An Anniversary I Wish Did Not Exist

I am sure that many people share my concern about the present worldwide moral crisis and will join in my appeal to all humanitarians and religious practitioners who also share this concern to help make our societies more compassionate, just, and equitable. I do not speak as a Buddhist or even as a Tibetan. Nor do I speak as an expert on international politics (though I unavoidably comment on these matters). Rather, I speak simply as a human being, as an upholder of the humanitarian values that are the bedrock not only of Mahayana Buddhism but of all the great world religions. From this perspective I share with you my personal outlook—that:

1. Universal humanitarianism is essential to solve global problems;
2. Compassion is the pillar of world peace;
3. All world religions are already for world peace in this way, as are all humanitarians of whatever ideology;
4. Each individual has a universal responsibility to shape institutions to serve human needs.

~ His Holiness the 14th Dali Lama

 

This month there is an anniversary that I wish didn’t exist. March 10^th was the 50^th Anniversary of the Dalai Lama’s escape from Tibet and the beginning of fifty years of protest against the country’s occupation by China that has pulled a dark curtain between Tibet and the rest of the world.

For background information, click over to Tibet.org.

For action to free Tibet that we can take, check out these web sites: 

• Tibet Support Groups
  
• Free Tibet
  
• Free Tibet Campaign USA
  
• Students for a Free Tibet
  
• The Government of Tibet in Exile
  
• His Holiness the 14^th Dali Lama of Tibet (Official Website)
  

Because we all share an identical need for love, it is possible to feel that anybody we meet, in whatever circumstances, is a brother or sister. No matter how new the face or how different the dress and behavior, there is no significant division between us and other people. It is foolish to dwell on external differences, because our basic natures are the same.

Ultimately, humanity is one and this small planet is our only home, If we are to protect this home of ours, each of us needs to experience a vivid sense of universal altruism. It is only this feeling that can remove the self-centered motives that cause people to deceive and misuse one another.

If you have a sincere and open heart, you naturally feel self- worth and confidence, and there is no need to be fearful of others.

I believe that at every level of society - familial, tribal, national and international - the key to a happier and more successful world is the growth of compassion. We do not need to become religious, nor do we need to believe in an ideology. All that is necessary is for each of us to develop our good human qualities.

I try to treat whoever I meet as an old friend. This gives me a genuine feeling of happiness.  It is the practice of compassion. 

~ His Holiness the 14th Dali Lama