Dalai Lama on Human Values & Education

‘Human Values and Education’ at Zurich University of Applied Sciences

Zurich, Switzerland - There was a chill in the air as His Holiness the Dalai Lama left his hotel to drive to Winterthur this morning. When he arrived at the Conference Centre he was received by Jean-Marc Piveteau, President of ZHAW University (Zurich University of Applied Sciences). Once His Holiness had sat down on the stage in the auditorium, Piveteau introduced the occasion. “We’re talking about tolerance, justice and freedom because it’s important to be aware of human values. A university is about more than just earning a degree, it’s about ideas and values and a commitment to responsibility. For us, Your Holiness, you represent many of these values and we’d like to hear from you.’

“Dear brothers and sisters,” His Holiness responded, “when I see a human face, I think, ‘O, another human brother or sister’. We focus too much on secondary differences between us—differences of community, religion, religious denomination, whether people are rich or poor—which gives rise to a sense of ‘us’ and ‘them’. In today’s world, besides natural disasters, many of the problems we face are of our own creation. As a result, people are not very happy.

“In the past, the human population was small, and people depended on each other in small communities. Now the population has increased and we make distinctions between this community and that, this country and another. In the 20th century there were two world wars; why? Nowadays, in the Middle East religion has become a cause for people to kill each other. They think in terms of ‘my religion’ and ‘their religion’. Since we create these conflicts, it’s our responsibility to resolve them.

“There are signs of hope; the latter part of the 20th century was different from the earlier years. I’m a great admirer of the spirit of the European Union and the way de Gaulle and Adenauer, after being enemies for long, decided it was better to live together and pursue a common interest. The British seem to be leaving for narrow-minded, selfish reasons.

“There are differences between us, but at a deeper level we are the same in being human. We’re all born the same way and we die the same way. Some scientists say, as a result of their findings with young, pre-verbal infants that basic human nature is compassionate. At the same time, while constant anger, fear and hatred undermine our immune systems, peace of mind is good for our health.

“As human beings we are social animals. We survive in dependence on our community. In Barcelona, I met a Catholic monk who had been living as a hermit in the mountain mediating on love. He lived on bread and tea and was truly happy, but even he depended on the support of the local community.

“We need friends and friendship is based on trust. To earn trust, money and power aren’t enough; you have to show some concern for others. You can’t buy trust in the supermarket. In ancient times, you Swiss and we Tibetans may have been satisfied behind our mountains, but today human beings belong to one human community. Therefore, we have to integrate and since we are interdependent we have to show some global responsibility.

“If they believe we were all made by God, or if they simply believe in karma, that positive action give rise to happiness and harmful behaviour leads to sorrow, how can people kill each other? We need to think about peace of mind. About 200 years ago the church looked after inner values along with education. Today, inner values need to be incorporated into education, not on the basis of this religion or that, but from a secular point of view.

“And just as we teach physical hygiene to stay physically fit, we need to cultivate emotional hygiene, learning to tackle our destructive emotions, to achieve peace of mind. Wherever I am, I share these ideas with whoever wants to listen—was it clear?”

The room was filled with warm applause.

Moderator of the panel discussion, Swiss TV anchor Susanne Wille introduced the members of the panel: Dr. Christiane Hohenstein, Professor of Inter-Culturalism and Linguistics; Dr. Andreas Gerber-Grote, Professor of Public Health and Head of Research; Leanardo Huber, President of the Students' Association; and Dr. Rudolf Högger, Tibet-Institute Rikon.

She started the discussions by asking His Holiness if it was true that he was a lazy student. He replied that it was only natural. In Tibet education begins with memorization and at the age of seven he began to learn classical texts by heart and didn’t enjoy it very much. It wasn’t until he was older that he began to take an interest in what he was learning. When he was 16, he told her, he lost his freedom and when he was 24 he lost his country, but by that time he had discovered that what he’d learned before helped him keep his inner strength.

The panel discussion touched on self-discipline, listening to the other person’s point of view and sustainability. Dr Högger showed a picture of Tibetan monks in their monastery being taught to dissect fish. They took them apart, organ by organ, eventually lifting out the brain and spinal cord. At that point one of the students asked the teacher “Is this where consciousness begins?” She replied that Western science asserts that without such a basis there can be no consciousness. It was a moment when modern science and Buddhist science acknowledged their different approaches.

Dr Hohenstein remarked that she wasn’t sure that universal human values exist yet, but that we should be prepared to change our stance or perspective. She observed that, given the continuing gender gap, equality is some way off. His Holiness explained that it is his understanding that early human beings gathered and shared what they needed. Only after they took up agriculture and began to stake claims to property was there a need for leadership. Since the criterion to be a leader was physical strength a male dominance emerged. Education has helped address that inequality to some extent, but there remains a need to work to improve equality by overturning entrenched customs and habits of mind.

With regard to the question of universal human values in relation to investment banking, Leanardo Huber suggested that corporate responsibility would be a start, but, he added these are things that need to be talked about. His Holiness remarked that a materialistic way of life has materialistic goals, but we also have to ask what consciousness is. He recounted discussing this with Russian scientists who would not accept the notion of mental consciousness, dismissing it as a religious idea. He mentioned the value of ancient Indian psychology and its methods for training the mind through meditation. Today, the discovery of neuroplasticity has shown that meditative practice can change the brain.

“People are used only to considering sensory sources of pleasure and joy; little attention is paid to the mind. In Tibet, following the traditions of India’s Nalanda University we make extensive use of analytical meditation; always asking why? why? why? If we come across an explanation that contradicts reason, we reject it.”

Answering a few questions from the audience, His Holiness suggested that children can be trained with love and affection to learn to manage their emotions. He expressed doubt that artificial intelligence will ever fully replicate the sophistication of the human mind that designed it in the first place.

Asked how to find peace of mind, he replied that first you need to value it. You need to understand how emotions like anger and hatred are unhelpful because they disturb it, whereas cultivating their opposite, compassion, strengthens peace of mind. He pointed out that destructive emotions are rooted in a distorted view of reality. He quoted Aaron Beck, an American psychiatrist with long experience working with people troubled by anger, who told him that when people are angry, the object of their anger seems to be completely negative, but this is 90% mental projection.

He added that it useful to know that emotions do not belong to the nature of the mind. The mind is clear like water, but also like water it can become clouded by emotions. The natural clarity of the mind was something he stressed.

Moderator Susanne Wille asked the panel for one idea they were going to take away from the discussion. Dr Högger mentioned self-responsibility and the need for personal change. For Dr Hohenstein it was the idea of emotional hygiene and not focussing on secondary differences. Dr Gerber-Grote voiced an appreciation for empathy and Leanardo Huber said he was intrigued by the idea of analytical meditation.

Jean-Marc Piveteau expressed thanks to His Holiness and the other members of the panel on behalf of ZHAW University. Dr Karma Dolma Lobsang, on behalf of Tibet-Institute Rikon, also expressed gratitude, noting that this was the fourth and last event of the celebrations of the Tibet-Institute’s 50th anniversary. She wished His Holiness a long life, safe travels and told him that these days with him would not be forgotten. Once more, warm applause filled the hall.

His Holiness and the panellists were invited to lunch by the University. Afterwards His Holiness left for Berne, from where he will fly to India tomorrow.

original link & photos: https://www.dalailama.com/news/2018/human-values-and-education-at-zurich-university-of-applied-sciences

The Dalai Lama Speaks About the Art of Compassion

Danbury, CT, US, 18 October 2012 - After a short journey from Providence, Rhode Island, this morning, His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s first stop in Connecticut was at the Do Ngak Kunphen Ling Tibetan Buddhist Center for Universal Peace. Set quietly in a local house on 100 acres of ground near the town of Redding, the center is directed by Gyumed Khensur Rinpoche Lobsang Jampa. He and members and friends of the center gave His Holiness a warm welcome and escorted him into the main shrine room, where he gave a short talk.

“I am very happy to be able to make this short visit here. I know Khen Rinpoche very well, he is a good monk and I am sure he won’t cheat you. Some time ago he was unwell and I was a little worried about him, but now he seems fine.”

He said he was pleased to hear about what was taught in the center. Buddhism in general and the Nalanda tradition in particular emphasise study and investigation. The Buddha himself told his followers not to accept his teaching on trust but to investigate and examine it. The Nalanda masters applied this admonition with the result that some of the teachings recorded in the scriptures are regarded as definitive, while others are regarded as provisional. It seems to be a unique Buddhist stance to allow for an intelligent approach based on study and examination in addition to faith.

His Holiness referred to the subtle explanation of the emergence and dissolution of consciousness in Buddhist science that has much in common with a modern scientific approach. He also mentioned that in learning more from modern science one of the casualties has been the Buddhist description of the cosmos with Mount Meru at the centre.

With regard to practice, the basic structure is the training in morality, concentration and wisdom. In the introductory verses to his Great Stages of the Path to Enlightenment, Je Tsongkhapa says, ‘These days those dedicated to the practice of meditation seem to be lacking in knowledge, whereas the learned seem not to be skilled in applying what they know to their practice.’ What he envisaged was a text that would bring together all the elements of the Dharma in a way that could be readily applied in practice. His greatest fulfilment of this aim in the Stages of the Path comes at the end with his explanation of concentration and special insight. His Holiness said he had advised Khen Rinpoche not to confine himself to the text alone, but to elaborate where necessary, as a result of which his students’ understanding will be enriched.

After lunch at the Center, His Holiness drove into Danbury where he was received by the President and Vice-President of Western Connecticut State University. He addressed about 700 Tibetans before going on to the O’Neill Center where he was to speak about the Art of Compassion. Warmly received by a mixed audience of 3500, he was introduced by Richard Gere, who rejoicing at the sight of so many smiling faces  and extolled the feeling of brother and sisterhood in gathering to listen to His Holiness. “This opportunity to be with a completely reliable spiritual teacher is extraordinary,” he said. And His Holiness responded in kind,

“Respected President of the University, dear Richard Gere, brothers and sisters, it’s a great honour for me to speak to you students and local people, as well as so many other old friends. It feels like a reunion.”

“My fundamental belief is that we are all the same as human beings. We don’t need an introduction when we meet because we are mentally, physically, emotionally the same. I find this is a very helpful way of thinking. Whether I’m speaking to 1000 people or 100,000, there are no barriers between us.”

His Holiness explained that when there are no barriers there’s room for trust. Trust is the basis of friendship. On a global level the time has come to develop a strong sense of the oneness of humanity. Then there will be no room for exploitation, cheating or bullying. If others are successful, be happy. Otherwise, if we a jealous, that leads to mistrust, which leads to fear and suspicion and ultimately loneliness.

Everyone wants to lead a peaceful life, but a peaceful society does not evolve only from economic development, it comes about as a result of inner peace in the hearts of individuals. How can we develop such inner peace? Through prayer? His Holiness said that of course prayer has its place, but he feels a need to take action instead. People today are familiar with the word meditation, but there is more to it than closing our eyes and relaxing. The mind needs to remain fully alert, we need to analyse the nature of self and scrupulously examine what suffering is. He said such analytical meditation is what brings him inner peace. Other people can do this too if they employ their intelligence fully.

Emotions create trouble in our minds, but we can regulate them by applying our intelligence. For example, we might be on the verge of getting angry, but another part of our mind intervenes and helps us to stop. Anger only ever brings trouble, as well as damaging our health. We can regulate emotions like anger not through prayer, but by using our intelligence. To do that better we need to know more about how the system of mind and emotion works. However, while modern education has much to tell us about the material world, it’s generally inadequate when it comes to the mind.

His Holiness declared that we are all born from a mother and we are biologically equipped to give and respond to affection by the care that most of us receive from her. This sense of affection is the basis for warm-heartedness and warm-heartedness is the basis for the compassion that underlies what he calls secular ethics. Although ethics are widely regarded as the province of religion, His Holiness uses secular here not to dismiss religion but to express an impartial respect for all religions.

Happiness and suffering are dependent on causes; actions we do that benefit others, benefit us too. Many of our problems arise because we take an unrealistic approach to whatever’s involved. His Holiness remarked that the idea of interdependence can be helpful in all kinds of situations. If we are unrealistic, whatever we do will not yield a positive result. Conversely if we want to better appreciate the reality of a situation, we have to take a realistic view. His Holiness concluded his talk, saying,

“Happiness depends on inner peace; inner peace depends on warm-heartedness. Inner peace can be found by employing our intelligence.”

A student asked what one thing most harms humanity and His Holiness’s answer was ignorance. The reason we place such stress on education is that by definition it helps us reduce ignorance. To a question about the role of religion in society, he said religion had brought great solace to many in the past and will continue to do so in the future. The different philosophical views they expound indicate different approaches to the same target. Another student mentioned that we train children to be kind and compassionate, and asked what can be done to stop adults fighting. His Holiness recalled that the twentieth century, despite many great developments, was an era of violence and bloodshed. He hopes that this new century will prove to be an era of dialogue. Problems will continue to occur, but the solution should change, dialogue being more effective than force. What’s more, we should apply this too in our day to day lives.

When pressed about the advice he gives the foreign leaders he meets, His Holiness agreed that he has the opportunity to meet both political and spiritual leaders, but made clear that he doesn’t lecture them. He said they tend to sit together and talk easily like friends. Finally, with regard to where young people can find the inspiration to act for the good of humanity, he said they need vision and determination. He also suggested American students should learn more about other parts of the world. Once they learn more about difficulties elsewhere, they may better appreciate their own country’s qualities and be inspired to give those less fortunate their help.

His Holiness often finishes his public talks with the following proviso,

“Please think about what I have said and if it makes sense to you, fine, put it into effect; but if it isn’t any use then forget it.”

Original link and photos http://dalailama.com/news/post/863-his-holiness-the-dalai-lama-speaks-about-the-art-of-compassion-at-western-connecticut-state-university

Symptoms of Spiritual Pollution, Part 3

Continued from: 
Symptoms of Spiritual Pollution, Part 1
Symptoms of Spiritual Pollution, Part 2

In our continuation on the blog series Spiritual Warfare from the last time I discussed the critical aspect of Submission.  I first started off the blog series with Reverence for the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End, which I laid this out so that you will understand and learn that one must fear God.  The second part was that to truly understand God you need to submit to his ways and thus not your or other human’s ways.

God is a loving God, yes but God is also a God of wrath!  Time and time again the Holy Bible discusses the wrath and penalties from God.  Just because you know and have accepted Jesus Christ as your savior does not mean you comply with the Kingdom plan.

To truly comply as a person you must submit to Jesus Christ and make him the Lord of your life. This is why the battle of Spiritual Warfare takes place.  This is a pure test to see if the person will truly follow and serve the Kingdom of God as they are called to do, or are they just wanting to “go with the flow” and the “ways of the world”.

Today I will discuss the third aspect which is Dependency.  Webster's online describes DEPENDENCY as follows:

1.  Dependence
2.  Something that is dependent on something else; especially: a territorial unit under the jurisdiction of a nation but not formally annexed by it
3.  A building (as a stable) that is an adjunct to a main dwelling

When it comes to dependency as relating to God we need to focus on point two (2) from above, something that is dependent on something else.  As humans we are to be dependent upon God for all our needs.  Sadly, our ancestors Adam and Eve chose to cast this dependency aside when both were tricked to eat the "forbidden fruit".

As a result of our ancestors actions many people, as well as fellow Christians feel they do not need to be dependent upon God, because it is God who created them with an innate desire to be creatures who can do all as long as they give God some sort of credit.

Sadly, this is where we get in trouble and thus the Demons know this about us. As humans we desire to control and thus we have been given an illusion so to speak.  Wikipedia describes human’s innate drive to not be controlled as follows: "The illusion of control is the tendency for people to overestimate their ability to control events; for example, it occurs when someone feels a sense of control over outcomes that they demonstrably do not influence.”

The effect was named by psychologist Ellen Langer and has been replicated in many different contexts.  It is thought to influence gambling behavior and belief in the paranormal.  Along with illusory superiority and optimism bias, the illusion of control is one of the positive illusions.

This is where we as humans get into trouble because we will not give the control to the Lord Jesus Christ who is truly in control, yet we profess him as Lord but we do NOT make him the Lord fully over our lives.

Our God is awesome God and our God is huge as well.  It is this very God who is the one who holds every molecule in this universe together.  God is the one making your lungs work, and your heart beat.  Thus you can’t lift your arm without His empowerment.  Everything you have is a gift from God.

But while God is a generous provider, none of God's gifts become or are your property.  God's gifts are all loans to the person which God could suddenly take back at any time.  Your intelligence, your health, your joy, your strength—they are all loans from God.  Given this knowledge, what can you truly do apart from God?  Absolutely nothing.  Which means you are dependent on God for all things, but many refuse to submit to God and become dependent in this manner and that is why they face issues from the Demonic forces.

In the Church, a person is taught to think this is some kind of amazing aspect or gift if you can detect the presence of demons.  This person is spoken to that they have “the gift of discernment”, if you can sense some evil aura around you or around others. However, discernment is about wisdom.  How much wisdom do you truly have if you won’t or refuse to grasp the super obvious truth that you are dependent on God for all things?

How misguided are you to think it is you who can do anything apart from God?  How dense are you to miss how awesome God is and that it is you who will never be anything more than a powerless molecule who was created to love and to serve the One who made you?  Sadly in the Church, it is stupidity which is exalted as wisdom, while true wisdom is adamantly rejected.  In the Church, a person is taught to memorize a whole list of the glorious powers and attributes we must obtain through the Lord Jesus Christ.

As parishioners we are taught to think that we are incredible creatures who God depends upon to make Him feel complete.  We are taught that our happiness is God’s top priority (prosperity gospel and feel good gospels) and that God lives and exists to only bless us.  This is all just lies—a smelly pile of manure, which we use to fertilize our growing egos that God exists to please us humans.  Therefore those people are already receiving the doctrine of Demons - which we have been warned of.

God does not need us, we need God. Read in the bible in which God stated his great displeasure with us humans, Genesis 6:7 states, “I will blot out man whom I have created from the face of the land, man and animals and creeping things and birds of the heavens, for I am sorry that I have made them.”  Right there this is a stern warning from God that we are to be in reverence, submission and dependency upon him but our egos get in the way.

Understanding that our absolute dependency on God is what slams us out of our Narcissistic Personna and drives us back down onto our faces in front of Him saying, “Apart from you God I can do nothing, and I am nothing.  All that matters is you God being pleased with me and that I glorify you in my life.  It is your approval as the only reward that I seek.”

So is this the attitude that is being cultivated in you when you sit around contemplating your wonderful life?  You best prepare for a massive spiritual onslaught from demonic forces then as one would deserve this because of not wanting to be dependent upon God at all.

I will continue with the next aspect of TRUST in a blog next time.

Rev. Bradley Luoma, Exorcist