Compassion and Nonviolence: Antidotes to Societal division

Light of Truth
  • Dr. George John, had a discourse in the form of an interview with His Holiness Dalai Lama for Light of Truth on 15th May 2024 at Dharmasala. Now at the age of 89, His Holiness told GJ that he no longer gave direct interviews but responded to the questions through his disciple and student Monk Geshe Ngwang Sonam, who spoke at length with GJ and articulated the views of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama on his behalf.
    The Dalai Lama agreed with Pope Francis’ efforts towards environmental conservation and global peace. His Holiness emphasized that planet, Earth is the common home of all humanity and needs to be preserved for future generations. Like Pope Francis the Dalai Lama urges the protection of India’s cultural and spiritual uniqueness in the midst of various global issues.

People around the world are deeply concerned about climate change. Many believe we are facing a climate emergency, with climate-related disasters occurring in numerous places. However, many governments appear to underestimate the seriousness of the situation. What are your thoughts on this critical issue?

I have addressed environmental issues extensively in my public speeches. Though my age now limits my travel, I have consistently advocated for environmental conservation and pollution control. Drawing from personal experience, I have highlighted the stark changes in weather patterns since I arrived in India as a refugee. When I first came to Dharamshala, nestled in the Himalayan foothills, snowfall was regular, making road clearance a challenge even for the military. Monks wore layers of woollen garments to cope with the weather. Today, snowfall has drastically reduced, and what little snow that falls melts quickly—an unmistakable consequence of global warming and severe environmental degradation.
We all bear responsibility for the pollution of the environment. While governments play a crucial role, every individual in our society must also shoulder the responsibility for the environment. Our consumer culture exacerbates the problem, driving excessive production. For instance, the annual iterations of products like the newer versions of mobile phones perpetuate a cycle of desire and consequent increased consumption, often fuelled by corporate influence in politics.

“Beyond material accumulation, true happiness,
I believe, lies in simplicity and
inner contentment–not in material possessions.
Our pursuit of wealth often enslaves us
rather than liberates us.”


Pope Francis has also been a vocal advocate on environmental issues, stressing the need for collective action by the public, policymakers, and business leaders. Failure to heed these warnings perpetuates global pollution. Industrial and political leaders often prioritize short-term gains, failing to grasp the long-term consequences of climate change. The widespread pollution has depleted the natural resources of clean water and clean air, once freely available. Today, access to clean water and even oxygen in some places requires to be purchased—a stark shift from nature’s abundant provision.
Consumerism is not good. Too much materialism also is not good. Happiness comes from within, not from outside. But the world at large thinks that happiness comes from outside. So to make you happy, you need facilities and then you destroy the environment. They don’t understand that happiness is derived from simplicity of living. Beyond material accumulation, true happiness, I believe, lies in simplicity and inner contentment–not in material possessions. Our pursuit of wealth often enslaves us rather than liberates us.

Pope Francis frequently addresses issues such as refugees and immigration. In today’s turbulent world, what role do or can religious leaders play?
Challenges manifest in various forms, sometimes even within religious contexts. In such times, religious leaders have a crucial role to play. Since I arrived in India, I have engaged with diverse religious leaders, prioritizing religious harmony. Despite differing philosophies and practices, all religions share the common goal of serving humanity. Each offers profound benefits to its adherents, reflecting diverse human thought and aspirations.

During the audience, when Dr George John mentioned to His Holiness that the Indian Orthodox bishop late Paulos Mar Gregorios was his mentor while he was still working in London, the Dalai Lama, became noticeably moved and he grabbed Dr George’s hand and placed it on his forehead. The late Paulos Mar Gregorios and the Dalai Lama were close friends and they shared the same interests in climate change, the environment, world peace and universal religious harmony in the world and they had shared several stages together.

The pursuit of a singular global religion is impractical given the rich diversity of human beliefs and spiritual traditions. Rather than a cause for division, these differences should be respected. Regardless of our diverse beliefs, we are fundamentally united in our pursuit of happiness and aversion to suffering. Recognizing our shared humanity transcends superficial distinctions of race, ethnicity, philosophy, and religion. This recognition forms the foundation of our interconnectedness – a concept particularly resonant in Indian thought.
In a world where our destinies are increasingly intertwined – economically, technologically, and socially – ignoring global challenges proves untenable. The COVID-19 pandemic vividly underscored this interdependence. Embracing this interconnectedness compels us to view each other not as strangers but as members of a global family, united by our common aspirations and common vulnerabilities.

Buddhism has historically addressed casteism and racism in India. In today’s interconnected world, however, these issues seem more pronounced. What steps can we take to combat them?
Casteism and racism fundamentally divide humanity, rooted in false notions of superiority and inferiority. Such divisions undermine genuine harmony. From a Buddhist perspective, these divisive concepts derive from the ego’s propensity to create ‘self’ and ‘other,’ fuelling conflict and suffering. Central to Buddhist philosophy is the understanding of interdependence, challenging the very notions of inherent divisions.

“By nurturing compassion and
empathy in future leaders and citizens alike,
we cultivate a society where human dignity
and justice prevail over tyranny
and discrimination.”


The origins of casteism in Hinduism is debatable, often arising from later interpretations and social constructs rather than core teachings. Similarly, racism contradicts the belief in universal human dignity across religious and philosophical traditions. Embracing our interconnectedness dissolves these artificial boundaries, fostering mutual respect and understanding.
Compassion and nonviolence – the enduring principles of Indian thought – offer potent antidotes to societal division. Teaching these values in schools cultivates empathy and respect among future generations, empowering them to confront casteism, racism, and other forms of discrimination.

In today’s world, regimes characterized by racism, authoritarianism, and religious extremism often inflict misery in many people’s lives. What creative approaches do you suggest for addressing such regimes?
Transformative change begins with education, particularly in instilling basic human ethics and values—compassion, love, patience, mutual understanding, and contentment—from an early age. Such values not only foster personal well-being but also form the bedrock of a just and harmonious society.

During the audience, when Dr George John mentioned to His Holiness that the Indian Orthodox bishop late Paulos Mar Gregorios was his mentor while he was still working in London, the Dalai Lama, became noticeably moved and he grabbed Dr George’s hand and placed it on his forehead. The late Paulos Mar Gregorios and the Dalai Lama were close friends and they shared the same interests in climate change, the environment, world peace and universal religious harmony in the world and they had shared several stages together.

Authoritarian regimes, driven by rigid ideologies and power, overlook the impermanence of their rule and the universal nature of human vulnerability. Recognizing our mortality and interdependence encourages humility and empathy, essential for fostering inclusive societies free from oppression.
By nurturing compassion and empathy in future leaders and citizens alike, we cultivate a society where human dignity and justice prevail over tyranny and discrimination.

The pursuit of justice and fairness is a universal aspiration. What are your reflections on achieving these ideals?
Compassion serves as the universal remedy for achieving justice, fairness, and equality. Viewing others’ welfare as equal to our own naturally guides us toward equitable actions and harmonious coexistence. When compassion guides our interactions and decisions, justice and fairness become not just ideals but living principles enriching our shared humanity.

  • docgjohn@aol.com
  • (The author is a retired British Emeritus Consultant Psychiatrist from London, a freelance essayist living with his wife in Kochi, India. GJ has an interest in the relationship between mental health and religion.)

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