Dalai Lama meets with Muslims, urges religious tolerance

[JI7]

<SAN FRANCISCO - The Dalai Lama urged religious leaders Saturday to reach out to Muslims, saying Islam is a compassionate faith that has been unfairly maligned because of a few extremists.

"Nowadays to some people the Muslim tradition appears more militant," the 70-year-old exiled monk said at the weekend "Gathering of Hearts" conference, which aimed to bring Muslims and Buddhists together.

"I feel that's totally wrong. Muslims, like any other traditions - same message, same practice. That is a practice of compassion," he said.

The Dalai Lama told the audience that many people see and hear news of suicide bombings in predominantly Muslim countries but don't hear about how Muslims often work with the poor.

He said all human beings are prone to violence if they lose control of their emotions and not to judge an entire faith based on a few people. "A few mischievous people are always there," he said.>


http://www.montereyherald.com/mld/montereyherald/14351994.htm

[saltpoint]

1. I hope he received their best attention. He's wonderful.

[Kutjara]

2. A man of great heart and vision.

In his own quiet way, he cuts to the heart of human existence and speaks about those things that are common to all humans. In my more optimistic moments, I believe that the efforts of people like the Dalai Lama will ultimately prevail over the venal narcissism of those who rule us today.

Then I read the news.

[Erika]

3. I was lucky enough to see him in Sun Valley

He is a true man of peace. He has a sense of self-discipline that is very rare.