.

 

There is a growing awareness of peoples' responsibilities to each

other and to the planet we share. This is encouraging even though so

much suffering continues to be inflicted based on chauvinism, race,

religion, ideology and history. A new hope is emerging for the

downtrodden, and people everywhere are displaying a willingness to

champion and defend the rights and freedoms of their fellow human beings.

 

Brute force, no matter how strongly applied, can never subdue the

basic human desire for freedom and dignity. It is not enough, as

communist systems have assumed, merely to provide people with food,

shelter and clothing. The deeper human nature needs to breathe the

precious air of liberty. However, some governments still consider the

fundamental human rights of its citizens an internal matter of the

state. They do not accept that the fate of a people in any country is

the legitimate concern of the entire human family and that claims to

sovereignty are not a license to mistreat one's citizens. It is not

only our right as members of the global human family to protest when

our brothers and sisters are being treated brutally, but it is also

our duty to do whatever we can to help them.

 

Artificial barriers that have divided nations and peoples have fallen

in recent times. With the dismantling of Berlin wall the East - West

division which has polarized the whole world for decades has now come

to an end. We are experiencing a time filled with hope and

expectations. Yet there still remains a major gulf at the heart of the

human family. By this I am referring to the North-South divide. If we

are serious in our commitment to the fundamental principles of

equality, principles which, I believe, lie at the heart of the concept

of human rights, today's economic disparity can no longer be ignored.

It is not enough to merely state that all human beings must enjoy

equal dignity. This must be translated into action. We have a

responsibility to find ways to achieve a more equitable distribution

of world's resources.

 

We are witnessing a tremendous popular movement for the advancement of

human rights and democratic freedom in the world. This movement must

become an even more powerful moral force, so that even the most

obstructive governments and armies are incapable of suppressing it.

This conference is an occasion for all of us to reaffirm our

commitment to this goal. It is natural and just for nations, peoples

and individuals to demand respect for their rights and freedoms and to

struggle to end repression, racism, economic exploitation, military

occupation, and various forms of colonialism and alien domination.

Governments should actively support such demands instead of only

paying lip service to them.

 

As we approach the end of the Twentieth Century, we find that the

world is becoming one community. We are being drawn together by the

grave problems of overpopulation, dwindling natural resources, and an

environmental crisis that threaten the very foundation of our

existence on this planet. Human rights, environmental protection and

great social and economic equality are all interrelated. I believe

that to meet the challenges of our times, human beings will have to

develop a greater sense of universal responsibility. Each of us must

learn to work not just for oneself, one's own family or one's nation,

but for the benefit of all humankind. Universal responsibility is the

key to human survival. It is the best foundation for world peace.

 

This need for co-operation can only strengthen humankind, because it

helps us to recognize that the most secure foundation for a new world

order is not simply broader political and economic alliances, but each

individual's genuine practice of love and compassion. These qualities

are the ultimate source of human happiness, and our need for them lies

at the very core of our being. The practice of compassion is not

idealistic, but the most effective way to pursue the best interests of

others as well as our own. The more we become interdependent the more

it is in our own interest to ensure the well-being of others.

 

I believe that one of the principal factors that hinder us from fully

appreciating our interdependence is our undue emphasis on material

development. We have become so engrossed in its pursuit that,

unknowingly, we have neglected the most basic qualities of compassion,

caring and cooperation. When we do not know someone or do not feel

connected to an individual or group, we tend to overlook their needs.

Yet, the development of human society requires that people help each

other.

 

I, for one, strongly believe that individuals can make a difference in

society. Every individual has a responsibility to help more our global

family in the right direction and we must each assume that

responsibility. As a Buddhist monk, I try to develop compassion within

myself, not simply as a religious practice, but on a human level as

well. To encourage myself in this altruistic attitude, I sometimes

find it helpful to imagine myself standing as a single individual on

one side, facing a huge gathering of all other human beings on the

other side. Then I ask myself, 'Whose interests are more important?'

To me it is quite clear that however important I may feel I am, I am

just one individual while others are infinite in number and importance.

 

Thank you

 

--- Released by the Tibetan Delegation to the United Nations World

Conference on Human Rights, Vienna, Austria.

 

 

 

 

 

HOPI DECLARATION OF PEACE

 

It is in the Power or the True Hopi People to unify the minds and

spirits of all true peace seeking peoples of the earth . . .

 

" Hopi " means " Peaceful People " . . . and the truest and greatest power

is the strength of peace . . . because Peace is the Will Of The Great

Spirit . . .

 

But do not think that just because the True Hopi People have been told

by the Great Spirit never to take up arms . . . that the True hopi

People will not fight . . . even die for what we know to be the right

way of Life.

 

The True Hopi People Know how to fight without killing or hurting . . .

 

The True Hopi People Know how to fight with Truth and Positive Force

In The Light Of The Great Spirit...

 

The True Hopi People Know how to Educate by clear thoughts . . . good

pictures . . . and by carefully chosen words . .

 

The True Hopi People Know how to show to all the world's Children the

True Way of Life by setting an example . . . by working and

communicating in a way that reaches the minds and hearts of all people

who are truly seeking the methods of a simple and spiritual Life which

is the only Life that will survive . . .

 

THE TRUE HOPI PEOPLE PRESERVE THE SACRED KNOWLEDGE ABOUT THE WAY OF

THE EARTH BECAUSE THE TRUE HOPI PEOPLE KNOW THAT THE EARTH IS A LIVING

.. . . GROWING PERSON . . . AND ALL THINGS ON IT ARE HER CHILDREN . . .

 

The True Hopi People Know how to show the Right Way of Life to all the

world's people who have ears to listen . . . who have eyes to see . .

.. and who have hearts to understand these things . . .

 

The True Hopi People Know how to generate enough Power to link up the

forces of the Minds and Spirits of all the True Children of the Earth

.. . . and to Unify them with the Positive Force of the Great Spirit so

that they may put an end to affliction and persecution in all

afflicted places in this world . . .

 

THE TRUE HOPI PEOPLE DECLARE THAT HOPI POWER BE A FORCE WHICH BRINGS

ABOUT WORLD CHANGE.

 

--From those attending the meetings with Hopi Spiritual Leaders -April

22-24, 1994