The Dalai Lamas are believed by Tibetan Buddhists to be manifestations of Avalokiteshvara or Chenrezig, the Bodhisattva of Compassion and the patron saint of Tibet. Bodhisattvas are realized beings, inspired by the wish to attain complete enlightenment, who have vowed to be reborn in the world to help all living beings – an extract from dalailama.com
His Holiness encourages:
Contentment
Physical comfort will not bring you peace if your mind is distressed.
If you mind is at peace, even physical pain will not disturb your calm.
Cultivation of kindness
Values such as compassion, forgiveness, tolerance, contentment, and self-discipline.
Most people want happiness and do not want suffering. Even non-religious people can benefit if they incorporate these human values into their lives.
Harmony
As a Buddhist monk, His Holiness encourages harmony among World religions. Despite philosophical differences between them, they all have potential to create good human beings.
It is important for all religions to respect one another and recognise the value of their respective traditions.
The idea that there is one truth and one religion is relevant to the individual practitioner. However, within the wider community, there is a need to recognise that human being observe several religions and several aspects of the truth.
Hope and Trust
As a Tibetan and the “Dalai Lama”, His Holiness is the focus of the Tibetan people’s hope and trust. He is committed to preserving their language and culture, while also speaking up for the protection of Tibet’s natural environment.
Reviving ancient knowledge
His Holiness has a commitment to reviving awareness of the value of ancient Indian knowledge. He is convinced that the rich ancient understanding of the workings of the mind and emotions, along with the techniques of mental training, such as meditation, are very relevant today.
This history of logic and reasoning, viewed from a secular, academic perspective, can be combined with modern education.
Peace
His Holiness the Dalai Lama is a man of peace. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989 for his non-violent struggle for the liberation of Tibet from China. He has consistently advocated policies of non-violence, even in the face of extreme aggression.
The Dalai Lama is such a positive influence on the Earth and I have chosen a few of the quotes that appeal to me:
“Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.”
“Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can’t help them, at least don’t hurt them.”
“This is my simple religion. There is no need for temples; no need for complicated philosophy. Our own brain, or own heart is our temple; the philosophy is kindness.”
“Where ignorance is our master, there is no possibility of real peace.”
“When we meet real tragedy in life, we can react in two ways – either by losing hope and falling into self-destructive habits, or by using the challenge to find our inner strength. Thanks to the teachings of Buddha, I have been able to take this second way.”
“To conquer oneself is a greater victory than to conquer thousands in a battle.”
“If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito.”
“Give the ones you love wings to fly, roots to come back, and reasons to stay.”
“Sometimes one creates a dynamic impression by saying something, and sometimes one creates as significant an impression by remaining silent.”
“Remember that sometimes not getting what you want is a wonderful stroke of Luck.”
“Choose to be optimistic, it feels better.”
“Human potential is the same for all. Your feeling, “I am of no value”, is wrong. You are deceiving yourself. We all have the power of thought – so what are you lacking? If you have the willpower, you can change anything. It is usually said that you are your own master.”
“Instead of wondering WHY this is happening to you, consider why this is happening to YOU.”
“Ander is the ultimate destroyer of your own peace of mind.”
“Someone else’s action should not determine your response.”
David Owen Nunes
David is many faceted, fascinating, fastidious, fair, fabulous and the other F word. He works in the Pensions Industry, plays occasional golf, and dreams of being able to write full time.
