Pope Benedict's decision to resign must be realistic, says Dalai Lama

Dharmashala: Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama on Thursday expressed hope that Pope Benedict XVI will continue to be available for the benefit of the people despite his resignation.

"Firstly little bit sad. I know him, he is intelligent one. But then naturally he is a religious practitioner and in the meantime very intelligent. So his decision must be I think realistic, some sort of greater benefit to concerned people. So I pray his remaining life still will be very useful and successful for all," the 14th Dalai Lama said.

The Dalai Lama was attending the first annual convocation of Central university of Himachal Pradesh at Shapur about 35 kilometres from Dharmashala, where he was conferred with an honorary degree of Doctor of Philosophy. The Dalai Lama also said that education is a must to strengthen the mental knowledge, adding "educational institutes should not ignore the ancient values during the modernisation of education."

Dalai Lama expressed hope that Pope Benedict XVI will continue to be available for the benefit of the people despite his resignation.

He said that the present education system is unable to provide most needed mental peace.

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