Says India ‘ideal' country for religious co-existence

The Dalai Lama on Monday described India as the “ideal place” for religious co-existence, as he received the prestigious £1.1 million Templeton Prize for his contribution to “affirming life's spiritual dimension.”

He announced that he was giving away the prize money to charity, most of it to the ‘Save the Children' fund in India. While £900,000 would go to ‘Save the Children,' the remaining would be split between The Minds and Life Institute, and a fund to educate Tibetan monks on science.

“My pocket is now empty, but no problem,” he remarked, speaking at St. Paul's Cathedral, where he was awarded the prize at a ceremony attended by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams.

The Prize, in its 40th year, was established in 1972, to honour a living person who affirms “life's spiritual dimension” — be it through insight, or practical works.

The Dalai Lama noted that his movement owed a huge debt to ‘Save the Children.' “They came to our help when we were in difficulties,” he said.

Describing the young as “our hope for the future,” the 76-year-old spiritual leader said, “If we educate them, they will change for the better.”

He praised India for its belief in non-violence and religious harmony.

Dr. John Templeton, president of the John Templeton Foundation, said the Dalai Lama represented the “universal voice of compassion.” He was chosen for the prize for encouraging “serious scientific investigative reviews of the power of compassion” and its potential to address global problems.

Gives away prize money to charity

“My pocket is now empty, but no problem”