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Why The Dalai Lama Says Don’t Pray For Paris

Despite the outpouring of popular online forums, such as #prayforparis, the Dalai Lama says God will not help us counter the attacks because “humans have created this problem”.

The Tibetan spiritual leader said the rise of suicide bombings could not be stopped “only through prayers” and describes the terrorists as “short-sighted”.

“I am a Buddhist and I believe in praying. But humans have created this problem, and now we are asking God to solve it,” he said.

“It is illogical. God would say, solve it yourself because you created it in the first place.”

Dalai Lama’s Message To World About Paris

He went on to tell the German state broadcaster Deutsche Welle that we need a systematic approach to foster humanistic values of oneness and harmony.

“If we start doing it now, there is hope that this century will be different from the previous one.

“It is in everybody’s interest. So let us work for peace within our families and society, and not expect help from God, Buddha or the governments.

The 80-year-old, who received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989, is adamant that if “serious attempts” were not made to achieve peace, “we will continue to see a replay of the mayhem humanity experienced in the 20th century”.

Dalai Lama’s Message To World About Paris

He described the terrorists in the Paris massacre that’s claimed more than 100 lives as “short-sighted” adding that there was “no basis or justification for killing others”.

His main message to the world: “We are one people”.

Meanwhile, for more inspirational words from his holiness, check out these great quotes, and make sure you watch our exclusive interview with London bombing survivor Gill Hicks.

James Graham

With over 20 years as a journalist and TV producer, James Graham has a wealth of experience covering the full media spectrum. James has a formidable reputation as a talented media veteran and worked as a reporter, script writer and as the producer of the TV documentary The Road To Athens. He has worked across newspapers, radio and the biggest flagship magazine brands in Australia and New Zealand. Previously, James was the News Director at Woman's Day and New Idea. Whether filing celebrity exclusives, or some of the biggest real-life splashes of recent years, James’ career has always been at the frontline of mainstream media. When not writing, you’ll find him at Royal Randwick, his beloved Long Reef Golf Club on the Northern Beaches – or visiting his mum in his native New Zealand.