Today
So I did see the Dalai Lama. It was a fantastic experience, I'm glad I went. I didn't take my camera because I was told it was not permitted. I didn't want my camera taken from me, but a part of me hated that I left it behind. While there I saw plenty of flashes and one guy infront of me with a video camera! What the hell?! So I lose out, but I do have the Dalai Lama's message in my head and in my heart. And I learned something! I really did. There is a lot of talk about cultivating a compassionate heart, but how the hell do you do it?
Well, I don't know about everyone else, but I waste a lot of time coming up with better, wittier things that I could have said in a given situation. And sometimes I see those situations get ugly, but I found that if I just plow through with honest understanding and no shame (not ashamed to be yelled at or embarrassed or feel stupid or weak) that I can affect situations in a positive way. I was very happy to have learned this skill. I don't know if I've explained it right, but I will keep at it. The Lama was very funny and intelligent, I expected that, but the sense of humour was a surprise.
He explained that picking a focus point for anger, for example Saddam Hussein ( he didnt name names), was materialistic. That it gave you something to hold onto and something to focus hatred on and perfect atmosphere for violence to grow. That if you used compassion and understanding instead-- If all the leaders of the world would get to gether for a weekend with their families and kids and not talk politics until it after spending time by a pool or playing together, that things would be much different--you wouldn't want violence.
ANd that even a little bit of violence could not be controlled. You never know what's going to happen with it or how out of control it can get. He said there was no point in negotiating with your friends or allies, that you need to negotiate with your enemies. That's when things get resolved. That dialogue is the answer, not violence.
Well, things are really messed up out there. Check out this link:
Soldier of Fortune
The depth of how twisted this whole thing is, is really overwhelming. How do we protect ourselves? The planet we live on? The people we care about? If the people in power don't give a shit?
Well, I don't know about everyone else, but I waste a lot of time coming up with better, wittier things that I could have said in a given situation. And sometimes I see those situations get ugly, but I found that if I just plow through with honest understanding and no shame (not ashamed to be yelled at or embarrassed or feel stupid or weak) that I can affect situations in a positive way. I was very happy to have learned this skill. I don't know if I've explained it right, but I will keep at it. The Lama was very funny and intelligent, I expected that, but the sense of humour was a surprise.
He explained that picking a focus point for anger, for example Saddam Hussein ( he didnt name names), was materialistic. That it gave you something to hold onto and something to focus hatred on and perfect atmosphere for violence to grow. That if you used compassion and understanding instead-- If all the leaders of the world would get to gether for a weekend with their families and kids and not talk politics until it after spending time by a pool or playing together, that things would be much different--you wouldn't want violence.
ANd that even a little bit of violence could not be controlled. You never know what's going to happen with it or how out of control it can get. He said there was no point in negotiating with your friends or allies, that you need to negotiate with your enemies. That's when things get resolved. That dialogue is the answer, not violence.
Well, things are really messed up out there. Check out this link:
Soldier of Fortune
The depth of how twisted this whole thing is, is really overwhelming. How do we protect ourselves? The planet we live on? The people we care about? If the people in power don't give a shit?
posted by Carlos at
4/29/2004 02:45:00 PM
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