The wise words of the Dalai Lama about compassion

It is hard not to stop at one of those small book swap libraries that are popping up everywhere in villages and towns, just in case you may fall up on a treasure of a book. I don’t mind if it is in English or in French, about poetry, travel , fiction or non fiction , last week I came across ‘The Art of Happiness’ an interview with the Dalai Lama.

The Dalai Lama is a great spiritual leader, a spiritual superstar, a Tibetan Buddhist monk, who has been in exile in India, away from his country for over 60 years. And he is still smiling. Coincidentally the 10th March is the anniversary of the Uprising of the Tibetans against the controlling Republic of China and the 12th March for the Women’s Uprising in Tibet against Chinese rule and represssion.

When asked if he was happy he said yes, certainly, even though he has had to leave his country for so many years, happiness come from within and achieving happiness he says is the purpose of life.

He goes on to say that the source of all happiness is kindness, warm heartedness and compassion to others. There is also acceptance and tolerance. He feels that modern education is directed towards material wealth and that we don’t know how to deal with emotional problems like anger, fear and jealousy. Meditation can help with destructive emotions and bring peace of mind and not tackling problems by force, learning to live together side by side.

His philosophy may seem hard to put into practise but even the scientists agree that the basic human nature is to be compassionate, to be social, to appreciate others’ kindnesses and to smile !

If as he says that happiness is the purprose of life it shouldn’t be compared to pleasure which is short lived, often experienced alone and caused by things and actions. Happiness is long-lived, often social and isn’t the result from things or actions. Pleasure is taking, happiness is giving.

He may be full of compassion but he also sparks controversy with some of his statements, he believes that in the world there is a self-centred attitude which is the antidote to altruism. Compassion and an active concern for others belongs in our lives. It is a long job to transform ourselves he says, to change our way of life, where everyone is happier within themselves and so spreading it to others.

He says we are all faced with problems but we must not lose hope and not be impatient for quick results. His philosophy certainly makes one reflect about life. I haven’t finished the book yet, so I imagine there is a lot more to learn, but if it can just make one smile more often and feel open and compassionate to others then it is a winner.

He concludes that if you want others to be happy practise compassion, if you want to be happy practise compassion – the message is worthwhile and simple enough !