DHARAMSALA, INDIA – In a profound two-day meeting with scholars from Harvard, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama delved into discussions on spirituality, science, and the essence of human kindness. Professor Arthur Brooks, who has maintained an 11-year collaboration with His Holiness, led the dialogue, expressing that their relationship had significantly impacted his life.
During the sessions, His Holiness the Dalai Lama emphasized the universal experience of being nurtured by a mother’s love as the foundation of compassion and kindness towards others. He highlighted the importance of extending this innate capacity for love beyond our immediate connections, fostering a sense of universal compassion. This approach, he mentioned, is vital for addressing the dissatisfaction many feel with their lives and possessions.
His Holiness further discussed the Buddhist tradition of viewing all sentient beings as having once been our mother, thus reinforcing the practice of universal compassion. He shared his personal experience of easy connection with people from various walks of life, attributing it to the kindness and compassion he received from his own mother.
Addressing challenges in loving others, especially in the face of difficulty, the Dalai Lama advised cultivating a sense of equanimity as a foundation for affection and consideration. He also stressed the importance of intelligence in understanding the value of warm-heartedness towards others.
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The discussion touched upon the role of education in nurturing young minds to deal with emotional and mental challenges. His Holiness the Dalai Lama expressed concern over the current education system’s focus on self-interest and emphasized the necessity of social connections for a peaceful world.
On the second day, the conversation shifted towards spirituality and faith, with the Dalai Lama underscoring that love and interdependence are fundamental human realities. He noted that while religion can sometimes distance individuals from the essence of love, it can also enhance and strengthen our capacity for compassion.
His Holiness expressed a preference for a secular approach based on universal ethics, although he recognized the potential of religious practices to enrich the lessons of love learned from our mothers. He advocated for an altruistic mindset and a deeper understanding of reality through practices found in Buddhism and other religious traditions.
In response to questions about the compatibility of science and faith, the Dalai Lama highlighted the importance of objective inquiry and the potential for common understanding between the two. He emphasized the role of compassion in improving the world and the necessity of transcending the divisive ‘us’ versus ‘them’ mentality for global peace and happiness.
As the meetings concluded, Arthur Brooks summarized the key lessons learned, including the significance of love as not just a goal but the beginning of a fulfilling life. His Holiness the Dalai Lama‘s parting message to the Harvard group was to educate others on the value of broadening their concern beyond themselves to include others, thereby contributing to a happier and more harmonious world.
Based on the reports published on the official website of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
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