Tibetan students get lessons on compassion, forgiveness
By IANSWednesday, May 5, 2010
DHARAMSALA - Almost 38 years after an Irish gentleman lost his eyesight in an accidental bullet fire, he again came face to face with the attacker to deliver a lecture on compassion and forgiveness to exiled Tibetan students here Wednesday.
Spiritual leader the Dalai Lama also attended the interaction organised for more than 2,500 students of Tibetan Children’s Village School run by the government-in-exile.
Richard Moore was hit on the face by a rubber bullet fired by British soldier Charles Inness when he was walking home in Derry in Northern Ireland with his friends May 4, 1972.
Moore said: “I have learned to live in a different way. One can take away one’s sight, but one can’t take away one’s vision.”
He is now running a charity named Children of Crossfire.
“The story of ‘Children in Crossfire’ has its roots in what began as a tragedy and ended as a triumph of the human spirit to overcome adversity,” Moore said.
Addressing the students, Inness said: “I was absolutely appalled, shocked and devastated by what happened to Moore. I was deeply grieved for the rest of my life after the tragic incident.”
“Despite facing the unimaginable tragic and horrific experience, he has made a very successful life and I am very honoured and privileged to have him as a great friend for the rest of my life,” Inness told the students while delivering the lecture on “Freedom through Forgiveness”.
Inness explained that he shot the bullet to get stone-throwers away and it accidentally hit Moore.
In 2006, Moore flew to Edinburgh to meet Inness, who had gone into deep shock after learning about what happened. He forgave Inness for his act.
In his address, the Dalai Lama said: “Acts of terrorism are caused by feelings of anger, hatred and animosity. The sense of forgiveness and humanity shown by Richard Moore is an example for the world to learn to overcome such negative emotions.”
“Human beings must resolve the source of conflicts such as anger and hatred in order to promote non-violence and peace,” he added.
The Nobel laureate met Moore for the first time during his visit to Derry in 2000. The spiritual leader considers Moore not only his friend but also his hero.
