The Dalai Lama has called on Indigenous Australians to modernise to ensure their future prosperity.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Living Black's Karla Grant, the spiritual leader of Tibet said modernising was crucial to survival.
“Indigenous people here should pay more attention to modern education and technology. Modernisation is important.”
“The community must work hard with self-confidence, education and some training”, he told SBS.
But the Tibetan leader also stressed the importance of preserving traditional cultures.
“Keep your own language, your own spirit.”
His message has drawn the support of some Indigenous Territorians.
Northern Territory traditional owner Aunty Dorrie-Anne Murphy told SBS: “His teachings [are] what a lot of people should be taking notice of – especially our Government and NT Government when it comes to helping people, especially our Indigenous people.”
The Dalai Lama told Living Black Indigenous peoples should be careful not to isolate themselves from modern society in an attempt to preserve their traditional ways.
“The preservation of your own identity and your own culture [can occur] through modern education. Modernise and then preserve these things. It's more effective and more realistic”, he told SBS.
“Isolation is actually self-destruction”, he said.
Some have drawn similarities between the circumstances facing Indigenous Australians and the Tibetan experience
“We too were also dispossessed from our land so we share a common theme”, said elder Aunty Shirley Lomas, who attended one of the religious leader's Sydney teachings.
Indigenous Australian Warren Jones has been a practising Buddhist for 16 years. He was attracted to the religion's messages of compassion and acceptance.
“I was attracted toward specifically Tibetan Buddhism”, he said.
“The Tibetan people have a very strong connection with their land and the environment and the stories associated with their culture and the land.”
“So, I found a very strong connection there, that we've both sort of gone through the hardships, enduring those hardships and trying to maintain a grasp on our identity through our culture”.
Karla Grant's interview with the 14th Dalai Lama will be screened on Living Black on Sunday 7 July, 9.30pm on SBS ONE and Wednesday 10 July at 7:30pm on NITV.
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