Teachings: Kindness and Compassion
Tonight, I want to tell you about the importance of kindness and compassion. In discussing these issues, do not see myself as a Buddhist, the Dalai Lama or Tibetan, but as a human being and I hope you in the audience think of themselves that way. Not like American, Western or members of a particular group, because these conditions are secondary. If we interact as human beings, we can reach that level. If I say "I am a monk" or "I'm a Buddhist," claims will be compared with my human nature to be temporary. Being human is basic. Once born that way, it can not change until death. Other conditions, be instructed or not, rich or poor, are secondary.
Today, we face many problems. Some are created mainly by ourselves, based on differences of ideology, religion, race, economic status or other factors. So, it's time to think on deeper levels. On the human level, a condition that we should appreciate and respect all around us. We build relationships based on mutual trust, understanding, respect and solidarity, whether cultural, philosophical or religious.
All human beings are equal. Made of flesh, bones and blood. We all want happiness and avoid suffering and we have a right to it. In other words, it is important to understand our equality. We all belong to one human family. The fact that we fight with each other due to secondary reasons, and all these discussions are useless. Unfortunately, for many centuries, humans have used all methods to hurt each other. Many terrible things happened, resulting in more problems, more pain and distrust. And, consequently, in most divisions.
The world is shrinking in many ways, particularly economically. The countries are close and interdependent, in that context, it becomes necessary to think more human level than in terms of what divides us. So I speak to you only as a human being and I sincerely hope you are listening with the thought: "I am a human being and I'm listening to another human being speak."
We all want happiness, in the cities, the countryside, even in remote places, people work in order to reach it, however, we must remember to live life on the surface will not solve the larger problems.
There are many fears and crises around us. Through the great development of science and technology, have reached an advanced state of material progress, it is necessary. We can not, however, compare the progress on the outside with our inner progress. People complain about the decline of morality and the rise in crime, but these problems will not be solved if we try to develop within.
