Dalai Lama Discusses Peace of Mind

"92nd Annual Meet of Association of Indian Universities at Sarnath - Inaugural Session"

March 19, 2018

Sarnath, UP, India - It was still dark in Delhi this morning when His Holiness the Dalai Lama left for the airport to board a flight to Varanasi. By the time of take-off, however, the sun had risen. Vice-Chancellor of the Central Institute for Higher Tibetan Studies (CIHTS), Geshe Ngawang Samten received him on arrival at Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, from where he drove to the Institute in Sarnath. Smiling students holding white scarves, flowers and sticks of incense lined the way from the gate to His Holiness’s residence. Tashi Shölpa dancers sang and danced to welcome him. As he stepped out of his car a couple presented a new-born baby for him to bless. Young men and women in Tibetan costume offered the traditional ‘chemar changpu’.

Just before ten o’clock, Association of Indian Universities (AIU) President Prof PB Sharma and Secretary General Furqan Qamar, with Geshe Ngawang Samten, escorted His Holiness to the Conference Hall nearby. Once everybody was seated the institute song was performed by a mixed group of students. This was followed by a rendering of the auspicious Mangalacharan in Sanskrit by a group of female students, including some nuns. Their recitation was followed by a group of monks chanting the same piece in Tibetan, with which His Holiness joined in.

In his welcome address, Geshe Ngawang Samten, on behalf of every member of the CIHTS University, expressed deep gratitude to His Holiness for accepting their invitation. He welcomed everyone who had come to attend the meeting and pointed out that this is the first time that an AIU gathering has taken place in Varanasi, reputedly the oldest city in India. He also reminded everyone that Sarnath is where the Buddha gave his first teaching after his enlightenment and voiced the hope that transformative insights will emerge from the discussions that will take place over the next three days.

Prof Furqan Qamar, Secretary General of AIU, in his introductory remarks, thanked CIHTS and its Vice-Chancellor for hosting the meeting and declared it was a privilege for everyone attending to be in His Holiness’s presence. He noted that this year’s theme, ‘Higher Education in an Era of Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Disruptive Technology, with a Focus on Human Values in an Era of Disruption’might weigh heavily on participants, but suggested there could not be a better setting, nor a better person to guide the conversation.

In his remarks, Prof Francisco Marmolejo, the World Bank's Lead Tertiary Education Specialist, noted that this is a unique moment for India, when it is going to find itself with the largest most youthful population in the world. He said it is in India’s and the world’s interest for India to succeed, because if she does not the world will fail. In this higher education is essential, as is human dignity. Not only is there a need for more education, but also for better education.

In his extensive Presidential address, Prof PB Sharma took up similar themes. He stated that there is a need for a focus on quality, relevance and excellence, noting that loss of values has given rise to greed and disruption. He quoted Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, a former President of AIU and President of India, who said, “The end product of education should be a free creative man, who can battle against historical circumstances and the adversities of nature.” Prof Sharma called on his fellow Vice-Chancellors to resolve to foster values and education in the temples of learning of an awakened India. “We must therefore,” he urged, “effectively blend the wisdom of our antiquity with the modernity of human civilization to support the resurgence of India to its global eminence.”

His Holiness was called upon to release the AIU Annual Report, as well as a collection of occasional papers. Then, as the Chief Guest, he was requested to give the inaugural address. Although yesterday, due to weariness he had sought permission to speak from his chair, today he stood at the podium.

“Respected brothers and sisters, this is how I prefer to begin because I really feel that if we kept the 7 billion human beings alive today in our hearts as brothers and sisters, many of the problems we face would disappear. Instead we think in terms of ‘us’ and ‘them’, which just leads to trouble. The world is becoming smaller and more interdependent. The global economy has no boundaries. Climate change affects the entire world. Our lives depend on water, and yet it is becoming increasingly scarce. In this new reality we must find new ways to think and act. Violence and war, outdated behaviour, must cease.

“When men fought in the past with swords, spears or obsolete guns it wasn’t so serious, they couldn’t do too much damage, but today there are several thousand nuclear weapons primed for use.

“I have visited both Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the two places where nuclear weapons were used against human beings and I will never forget seeing a watch, its hands stopped at the instant of the attack, half melted by the intensity of the heat.

“Several years ago at a meeting of Nobel Peace Laureates in Rome we heard about the practical consequence of a nuclear exchange, which were far-reaching and utterly horrifying in the damage it would do the world and its people. I suggested then a resolution to reduce and eliminate the stock piles of such weapons, setting a clear time-table for its accomplishment. But nothing happened.

“We should reflect on the contradiction that if one man kills another he goes to jail, but when a man is responsible for the deaths of hundreds in war he is feted as a hero. Violence results from anger and fear. These are what we must reduce.

“As a young monk in Tibet I studied reluctantly until I began to recognise how valuable was the knowledge Shantarakshita had brought to our country in the 8th century. What was precious about the Nalanda Tradition we have since kept alive was the wonderful opportunity it provided to build inner strength and achieve peace of mind, which doesn’t depend on external factors.

“As I’ve already mentioned, the 20th century saw great developments in many areas, but it was also flawed by violence. Today, elements of the old way of thinking that gave rise to it remain—the inclination to solve problems by use of force. This is simply out of date. If it had resulted in general benefit it might have been acceptable, but it has never been the case. This is why this century should be an era of dialogue, a time when we think of others as part of ‘us’ and seek equitable solutions to conflicts between us.

“Education has a role in this. Ancient Indian knowledge of the workings of our mind and emotions has a practical contribution to make. Just as we teach children to follow codes of physical hygiene to protect their health, so we need to institute a corresponding sense of emotional hygiene.

His Holiness explained that in ancient India the common practices of shamatha and vipashyana, tranquillity and insight, gave rise to a profound understanding of the mind. And although this is recorded in religious texts, there is no reason at all why today it cannot be studied from an academic angle. This appreciation of mind and emotions involves a thorough-going use of logic and reason—a scientific approach.

His Holiness cited the relevance today of India’s age-old traditions of ahimsa and secularism. India is the one country where all the world’s major religions live together side by side.

“That the Buddha was a product of ancient India is something we can all be proud of,” he continued. “Today, we should combine modern education with the ancient Indian understanding of the workings of the mind and emotions. We need to rely on common sense and scientific findings. For more than 30 years I have engaged in discussions with scientists that have been mutually beneficial. Raja Ramana told me that although the findings of quantum physics seem new today, he had found what he recognised as corresponding insights in the writings of Nagarjuna from many centuries ago.

“Similarly, when we compare ancient Indian and modern psychology, the modern tradition still seems to be at a very preliminary stage of development. Peace of mind is not only the proper basis of world peace, it also enables us to make full use of our own intelligence.
“I trust that you will have serious and fruitful discussions here—and I thank you.”

CIHTS Registrar Dr RK Upadhyay offered words of thanks. Everyone stood for the National Anthem. Next, Vice-Chancellors gathered at the foot of the stage on the Kalachakra Ground where a group photograph was taken with His Holiness, after which they enjoyed a sumptuous lunch together on the Library Lawn. His Holiness will attend a further session of the meeting tomorrow morning.

original link & photos: https://www.dalailama.com/news/2018/92nd-annual-meet-of-association-of-indian-universities-at-sarnath-inaugural-session

In the Path of the Buddha & Gandhi

Dharamsala, HP, India - There was a brisk chill in the air and the Dhauladhar Mountains stood stark against a bright blue sky as His Holiness the Dalai Lama drove to the Government College in Dharamsala this morning. He had been invited by the Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti, whose aim is to propagate the life, mission and thought of Mahatma Gandhi, to attend a Convention for Global Peace focussing on the Path of the Buddha and Gandhi. On arrival His Holiness walked the whole length of the front row greeting members of the audience, shaking their hands and having his photograph taken with them.

The entire gathering stood for the national anthem, following which His Holiness joined in the lighting of the lamp and offering floral tributes to the Buddha and Mahatma Gandhi. Students from Kulu sang an extensive invocation. Gifts were presented to the various guests on the stage.

Vice-Chancellor of the Central University of Himachal Pradesh, Kuldip Chand Agnihotri, speaking in Hindi, remarked that recalling the Buddha and Gandhi today can contribute to world peace because the essence of the Dharma is ahimsa, non-violence. Shri Laxmi Dass of the Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti spoke of the dangers of conflict and distrust in a world where nuclear weapons exist. Professor Samdhong Rinpoche expressed the hope that the gathering would point the younger generation in the direction of world peace. He drew attention to the example His Holiness the Dalai Lama has set in ensuring that the struggle for freedom in Tibet is non-violent.

“Respected elder brothers and sisters and in particular, younger brothers and sisters,” His Holiness began. “I always address people this way because we are all the same as human beings. Differences of religious faith, race or nationality are of secondary importance in the context that we are the same in being human. Focussing on such secondary differences gives rise to conflict. This is how we make problems for ourselves and reducing them is the responsibility of each and every one of us.

“These days, when I wake in the morning and start my meditation, I often wonder how many people have been killed and how many children have starved to death while I peacefully slept.

“People create these problems and people have to solve them. Those of us who belong to the 20th century will be gone after ten to fifteen years, but those of you who belong to the 21st century must work to make a happier world. You have the opportunity and the responsibility to do this. To start with you have to cultivate inner peace. Peace in the world can’t be created through anger, hatred and jealousy.

“Both Buddha Shakyamuni and Mahatma Gandhi were Indians, shaped by Indian traditions that involved transforming their inner world. They did not achieve inner peace through prayer alone, but by tackling their negative emotions. Traditions for generating peace of mind are important today. We too need to understand what gives rise to inner peace and what destroys it.”

His Holiness mentioned that he has heard of Sadhus who meditate naked, deep in the mountains where they cultivate inner heat through their practice, but he has not yet had the opportunity to meet and talk to any of them. He reiterated that to achieve peace of mind, we have to tackle our negative emotions. Ancient Indian psychology had a profound understanding of how to do this. He recommended that we approach such knowledge today less in a religious spirit than from a practical, secular and academic point of view.

Quoting the Buddha’s famous dictum ‘As the wise test gold by burning, cutting and rubbing it, So, bhikshus, should you accept my words after testing them, and not merely out of respect for me,’ His Holiness confirmed that the masters of Nalanda University examined what the Buddha taught in the light of reason. The knowledge they transmitted is contained in the more than 300 volumes of literature translated mostly from Sanskrit into Tibetan. He announced that compendia of extracts are being translated into Hindi, English and other languages.

“While modern India is making good material development it has tended to neglect its heritage of ancient knowledge. Fortunately, we Tibetans, chelas of Indian gurus have preserved much of this tradition. Today, what’s important is to combine modern education and technological prowess with the ancient knowledge of the workings of the mind and emotions that shaped the Buddha and Mahatma Gandhi. India is the only country where this can be done.

“In my discussions with modern scientists I’ve learned about the new insights of quantum physics. However, the great physicist Raja Ramana told me that he found that these were anticipated centuries ago in what Nagarjuna wrote. Similarly, where modern scientists tend to view the mind in terms of sensory consciousness, ancient India had a highly developed understanding of the depth of mental consciousness.

“On the basis of your ancient heritage I believe you Indians have the potential to make a great contribution to the welfare of humanity. Buddha Shakyamuni emphasised the dependent arising of phenomena—pratityasamutpada, but he also stressed the importance of karuna, compassion. Mahatma Gandhi looked like a beggar, but was highly educated and wise. We have the opportunity to follow the ancient Indian traditions that gave rise to these exemplary figures. This is something that we can do—that’s all, thank you.”

His Holiness then returned to his residence, but the Convention for Global Peace focussing on the Path of the Buddha and Gandhi will continue for a further two days.

original link & photos: https://www.dalailama.com/news/2017/in-the-path-of-the-buddha-and-gandhi

Dalai Lama & Tibetan Youth

Annual Teachings for Tibetan Youth Begin at Thekchen Chöling
June 5, 2017

Thekchen Chöling, Dharamsala, HP, India - Even at 8 o’clock it was hot in Dharamsala this morning. When His Holiness the Dalai Lama emerged from his residence he was met by costumed singers from TCV who escorted him to the Tsuglagkhang. The temple and its surrounding verandas were filled with young students. The monks who would normally have been sat there were assembled on one side of the yard down below.

After His Holiness had taken his seat on the throne a group of TCV students from class 3 upwards stood before him and fervently recited verses from Akya Yongzin’s ‘Compendium of Ways of Knowing’ by heart. They ended with a single verse prayer for His Holiness‘s long life. His Holiness smiled and told them:

“I memorized this text myself when I was ten years old, so I was able to join in with you just now. It’s very important to know how the mind works. Peace of mind is not something that can be directed from outside. It needs to be approached from within. It’s because our minds tend to be unruly that we see problems in the world such as the shocking killing that is taking place and the growing gap between rich and poor. To tackle such problems we need a calm, disciplined mind.

“Religious people pray for peace, but prayer alone is not enough, what will bring peace in the world is people cultivating peace of mind. As it is said, ‘Buddhas do not wash unwholesome deeds away with water, nor do they remove the sufferings of beings with their hands, neither do they transplant their own realization into others. Teaching the truth of suchness they liberate (beings)’. The Buddhas help us by revealing the truth.”

His Holiness remarked that the gist of the teachings does not need to be confined to a religious context, because its value can be experienced in day to day life. He said that he is keen that a sense of inner values should be taught in schools to influence the training of future generations. He mentioned that understanding of the workings of the mind and emotions are integral to most ancient Indian traditions that deal with concentration and insight (shamatha and vipashyana).

“Today’s discussion is mainly aimed at young students,” he explained. “There are almost 700 students from various colleges around Dharamsala, as well as from Delhi, Bengaluru and Chennai, besides some from the USA and the Netherlands. In addition we have 1500 school students, members of the Dharamsala Introduction to Buddhism Association, and a group of monks from Thailand with their Abbot who will take out a peace march. I’d like to greet you all.”

His Holiness mentioned the Buddha’s advice not to take what he had taught on faith or at face value but to analyse it—advising his followers to scrutinise his teachings as a goldsmith examines gold. He praised this sceptical approach and explained how valuable it has been in his discussions with scientists over the last 30 years or so. He also stressed that the advice that things do not exist the way they appear is useful because it helps counter misconceptions about reality, as is the advice to tackle self-cherishing attitudes and cultivate altruism.

His Holiness spoke of the origins of Buddhism in Tibet. He recalled seeing an empty space in a temple in Xining in 1955 where the Lhasa Jowo was said to have once sat. Despite this and other links to China, the Emperor Trisong Detsen, chose to invite the great master Shantarakshita from India to the Land of Snow where he established the Nalanda tradition. Tibetans have worked hard, through rigorous study down the centuries, to keep this tradition alive, something His Holiness said all Tibetans should be proud of.

“You young people have to keep this tradition alive,” he urged. “because the understanding of the mind that is integral to our Buddhist traditions can be of crucial benefit to future generations.”

His Holiness remarked that compared to the ancient Indian knowledge of the workings of the mind and emotions, modern psychology is quite rough. However, he conceded that whereas scientists used to consider the mind to be no more than a function of the brain, they now have evidence that the brain undergoes measurable change as a result of prolonged meditation. He also referred to the interest some scientists are taking in cases of ‘thukdam’ in which clinical death occurs and yet the body remains fresh for some time afterwards.

Observing that religious traditions all seem to have three aspects, His Holiness spoke of the practice of love and compassion, patience and tolerance, as well as contentment and self-discipline that they all have in common. He discussed their philosophical differences, that while many religions believe in a creator God, early Samkhyas, Jains and Buddhists have no such belief, considering the law of causality to be more significant. Nevertheless, he was clear that philosophical differences are no ground for quarrelling, since there are a wide range of variant views even within Buddhism.

The third aspect shared by all religious traditions is cultural and as such is related to social customs, some of which are out of date and in need of change. He cited the role of the Dalai Lamas as political leaders as an example of something that needed changing, which he did when he retired in 2011. He also mentioned the Indian caste system and the application of Sharia law as examples of cultural traditions that are due for review.

Responding to questions from the audience His Holiness explained that refuge in the Three Jewels can be done on the basis of view or action. He said that someone who accepts the Four Seals:

All conditioned phenomena are transient.

All polluted phenomena are unsatisfactory or in the nature of suffering.

All phenomena are empty and selfless.

Nirvana is true peace,

takes refuge on the basis of view. Otherwise, you take refuge regarding the Buddha as the Teacher, the Dharma as cessation as the actual refuge and the Sangha as supportive friends. The important thing, he reiterated was to be a 21st century Buddhist and to take refuge on the basis of understanding.

In relation to his conversations with scientists His Holiness declared that he never brings up topics like past and future lives or nirvana. He said that he admires scientists’ broad-mindedness and their willingness to change and improve their understanding.

Asked how he remains happy every day, His Holiness’s first reply was that he regards all 7 billion human beings alive today as his brothers and sisters, a reflection he finds helpful and powerful. In the context of disturbing emotions being based on a misconception, a clinging to a sense that things exist as they appear, he also finds cognitive therapist Aaron Beck’s observation that our sense of anger or attachment is 90% mental projection not only to be helpful, but also in tune with Nagarjuna’s advice.

Through the elimination of karma and affliction there is nirvana.

Karma and affliction come from conceptual thought. 

These come from mental fabrication.

Fabrication ceases through emptiness.

He concluded that taking a more holistic view and cultivating warm-heartedness are a sound source of happiness.

Teachings for Tibetan youth will continue tomorrow morning.

Thousands Welcome His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Oslo

Oslo, Norway, 7 May 2014 - His Holiness the Dalai Lama arrived in Oslo where the questions he was to be asked many times was - what did he feel about the Norwegian Governments declining to meet him?

He replied that such responses have become normal, that he accepts things as they are.

"National interest is important, but I can assure you that the Dalai Lama is not a harmful person. My interest is to meet the public to promote human values, our need to see all 7 billion human beings as members of one family. In the face of major problems, we have to consider what benefits the whole world, not just this country or that. In the long run, we must bring principles and human values to bear in whatever we do, whether it involves politics, business, religion or education. If I had a political agenda, I might feel disappointed, but I don't."

He met with the former Norwegian Prime Minister and the Chairman of the Nobel Committee who noted that it was 25 years since he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of his efforts to bring freedom by non-violence to the Tibetan people.

Asked whether he considered the Peace Prize as a blessing or a curse His Holiness replied, "Of course, as a blessing. I remember Archbishop Desmond Tutu, my friend and spiritual brother telling me how difficult it was for him to meet some people before, which became much easier after he was awarded the prize. I was in California attending a conference of scientists when I heard the announcement and I was asked how I felt. I said, 'Not much different, I am a simple Buddhist monk, no more, no less.' But since the prize was in recognition of my commitment to non-violence and my work for peace, I felt it was a great honour.

"Later, when Aung San Suu Kyi and Liu Xiaobo were awarded the Peace Prize and they were in difficult circumstances, I felt it would have been a source of encouragement and inspiration for them."

Asked whether he was disappointed that members of the Norwegian government and the Speaker of parliament would not be meeting him, he replied:

"No, why? My main interest is in the promotion of human values. From birth we have a sense of affection and some sense of concern for others. We need to nurture it. Scientists have found that to ensure even physical health peace of mind is essential. People often think that love and compassion are only matters of religious concern, but in fact such values are necessary in all human relations. As a Buddhist monk, I am also interested in fostering inter-religious harmony.

"Wherever I go my aim is to meet the public. If leaders like President Obama meet with me that's fine, but I don't ever want to put anyone to any inconvenience. When I arrived here today, I was happy to see the large number of ordinary people who came. The world belongs to all of us, not just to our leaders.

When His Holiness was asked whether China's increasing influence was able to limit his and the Tibetan government-in-exile's work, he clarified that he does not refer to the Central Tibetan Administration, which looks after the Tibetan community, in that way. But he laughed and remarked that it seems the more the Chinese government criticize him, the more his popularity grows.

To a question about whether it seems easier or more difficult to resolve differences with the Chinese authorities since he was awarded the Peace Prize, he said that it is nearly 70 years since the formation of the People's Republic of China. Over that period he perceives different eras. So, you see, the same party, with the same ideology has shown that it can adapt to a changing reality. As China opens up, as its students study abroad and are exposed to freedom and a lack of censorship, things are bound to change. Wen Jiabao said China needs political reform, even US style democracy."

On the question of support for human rights in China and Tibet, His Holiness expressed the view that smaller countries, like Norway, may wield more influence because they are not perceived as a threat.

When asked about the 130 self-immolations that have taken place in Tibet, His Holiness said it is very sad and repeated that these drastic actions should be investigated by the Chinese authorities and not blame His Holiness and his supporters.

A journalist mentioned that as a Nobel Laureate, His Holiness is entitled to nominate others to be awarded the Peace Prize and asked if he had done so. His Holiness laughed and said he thought it was the Committee's job to do that. Asked if he thought he would still be able to visit Tibet and the PRC in this life, he replied that if he lives another 15 or 20 years he hopes so, but if he only lives another one or two years there may not be a chance.

"Anyway, if I am able to go, I hope that journalists like all of you will be able to come too."

Original link: http://www.thetibetpost.com/news-in-focus/4025-thousands-welcome-his-holiness-the-dalai-lama-in-oslo

Dalai Lama: 50 Thoughts for a Better World

On his 78th birthday, the Dalai Lama has highlighted 50 ideas that can help achieve world peace.

Below is an article published by Times of India:

1) If people trust you, you have no grounds for fear, suspicion or jealousy.
2) Despite the superficial differences between us, we need to have a sense that all 7 billion human beings belong to one human family.
3) What we do need to do is to find ways to incorporate advice about warm-heartedness into our education system.
4) When we develop care and concern by thinking of others not as ‘them’ but ‘us’, there is no room for bullying, exploitation or deceit.
5) Genuine peace is based on inner peace, because you cannot build peace on the basis of anger.
6) Our real guide is our own mind, our sense of reason. We naturally have self-interest, but it should be wise rather than foolish self-interest by taking others' needs into account as well as ours.
7) I feel that each of us has the potential to make some contribution, and together, working with a clear aim, we can change our world.
8) Human happiness depends on taking others into account.
9) If we make consistent effort, based on proper education, we can change the world.
10) It is expressions of affection, rather than money and power, that attract real friends.
11) We need to strengthen such inner values as contentment, patience and tolerance, as well as compassion for others.
12) Everybody wants a happy life and a peaceful mind, but we have to produce peace of mind through our own practice.
13) Just as ripples spread out when a single pebble is dropped into water, the actions of individuals can have far-reaching effects.
14) Serving and helping others out of compassion is non-violence in action.
15) Most of our problems are related to the mind, so we have to work to reduce our destructive emotions.
16) If we can refrain from harming others in our everyday actions and words, we can start to give more serious attention to actively doing good.
17) Placing all our hope on material development is clearly mistaken; the ultimate source of happiness is within us.
18) If we can cultivate a concern for others, keeping in mind the oneness of humanity, we can build a more compassionate world.
19) It’s unrealistic to think that the future of humanity can be achieved only on the basis of prayer. What we need is to take action.
20) Concern for others’ well-being reduces fear and suspicion, prompting the openness and transparency that gives rise to trust and friendship.
21) Anger, hatred and jealousy can never solve problems. Only affection, concern and respect can do that.
22) Refraining from harm - not out of fear, but out of concern for others, their well-being and out of respect - is non-violence.
23) Whether we are happy or not depends on our attitude; compassion, for instance, leads to a calmer mind.
24) Education is the way to achieve far-reaching results; it is the proper way to promote compassion and tolerance in society.
25) Healthy, happy families and a healthy peaceful nation are dependent on warm-heartedness.
26) The challenge today is to convince people of the value of truth, honesty, compassion and a concern for others.
27) To make this a century of dialogue, we need to find ways to promote a greater awareness of the oneness of humanity.
28) It is vital that when educating our children’s brains, we do not neglect to educate their hearts by nurturing their compassionate nature.
29) If you are honest, truthful, and transparent, people trust you.
30) Just as we encourage physical hygiene to preserve our health, we also need a sense of emotional or mental hygiene too.
31) We live in a world in which we are dependent on others; we cannot expect to fulfil our goals while disregarding others’ needs.
32) We forget that despite the superficial differences between us, people are equal in their basic wish for peace and happiness.
33) People think of animals as if they were vegetables, and that is not right. We have to change the way people think about animals. I encourage the Tibetan people and all people to move toward a vegetarian diet that doesn’t cause suffering.
34) Sex offers fleeting satisfaction and leads to trouble later, while chastity offers a better life and more independence, more freedom. Problems arising from conjugal life sometimes even lead to suicide or murder...
35) Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.
36) Happiness is not something ready-made. It comes from your own actions.
37) Old friends pass away, new friends appear. It is just like the days. An old day passes, a new day arrives. The important thing is to make it meaningful: a meaningful friend or a meaningful day.
38) This is my simple religion. There is no need for temples; no need for complicated philosophy. Our own brain, our own heart, is our temple. The philosophy is kindness.
39) Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive.
40) All major religious traditions carry basically the same message - love, compassion and forgiveness. The important thing is that they should be part of our daily lives.
41) When you are discontent, you always want more, more, more. Your desire can never be satisfied. But when you practice contentment, you can say to yourself: Oh yes. I already have everything that I really need.
42) The purpose of our lives is to be happy.
43) In the practice of tolerance, one's enemy is the best teacher.
44) We can live without religion and meditation, but we cannot survive without human affection.
45) When you practice gratefulness, there is a sense of respect toward others.
46) The roots of all goodness lie in the soil of appreciation for goodness. If you want others to be happy, practice compassion.
47) If you want to be happy, practice compassion.
48) It is important to consider others at least as important as ourselves. This is the essence of spirituality.
49) A number of people have said to me, after hearing my thinking, that their mind becomes much happier, concludes the Dalai Lama. I sure hope fellow seekers feel totally refreshed, like a walk in the rain, after this talk with the adorable and simple spiritual leader.
50) Reflect.

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- See more at: http://www.unpo.org/article/16153#sthash.c2hcjSfL.dpuf

The Dalai Lama & Peace of Mind

The 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, delivered a public talk on Peace of Mind in Troubled Times at the Long Beach Arena at the Long Beach Convention Center on Saturday. I had the privilege of being in that audience and felt it was a positive experience to share.

The Dalai Lama was sponsored for this event by the Gaden Shartse Thubten Dhargye Ling ("Land of Flourishing Dharma") a center for the study of Buddhism and the Tibetan culture.

The Dalai Lama is a powerful teacher in the line of Tibetan Buddhism. He speaks around the world appearing with many spiritual and political dignitaries. His words carry the refrains of nonviolence, compassion and human rights. He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989.

I was intrigued to find out that he would be speaking to the public and felt compelled to attend. When we arrived at the Wyland Whale arena the lines of people snaked around the building and well into the parking lot. The crowd was eclectic and diverse with many dressed casual, some in ethnic attire and others complete with designer six inch heels and the like.

The energy was calm and patient yet excited despite those excruciating lines to be searched to enter. There was of course one dissenter who barked his discourse even as he was regulated to be near the rows of portable toilets outside.

I heard some people say they had skipped work and traveled from many places in Southern California as well as other states and even Canada to be there. Comments ranged from “It is an opportunity of a life time,” to “I would not miss this for the world.”

Inside with an audience of close to 10,000, there was a prelude of a wonderful flute performance and one of my favorite actors, Richard Gere, introduced the Dalai Lama. His Holiness radiated a calm, mischievous and benevolent grace as he sat in the lotus position in his chair. He immediately relayed that the chair was so comfortable that he could sleep in it.

The Dalai Lama spoke English during his talk often aided by his interpreter who sat next to him. He was funny, and open almost like your grandfather telling stories in a humble way. His words held the audience in sway.

The gist of his talk could be summed up in that people who are in mental pain sometimes do not have a compassionate heart. When they are not compassionate they are judging and mistrustful which leads to other problems in society.

The key he summed up is to be in detachment and have mental peace. He related that it does not matter your spiritual perspective, your physical environment nor your physical state or property if you do not have this mental balance. He spoke a bit about nonviolence stating that it must also include condemnation of wrong actions.

It was a powerful event which seemed to touch and inspire the many attendees. I always encourage people to be in the presence of such teachers, and others when they come into town.

Some Ways to Obtain Mental Clarity

The Dalai Lama spoke about this mental peace yet he left it to the audience to discover the ways to find it. Of course the Dharma of Buddhism teaches how to obtain clarity. Yet many do not follow this spiritual practice.

I have found that meditating in the form of sitting and relaxing the mind or with actions such as writing, painting, creating, exercise, walking, dancing and cooking are helpful for a better mental attitude. Cleaning out our homes of clutter and getting rid of and releasing unused things also detoxes the mind.

Self-reflection, classes and workshops on personal development as well as talking to counselors, spiritual advisors and healing friends can help also. Our thoughts create, heal and empower us as well as others therefore it is important to be aware of our thoughts.

The Dalai Lama left us with a simple message which is that peace starts within each of us.

By Debra Campbell, The Laguna Nigel Patch Network, April 23, 2012