Words from a Teacher

There is a nice piece in today's WaPo from the Dalai Lama on oppression, violence and freedom. In his piece, this fascinating man shows that for all their bluster and threats, the Bushies know nothing about the essence of personal freedom; the neo-cons nothing about spreading democracy. I must share from his piece - the last two paragraphs of hope.

The 20th century became a century of bloodshed; despite its faltering start, the 21st century could become one of dialogue, one in which compassion, the seed of nonviolence, will be able to flourish. But good wishes are not enough. We must seriously address the urgent question of the proliferation of weapons and make worldwide efforts toward greater external disarmament.

Large human movements spring from individual human initiatives. If you feel that you cannot have much of an effect, the next person may also become discouraged, and a great opportunity will have been lost. On the other hand, each of us can inspire others simply by working to develop our own altruistic motivations -- and engaging the world with a compassion-tempered heart and mind.