Compassion In Action

I consider nonviolence to be compassion in action. It is not a mere absence of violence. It is something more positive, more meaningful than that. Some people seem to think that compassion is just a passive emotional response, rather than a rational stimulus to action. But to experience genuine compassion is to develop a feeling of closeness to others, as Mahatma Gandhi did, combined with a sense of responsibility for their welfare. His [Gandhi’s] great achievement was to show through his own example that nonviolence can be implemented effectively not only in the political arena but also in our day-to-day life.

The Dalai Lama

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.

Buddhism

Gyatso, Tenzin. The Fourteenth Dalai Lama, speaking at International Charter for Compassion's Festival of Faiths, Louisville, Kentucky - May, 2013.

The Dalai Lama

Theme: Compassion

About This Dalai Lama Quotation [Brief Commentary]

The Dalai Lama portrays nonviolence as an embodiment of active compassion, moving beyond the mere absence of violence to something more substantial and meaningful. He challenges the notion that compassion is just a passive emotion, showing instead that it is a force for proactive engagement with the welfare of others. Through the example of Mahatma Gandhi, the Dalai Lama demonstrates how true compassion leads to a sense of connection and responsibility towards others, showing that nonviolent action, rooted in compassion, is effective both in political realms and daily life.

By highlighting nonviolence as ‘compassion in action,’ the Dalai Lama encourages us to actively engage with the suffering of others, not just acknowledging it but committing to alleviate it through nonviolent means. This call to action is based on a deep empathy and a recognition of our shared human experience of suffering, advocating for a commitment to build a more compassionate society. The reference to Gandhi’s life underscores the potential for individual actions, guided by compassion and nonviolence, to drive significant societal change.

The Dalai Lama’s teachings align with those of Howard Thurman and Martin Luther King Jr., who both emphasized the power of love and nonviolence as transformative forces. This collective wisdom highlights a universal principle: compassion’s true power lies in its ability to motivate actions that unify and elevate. By defining nonviolence as an active form of compassion, the Dalai Lama invites us to foster a more empathetic and interconnected world, emphasizing that the choices we make daily, grounded in compassion, are pivotal in shaping a peaceful future.

Additional Dalai Lama Quotations

“Mahatma Gandhi totally dedicated himself to non-violence but I don’t know how much he contributed to combine modern education and ancient Indian knowledge. He was the most influential person of the 20th century with his idea of non-violence, ahimsa. He took a 3,000-year-old Indian tradition of ahimsa and karuna (compassion) and made it something living and relevant.”

—Roche, Elizabeth, and Shalini Umachandran. “Our World Is in Need of the Mahatma’s Teachings: Dalai Lama.” Livemint, 1 Oct. 2019, www.livemint.com/news/india/our-world-is-in-need-of-the-mahatma-s-teachings-dalai-lama-11569935741065.html.

“We should remember that once we cultivate a compassionate attitude, nonviolence comes automatically. Nonviolence is compassion in action. If you have hatred in your heart, then very often your actions will be violent, whereas if you have compassion in your heart, your actions will be nonviolent.”

—The Dalai Lama. The Dalai Lama’s Book of Love and Compassion. Thorsons, 2001, p. 58.

Compassion In Action

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