THE DALAT LAMA MESSAGE 1 am someone who belongs to the 20th century, an era that is past, but many of you attending Technovanza belong to the generation of the 2st century. It is important for you to recognise that the shape of the future depends on what you do now. I believe it is possible to create a better future, without violence, a more compassionate future if we balance external progress with inner development. Despite the many landmark achievements that took place in science and technology. the 20th century was also an era of violence, including even the use of nuclear weapons. We cannot change the past. yet we do have the opportunity to shape a better future. Technology has changed our lives in wonderful ways. It has made them easier. but also in some ways busier and less still. From the point of view of a spiritual practitioner we spend too much time involved with sensory activities, watching, listening to, tasting and touching things we find attractive. This distracts us from our special human faculty: our intelligence. There are birds and animals with much keener senses than us, but none of them have intelligence that can match the human brain, the brain that produces science and technology. Technology by itself does not guarantee we will live in a happier world, Whether science and technology are used positively or negatively depends on our motivation, which involves the mind. If our use of technology is motivated by anger and hatred it is likely to be destructive. It will only be beneficial if we are motivated positively to seek the welfare of all beings. Human beings are the only species with the power and potential to destroy the world. It is because of the risks involved in indulging in unrestrained desire and greed that we need to cultivate contentment and simplicity, which is why our spiritual traditions teach self-discipline. Therefore, we need to balance external technological and material progress with the sense of responsibility that comes through inner development. Tam pleased to know Veermata Jijabai Technological Institute (VJTI), Mumbai has been holding ‘Technovanza — Taking Technology to Society’ for the last 15 years to great acclaim. I extend my greetings to everyone taking part in the event with my prayers that the experience is an unparalleled success. kee 26 August 2016