Dalai Lama wins Templeton Prize, says China suffers from 'moral crisis'

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http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Latest-News-Wires/2012/0514/Dalai-Lama-wins-Templeton-Prize-says-China-suffers-from-moral-crisis


Dalai Lama, Tibetan Buddhist spiritual leader, center, with Bishop of London Richard Chartres, right, and St.Paul's Cathedral Canon Pastor Reverend Michael Colclough leave St. Paul's Cathedral in London after receiving the 2012 Templeton Prize awarded to him for encouraging scientific research and harmony among religions, Monday, May 14, 2012.

Sang Tan/AP

China is beset by a moral crisis, widespread corruption and lawlessness, leading millions of Chinese to seek solace in Buddhism, Tibet's exiled Buddhist leader, the Dalai Lama, said on Monday.


The Dalai Lama was in London to receive the $1.7 million Templeton prize for his work affirming the spiritual dimension of life.

Speaking to reporters before the award ceremony at St. Paul's Cathedral in London, he said millions of young Chinese were showing an interest in spirituality.

"Look at China now, the moral crisis, corruption - immense," he said, adding that China had "no proper rule of law".


A survey two years ago found that 200 million Chinese followed Buddhism, including many who followed Tibetan Buddhism, he said.