Number one, my commitment is promotion of human values, not on the basis of religious ethics, religion faith, but without religious faith, using our common sense and also some scientific findings. [A] more compassionate person [is] happier and the brain functions, I think, more normal. So through that way, maybe longer life. Too much stress, too much agitated mind, less sleep -- then eventually shorter life. So that is my main commitment. This commitment will remain until my death.
Then second commitment -- promotion of religious harmony. I am speaking as a Buddhist. I am Buddhist monk, so through my own little experience I know I can feel the value of other traditions. All traditions in spite of different philosophy, different concept, all have the same potential to provide humanity [with a] certain inner value. Therefore the harmony among the different religious traditions is very essential. Sometimes I think that due to conflict in the name of religion, some people really feel fed up about religion. That is a great pity. Various different religious traditions -- if we implement sincerely, practice sincerely, then I think there [is] good potential.
Love, compassion, forgiveness, tolerance, contentment, self-discipline -- now these are the essence of all teaching, whether Christianity or Islam or Judaism or Hinduism or Buddhism. Same essence. Same message. So if a person follows one of these religions [amd] they practice these things, then I think automatically your mind becomes more calm, more compassionate. Due to calmness of mind, I think your mental function becomes more normal, more peaceful. I think the mental function [is] more effective. It is in this way we can see the effect of spirituality. On the other hand, if you use religious faith, or rather the name of religion, in [a] different purpose, then the name of religion may create more restlessness. So [it] depends on the use of religion as a method to bring calmness -- then certainly all major religious traditions [are] helpful.
Without religious faith, meditation or training of mind like some scientists do that, without religious faith, but simply certain techniques to increase, I think, the power of attention -- these things they do.
Within my limited knowledge of the Bible, it teaches the essential part -- compassion, forgiveness, these things -- very clearly. Many of the essential teachings of Christianity are in fact illustrated by the example of the life of Christ. There could be a certain aspect of the Bible which reflects a particular cultural and social condition of Middle East society at that time. That part I think can change. That aspect of the tradition -- perhaps it's not wise to insist on unchangeability, because that part of the tradition may be amenable to change due to circumstances.
If I attach towards my own faith, [that] is essentially against the teaching of the essence of Buddha. One Christian, one Muslim, one Jew -- while very much faithful to one's own tradition, then more attachment, so forgetting and neglect about essential teaching -- compassion, tolerance, these things -- I think that may be one factor [in religious strife].
I think important is the oneness of entire humanity -- that feeling. Then I think in the field of religion -- more dialogue, more interaction. According to my own experience, after I came to India and became a refugee, then as far as Christianity is concerned, after I met the late Thomas Merton I really learned the value of Christianity immensely from him. Not just words -- his behavior. [He was] just like a Tibetan Buddhist monk. Even his hairstyle was similar to the Buddhist monk. When he came to Dharamsala [he wore] big boots. He was a Trappist monk. We spent a few days and each day a few hours [together]. Then I really developed admiration about Christian faith and particularly the monastic way of life. Then on a few occasions [when] I visited some Christian monastery or nunnery, I really admire their way of life -- simplicity and great devotion to their own tradition. So personal contact is very, very useful [for religious dialogue].
