Advice from the Dalai Lama

I felt fortunate to attend a presentation by His Holiness the Dalai Lama during his Australian tour. For a considerable time, I suppose I’ve admired the man from a distance. In person, his humbleness is evident in his gestures and how he shares his observations.  He offered points worthy of reflection which can be references for personal growth initiatives.

Tolerance. All religious traditions have the same potential and all carry the same message, of love and compassion. He invites every person to look inside to develop an attitude and values that promote self-acceptance.  We can also learn open-mindedness concerning other people and their ways of perceiving. He encourages you not to impose yourself or beliefs on others.

Harmony. Aspects of your conditions are like fire under water. Realize that fire evaporates water, and water puts out fire. Change often causes conflict and conflict invites change. This image describes what happens in life when things need stirring up because you seek a new kind of balance. Dramatic change can lead to harmony.  Inner peace is a mental state you can develop.

Chaos vs order. Revolutionary change points to a time when chaos arises from order. Realize that not all order is good, and not all chaos bad. Chaos can be an integral part of the way of things. Have courage to radically change and renew the way you see and portray yourself. In this way, you can create chaos as a means to disrupt what isn’t working in your life, and you will unleash a new power and energy. If engaging in a negotiation, change the rules where it suits. If composing a piece of music, add the unexpected. If courting a lover, dare to be unconventional.

Love & Compassion. As you reach out to all living beings, including our so-called enemies, those people who upset or hurt us. Irrespective of what they do to you, if you remind yourself all beings are like you are simply trying to be happy, you will find it much easier to develop compassion towards them. Usually your sense of compassion is limited and biased. We extend such feelings only towards our family and friends or those help us. People we perceive as enemies and others to whom we are indifferent are excluded from our concern. That is not genuine compassion. True compassion is universal, unconditional and comes with a sense of responsibility. To act altruistically, is to be concerned for the welfare of others, with no selfish or ulterior motives.