Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan met Buddhist religious guru Dalai lama here on Sunday. Chouhan informed him about the Department of Happiness and the ongoing Narmada Seva Yatra for river conservation. The lama said that development of the mind is more important than physical development because it is lasting. The formation of the Department of Happiness is a very good step. Narmada Seva Yatra is a work worth welcoming.
Chouhan said that happiness does not come from outside but from inside. The Department of Happiness has started activities in this regard in Madhya Pradesh. Those, who have more than enough material, Anandam Kendras have been made for them to give them to others. Sports and cultural activities have been introduced under Anand Utsav. 'Alap Viram' programme has been started. Besides, meditation, yoga and pranayam like activities have been launched. Ancient psychology, 'Nishkam Karmayoga,' and teachings of Buddha have been included in the textbooks. This is the art of living a good life.
The Dalai lama said that physical development is external. Along with this, there should be development inside also. The poor is happy if happiness is in the mind and if there is not happiness in the mind, even the rich are not happy. Psychological practices of India are the best. If we want mental happiness, we should concentrate on ancient psychology. Psychology is an important subject in Indian tradition. Psychology has been included as a subject in education and not part of religion. Western scientists get interest in ancient psychology. Such practice is already in India. Prevailing from ancient time, tradition of 'Sarva Dharma Sambhav' is very relevant today.
He said that villages should also be developed along with the development of urban areas. Efforts for girl education by the Madhya Pradesh Government are laudable. Caste-based discrimination is not right. All religious heads should move among people and explain God has made everyone equal. Caste system is a thing of the past. Influential people of the society should get rid of the caste. The Dalai lama gifted an idol of Buddha to CM. He said Buddha is an ancient scientist of India, apart from a philosopher, ideologist, social reformer who teaches to check everything on the basis of argument.