So long as human beings fundamental nature, aspiring for happiness and wishing to overcome suffering, remains unchanged, these basic values will remain relevant to us, both as individual human beings and as a society.
The Dalai Lama
Aspiring For Happiness
Topic: Interfaith Pathways
When we read the bible today, it reminds us that not only are many of our spiritual values universal, they are also perennial. So long as human beings fundamental nature, aspiring for happiness and wishing to overcome suffering, remains unchanged, these basic values will remain relevant to us, both as individual human beings and as a society.
Tenzin Gyatso, born on July 6, 1935, is known globally as the 14th Dalai Lama, the spiritual and former political leader of the Tibetan people. Born as Lhamo Thondup in a farming family in Taktser, Amdo, Tibet, he was recognized as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama, Thubten Gyatso, when he was just two years old. As the Dalai Lama, he holds the highest spiritual position within Tibetan Buddhism and is seen as a figure of great moral authority and influence. Following China's invasion of Tibet in 1950, he assumed full political power in 1950 but was forced into exile in India in 1959 after the failed Tibetan uprising against Chinese rule.
The Dalai Lama is renowned for his messages of peace, non-violence, inter-religious understanding, and compassion. He has authored numerous books and has lectured worldwide, becoming one of the most influential figures in the world of spirituality and philosophy. In recognition of his work for peace and non-violence, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989. Furthermore, his advocacy for the cultural and religious rights of the Tibetan people and his efforts to find a peaceful solution to the situation in Tibet through dialogue and understanding, rather than violence, have made him an internationally respected leader. Despite the political controversies and challenges, he remains committed to promoting human values and harmony among the world's religious traditions.
Toward a True Kinship of Faiths
The Dalai Lama. Toward a True Kinship of Faiths: How the World's Religions Can Come Together. Doubleday Religion, 2010, p. 76 [Chapter 4].
The Dalai Lama
Theme: Interfaith Dialogue
About This Dalai Lama Quotation [Commentary]
In his insightful quotation, the Dalai Lama reveals the timeless nature of fundamental human values, highlighting their universal and enduring relevance. He recognizes that the core of human experience, irrespective of religious or cultural backgrounds, is a shared desire for happiness and relief from suffering. This shared human condition forms a foundational element of interfaith dialogue. The Dalai Lama’s reflection on reading the Bible and identifying these universal values demonstrates a respect and openness to Christianity, bridging it with Buddhist compassion. This connection between different faiths underscores our common journey towards understanding and empathy.
The Dalai Lama’s mention of the Epistle of James highlights this shared spiritual journey. By correlating Jesus’ teachings of compassion with Buddhist practices, he forges a link between Christianity and Buddhism. This gesture is not about merging beliefs, but about recognizing and valuing the common human virtues embedded in different faiths. It’s an invitation for people of diverse religious backgrounds to engage in meaningful dialogue, enriching their own faith while respecting others.
Finally, the Dalai Lama stresses the unchanging nature of human aspirations, underlining the timeless relevance of these shared values. In a world of rapid change, his message is a reminder that some principles, like the pursuit of happiness and alleviating suffering, are constant and universal. This insight calls for a renewed commitment to these values, promoting unity and cooperation in our diverse global community. The Dalai Lama advocates for interfaith dialogue rooted in celebrating our shared human condition.
Word of Promise
Let me conclude this chapter on my engagement with Christianity with words that I once wrote as part of an introduction to Martin Kitchen’s Word of Promise, a publication on The Epistle of James from the New Testament.
If we ask what these values are in essence, they come down to the compassion embodied in Jesus that is beautifully captured in the scriptural commandment “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.”
For a Buddhist, this is the essence of the practice of love and compassion.
―The Dalai Lama [Toward a True Kinship of Faiths: How the World’s Religions Can Come Together] p. 76.
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