After meeting with so many people... it is clear that the only way to truly change our world is through teaching compassion.
The Dalai Lama
Through Teaching Compassion
Topic: Education & Character
“After meeting with so many people, thinkers, scientists, educators, health-care professionals, social workers and activists, it is clear that the only way to truly change our world is through teaching compassion. Our society is lacking an adequate sense of compassion, sense of kindness, and genuine regard for others’ well-being. So now many, many, people who seriously think about humanity all have the same view. We must promote basic human values, the inner values that lie at the heart of who we are as humans.”
The Dalai Lama
Civil Religion, Civil Society
The Book of Joy
Abrams, Douglas. "The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World" [Dalai Lama XIV, Desmond Tutu, with Douglas Carlton Abrams (October 18th 2016 by Avery)] Pages 273-274.
The Dalai Lama
Resources
- The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World by Dalai Lama XIV, Desmond Tutu, Douglas Carlton Abrams
- Richard Rohr's Daily Meditation From the Center for Action and Contemplation, Joy and Hope
- Sir Ken Robinson presents the Book of Joy
- On Being with Krista Tippett Richard Davidson A Neuroscientist on Love and Learning
Copyright © 2017 – 2023 LuminaryQuotes.com About Us
The Book of Joy
Here is more from The Book of Joy where in the final segment of their dialogue, Departure: A Final Goodbye, the Dalai Lama is responding to Archbishop Tutu and their interlocutor Douglas Abrams:
Religion Is Not Sufficient
“Religion is not sufficient. Religion has been very important in human history, and perhaps for another thousand years it will continue to bring benefit to humanity. So now we have to think seriously. Just to pray or rely on religious faith is not sufficient. It will remain a source of inspiration, but in terms of seven billion human beings, it’s not sufficient. No matter how excellent, no religion can be universal. So we have to find another way to promote these values.”
Education Is Universal
“I think the only way really is, as we have said, through education. Education is universal. We must teach people, especially our youth, the source of happiness and satisfaction. We must teach them that the ultimate source of happiness is within themselves. Not machine. Not technology. Not money. Not power.
We’re not talking about heaven or hell or Buddhahood or salvation; these are too far away.” He laughed. “So our book is part of this important process to help spread the message that love, kindness, and affection are the source of joy and happiness. As you [Desmond Tutu] already made clear, our basic human nature is good, is positive, so that can give us a basis for courage and self-confidence. So that’s why we spend a lot of time discussing all of this. There must be some real, concrete purpose and result, or if not, it’s better to sleep.” The Dalai Lama leaned over and pretended to lean over on his elbow toward the Archbishop, as if falling asleep, and then laughed.
–“The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World” by Dalai Lama XIV, Desmond Tutu, with Douglas Carlton Abrams.