Corruption Is Violence, According To Dalai Lama

The spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism said Sunday that corruption is a form of violence.

The Dalai Lama, left, was delivering a global message marking the anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi's birthday.

He said India has made great progress in developing its democracy but is still plagued by corruption.

"Corruption is also another form of violence," the Dalai Lama said, "and we need to make more efforts to eliminate this social evil."

According to a report in the Hindustan Times, the Dalai Lama said, "To implement Mahatma Gandhi's action of non violence in our life is the proper way to remember him."

Gandhi led India to independence from Britain in 1947 through a non-violent campaign. His birth anniversary is designated International Non Violence Day.

"So people who truly believe in non violence must stop being involved in corruption," the Dalai Lama said. "That I think is very important."