HHDL: Look Not to Religion for Morality

Dharamsala, 28 June 2005 -- Morality does not flow from religion, His Holiness the Dalai Lama has said in an interview to the Sunday Hindustan Times.

His Holiness said morality and ethics must be secular and universal, and his views differ from Buddhist religious practice.

Asked if Beijing will eventually accept His Holiness' stance on the issue of Tibet, His Holiness said he is optimistic as Buddhism today is widely in vogue in China with Buddhist centres sprouting in many Chinese cities.

His Holiness said that a new generation of Chinese leaders perhaps will give the Tibetans the autonomy they want.

When asked how it feels to be so feted by Hollywood, His Holiness said it does not bother him.
"It is not important how others regard you. What is important is how you regard yourself."