to give the opportunity to at risk kids and vulnerable youth to become good citizens through art, culture, education and various training and peaceful think and conflict resolution. then came my experience in our work, and let me share with you what i learned from my experience. my experience helped me look deeper in my soul, sparked new things that did not exist, before, and set the flames that were burning already. by sharing my story with his holiness and youth peace holders, i learned how to share things that terrify me so i can grow, experience and flourish.

i learned to be more honest with myself, to see the weakest, most fragile parts of myself and not only acknowledgment, but owned them. i learned that we don't have to be afraid to peel back our layers and open ourselves to love, because we are all the same, members of the same family, as his holiness said. i learned that love, peace, gratitude and compassion are not ready made, it is not something we do, it is something we are. it is at the core of our existence, we are love, peace,

this is why we are here, and it is what we all need and want. it is what brings us richness, meaning and fulfillment to our life. i learned that knowledge is only real when it is shared, and now i know that it is our duty as peace builders and citizens of the world to build a generation of people who choose peace, who choose peace every day and who choose peace again and again. thank you. [applause]

>> thank you. i will like to invite victoria, who is joining us from nigeria. >> i come from nigeria. in 2013, i started an organization to help tutor in my community, realize true self-identity and work for peace. this was deeply inspired from my background. our project is to teach children on self-identity, self-regulation and even know they come from communities, they have the choice to choose to walk for peace. our time was a unforgettable experience, meeting his holiness and learning from my fellow youth advocates.

we have a deep role to play to ensure that the world becomes peaceful. it was deeply inspiring, hearing the stories from youth of afghanistan, iraq, tunisia and many more. this shows that we can continue to work for peace as young people and we have a role to play to encourage our peers to work for peace and put it into violence and extremism. this is possible and essential, and i see it is a jet -- joint effort. starting from our families, our communities, thank you very much. [applause]

>> thank you. these were the voices that gave so much hope. we would like to continue the conversation. i have a number of questions from people who would like to ask you, and i want to give you #dalailamausip. this first question is, as a self-proclaimed feminist, what methods do you have for girls growing up in environments of violence and extremism, and what rule -- what role do you see girls and women playing in countering violent extremism? >> since many years, i expressed -- i think perhaps the human

population was quite small, and then some colonists -- population increased and the farming system -- poverty, ownership issues came up, and then some -- crimes also happened, so then the issue came. at the time, no educational rule. in order to become -- physical strength, -- then, education came an education brings more equality, so very powerful feminine leadership. now, existing education, we must make more effort for one heartedness.

biologically, females have more sensitive and understanding, that is what some scientists said in their investigations. therefore, we need special effort with the emotion of compassion, love, women should take more active roles. that is why you see my friends

describe me as a feminist. sometimes i feel 200 different nations with the majority of leadership, female, maybe less trouble, less violence. some ladies are exceptional, so equally, some -- average, goes to the biological factor, that is why more females should take more active, more effort to

promote human love, human compassion. within the present circumstances and environment, -- people being killed, sometimes in the name of religion and many innocent people dying, terrible.

then, when we saw the situation with each individual, we cannot remain indifferent. when we take it seriously, these sad events, these also some kind

of causality, and these are a symptom of certain causes. the fundamentals of because here, -- fear, hate, too much self-centered attitude. a lack of sense of oneness with our human brothers and sisters. we really need a sense of oneness. on each continent, they depend on one another.

ancient time, more or less self-sufficient and independent, but we had a global economy, and the environment issue, global warming, also creates more and more negative. we have to act. unitedly, connect -- collectively, otherwise, this century could also be miserable. basic human nature is more compassionate, so we have the hope of universal love on the basis of oneness, of -- through

education, -- a lot of problems we are facing, it is our own creation. too much bias, too much shortsighted, so education, we can remove these things. through that way, if you attempt -- you make the effort now, as of this century could be more peaceful and more compassionate.

in europe, more and more people express that they are global citizens and they are wonderful. i think circumstances compel us and we have to act as one humanity. practically and morally, we have

to -- it is a hopeful sign -- [laughter] >> this build on what you said, but we have a number of rest from some of our media guests, all of which are very related to the events in orlando and they are specifically asking, especially related to the role of religious hostility, religious ideology, especially in a situation with targeting our lgbt brothers and sisters, how do we transform that?

>> over 57 years, i live in india. india, the most populated developed country with a lot of problems. over 2000 years, religious harmony beside homegrown traditions, from outside, --- he the literally took over mitch to mecca to show

nonsectarian. india still has harmony, so such a big nation, india, can maintain this harmony, so why not the rest of the world? if you make attempt in earnest, i think we can reduce sectarian feeling. firstly, education, secondly, contact.

i noticed indian muslims and militant muslims -- an indian muslim from childhood, they take for granted -- there are a large number of chinese, the majority of these people are buddhist, and also quite a big number of hindus, so therefore, that makes the differences. in arab countries, there is only

one religion. contact is something i think is very important. education, and teaching old world tradition. three aspects of these major religions, one is teaching of love, forgiveness, tolerance. second, and we witness a number of christians dedicated their

life to serving other people. i think the islam practitioner should not create any bloodshed. if a person create bloodshed, then the reality -- in reality, they are no longer a practitioner of islam. the very meaning of jihad is not harming others, but to combat your own destructive emotions. that is the true meaning. therefore, all practitioners of religion teach forgiveness, compassion.

the other aspect is philosophy, and there are big differences. these religions believe creator, these religions, no concept of creator, so big differences. then we have to ask, what is problem of these different recipes -- philosophies? to some people, a concept of god is very powerful. god as our father and creator. we are all the children of such a wonderful and compassionate

father. -- they doradition not believe in a god or creator. if you create good actions, it means you help another, you get benefit, so the difference is that the difference is a fitness -- emphasis, but same purpose, to bring more compassion.

sometimes, the -- a lot of different religions with different philosophies and views -- just one religion, like one market, one item, customers would be less and less. you have variety, then more people come. the third aspect is cultural, so now one example.

vegetarianism.s, other than that, the outcome. so cultural aspect, existing circumstances of society makes some influence. so i think, under difficult

circumstances, sometimes you see the emphasis like that in order to survive your own community like that. then jesus christ come. you see more emphasis about patience. if someone hit you, show like that. then muohammed. so another life. no proper rule of law like that. more crimes, so the emphasis sharia law. due to the circumstances. that cultural aspect of all

religion. then in india, the caste system is quite serious. i met some group from a lower caste. we had some discussions. i told them like this. this is the social sort of system, at that time a feudal system, it is the same sort of lord and like slave. so the caste system related to the feudal system. the feudal system changed. now there is a certain cultural aspect, religion with the feudal system. now comes change. for that, the politicians and

even governments cannot do much. with hindu, the cast system comes from the same source, creator. spiritual leaders should come out, with rituals and prayer, must come out. i the caste system is outdated. so i told them. they arranged certain meetings. then i am ready to come, i told them. so like that. the cultural aspect, in buddhism, i think comparatively

the buddha makes certain rules mortar microchip principles -- more democracyitic principles. with monks, about 100 actions. all those actions only carried by a group of monk. no single monk held authority. buddha himself, exception. [laughter] the follower of him, never give authority to one single person. that rules action later. >> there are certain types of

rituals that need to be performed across the monastic line, but no single person has the authority to preside over the rite. the rite has to be performed collectively. dalai lama: it has been too long. that is why you see some now some feminists from the west, they want me to give highest ordination for female, for nun. they have the impression i have final authority. and i told them no, i have no authority. only some kind of international monks decide. otherwise, you see, we have no -- [speaking foreign language]

>> part of the problem in the situation with the full ordination for women is one requirement is the senior administrator of the vow has to be a nun herself. because of that difficulty in tibet, the institution of the full ordination of women was never established. in order to redress -- address that, there needs to be a much more collective consensus among the monastic establishment. dalai lama: as far as study is concerned, i have authority. i give the authority. i actually appeared 40 years ago in india. nunnery should start serious study. now this year, we are going to give highest authority. >> equal to the doctorate in divinity. dalai lama: for that, i have the sort of freedom.

the other thing, i have no freedom. so therefore, like that. there is some kind of buddhism rule. although buddha gives equality for female and male. but when we come together, the monk should be first. even because of the [speaking language]-- >> there is a hierarchy, even though there is an egalitarian opportunity for men and women for ordination. but because of the cultural influence, there is a hierarchy established. so even though the none might be senior, but in terms of hierarchy, the nun would be lower compared to a junior monk. dalai lama: so these things, on some occasion, i suggested maybe

now the time come we need some modification or to change like that. so for example, in my own case, the institution [indiscernible] spirituality. now in 2011, i totally retired. and to only myself retired, but also four-century old institution has now ceased voluntarily. happily, probably. i feel these are some influence. some impact on the feudal system. the feudal system outdated so we must catch up to the present reality or time. >> your holiness, you are describing a process of change that is only successful in a more inclusive way that creates the bottom-up engagement in change, which is something we learn a lot in how to build

successful, sustained peace. but it also takes time. you talked about actions you took 40 years ago now coming to fruition. one of the questioners, and i think it is a question for many of our youth leaders, this is from linda pace at the international student exchange. how do you keep youth leaders who are essential for building peace into the next century from becoming discouraged at the pace of change? how do you encourage them to not become discouraged? dalai lama: it is an experience. when you leave your own country individually or a small group, when you meet other people from

other countries, you get more encouragement. so this is a worldwide because of that contact, a relationship, like your organization. you see you can now, meet. the group also need money. [laughter] dalai lama: such as your organization is in a different place, a different continent, more meeting if possible annually. that gives them encouragement and a sense of community. >> we have a wonderful question from a man from nigeria who asked how we encourage religious leaders to play a constructive role in encouraging youth. i remember you commented many conferences happen around the world. oftentimes, all they do is

release doves and disturb the doves. how do we turn that into the action you are urging us to focus on? dalai lama: many years ago, since many years, i suggested, i requested out of india the indian government should organize international religious conference. and not just a conference. at the beginning, leaders make some statement. then some scholars, some secondary leadership spend more

days and serious discussion and exchange india's experience how the different religious expenses can live together. that group makes a pilgrimage to different holy places within india. i started the practice since 1975. when time available, i wanted to make the pilgrimage in india. then also disparate israel and fatima. i would take more time. i want to share my own experience on a small schedule. so we sit together, a few other christians and myself in some organizations.

then after that, a short meditation. then everybody stand and leaving. i turn to the beautiful magistrate smiling towards me. i am buddhist. and also i am a student of those masters and others. so a lot of discussions about creating these things. i am a student. about bringing christians there, bringing muslims there, it helped. also, millions of people get

inspiration, benefit from these traditions. over the last 2000 years, and still millions of people get immense inspiration. these different religions are sources of inner peace. that has helped. that is sufficient reason to admire, so i practice that. so therefore, i feel mary showed me some decision about my action. [laughter] [applause] dalai lama: so i think india is

an example of different religions living together. so now we have to work and make clear. i wish some arab countries, some hard-line muslims should invite and try to make friendship. then use their fear or distance feeling. shake hands, meet, talk. previously when we go to one muslim community there, previously i was told even some muslim are clothed with one buddhist and they wash.

then they sort of eat together. i was passing through this area and i dined with them together. they have many traditions. sit together and eat, you see, from the kitchen like that. sometimes people because of different faith, distance, that creates some distance. and that eventually creates some distrust or suspicion. so that nice word will not have much meat. touch each other, have a meal together.

and then make friend. then we can discuss some of our differences, some of our similarities. i think a lot of problems here are the same problem in the middle east. i think response from america, from this nation, because of the september 11 event. i love president bush. as a human being, wonderful person.

since our first meeting, we have become very close friends. so after iraq crisis happened, another occasion of my meeting, i told him, i love you. i respect you. but where some of your policies are concerned, i have reservations. [laughter] dalai lama: he smiled. i think the practical level, american force, american military power, yes? easily can crush. but american military power cannot change others mind or emotion. only through friendship, through affection, then can you change their mind. in tibet also, there are some hard-line chinese officials that believe the power of the gun suppress over 60 years cannot change their mind. only affection, friendship.

ok, next person. sorry. [laughter] dalai lama: my answer always too long. i admit the mystical bad habit. that is my weakness. when my mouth is open, then blah blah blah continuously. that my weakness, sorry. >> this will be our final question. this is from the network for religious and traditional peacemakers. they are asking what you would do to continue to continue to support his so they can become supportntinue to can become the peacemakers that help us have a 21st century free from violent conflict.

dalai lama: i think there is nothing secret, nothing else. discuss, this unity, what a benefit. less distance, what a benefit. builds more fear. just ask, make friend. make friendship on the basis of this person being another human sister, and i am one of the human brother. out of 7 billion, we are same. according to religion, we are all children of god. there are differences here and there. they are minor. basically, we are same. this feeling and try to implement as much as you can. talk, seminar, not one lecture,

but group discussion. what is the benefit? distance, what is the benefit? no benefit. possible, one religious group go to mars. one religious group go to moon. and then we find some other places to go. then we fight here and go different planet. that is impossible! [laughter] dalai lama: we have to live on this small planet. livech better to harmoniously, happily, a sense of brotherhood, sisterhood. there is no other choice. see? followers of other traditions impossible to eliminate. we have to live together. many religions friendly expressing.

one religion not possible. onechristian, over -- cannot eliminate over one billion muslim. the muslim cannot eliminate that. we have to live together. that is reality. much happier. this bloodshed, these things. when we saw on television killing and particularly the children, women facing starvation, they are our brothers, our sisters. it is impossible to be indifferent.

we have to as a community of human beings, as a social animal, they are happy, we also feel happy. they are suffering, we also feel suffering. uncomfortable. so no matter, we can achieve or thinkntally, we have to seriously and make effort. whether it is you are not, that is a different question. everybody here, and not only here some human being eventually have to die. at the end of our life. then we accept our life. you made some positive attempt, then you feel happy.

if you spent your life more destructively, at that moment you really feel regret or unhappy. and then also, there is a person that really carry life more compassionate, or sense of helping other people, serving other people. when that person pass away, more people regret and also free. -- and also pray. so that is nice. other hand, if you carry your life bullying other people, cheating other people like that, then when death come, people who knows you feel very happy. the trouble they have no longer, very happy.

[laughter] dalai lama: so what do you want when you pass away? more people concern your death or happy? what do you want? [laughter] dalai lama: huh? at least i want when i pass away that more people remember me and at least some prayer, and i feel happy. then at the time of my death i say troublemaker no longer. oh, how nice. >> [laughter] >> little possibility of that. [laughter] dalai lama: so, thank you. thank you, my brothers, my sisters.

we all family. there are differences. some can do more. some can do less. but we all are part of humanity. we are part of the human society. particularly america, i would consider this nation a leading nation of free world. you can really make some serious contribution for better world. first, you yourself, your own place, you should create certain positive thing. then more other people get more inspiration. like that. so please, think seriously at whatever way you can do, implement into practice, into action like that. ok. do you agree?

[laughter] dalai lama: then on the black african sister, one time in south africa i visit one african family. then i told her now south africa now already get the democratic constitution and revolution. nelson mandela president, wonderful. emotionally, it take time to change. now the black people with such confidence and work hard. one of the guests told me, we black people, brain level inferior.

i shout and argue. no! if you ask brain specialist any differences of brain due to different color, the specialist, the scientist will say no differences. my own experience, some hardline chinese officials make some discrimination because tibet backward. only a question of opportunity. opportunity come. we want to be equal like that. so i explain, explain. finally that native african sighs with understanding, and he respond to me. now we are equal.

at that moment, i felt true relief. at least i helped, i changed one person's mental attitude. certain confidence is very essential. so please, work hard. some people say of black people they are different or backward. you accept i'm backward, totally wrong. we are same human being. therefore, with confidence, work hard. [applause] >> thank you, your holiness. [applause] >> i want to thank everybody for coming today.

our deepest gratitude for joining us today, your holiness. we have an audacious mission of envisioning a world without violent conflict. sometimes people say this is crazy talk. you have given us hope and encouragement to continue to pursue this very bold and audacious vision. and we thank everybody here for your continuing support, engagement, and work on this pathway. i want to conclude by noting we are 100 days out from the international day of peace on september 21. i encourage everybody to join in taking action, moving toward the international day of peace and making it every day. thank you, once again. thank you. thank you, everybody. [applause]

dalai lama: now international day of peace should create a whole year, a whole century. a whole decade. then a whole century. >> yes. [laughter] [applause] >> with your encouragement, yes. [applause] dalai lama: a lot of work to do that -- without pay. [laughter] >> thank you, everybody. >> ladies and gentlemen, please remain in your seats until the official party departs. dalai lama: thank you. see you again. [captions copyright national cable satellite corp. 2016] [captioning performed by the national captioning institute, which is responsible for its caption content and accuracy. visit ncicap.org]

dalai lama: thank you.

[laughter]

[chatter] >> immigration and homeland security security officials testify today about trying to andent visa overstays potentially creating a new visa entry tracking system. live coverage from the house homeland security subcommittee is starting at 10:00 a.m. eastern on c-span3. washington journal is next. we will look at today's news and take your calls. in the afternoon, they continue work on science funding. live coverage on c-span. an update on get this weekend's mass shooting in orlando, florida. we're joined by eric swalwell and have a conversation with

scott perry who is on the subcommittee against terrorism. we'll also speak on the phone by two members of the senate subcommittee and you can join the conversation on facebook or twitter. >> the senate will observe a moment of silence for the victims of the orlando attack. observe aate will now moment of silence for the victims of the orlando attack. host: that is how the senate began its day yesterday. a moment of silence also took place in the house chamber as congress met for the first time since the attack at the florida nightclub by the gunmen who pledged his support to the islamic state. and while the fbi says there is no