A
message from the Dalai Lama
The Dalai Lama has asked that the following practice be shared with as many
people as possible.
A
group recently spent days visiting with the Dalai Lama focusing upon what
they believe the five most important questions to be considered moving into
the new millennium.
The
five questions were:
1.
How do we address the widening gap between rich and
poor?
2.
How do we protect the earth?
3.
How do we educate our children?
4.
How do we help Tibet and other oppressed countries
and people of the world?
5.
How do we bring spirituality (deep caring for one
another) through all disciplines of life?
The
Dalai Lama said all five questions fall under the last one. If we have true
compassion in our hearts, our children will be educated wisely, we will care
for the earth, those who ”have not” will be cared for.
The
group asked the Dalai Lama, “ Do you think loving the planet is increasing
or staying the same?” His response: “My experience leads me to believe
love IS increasing.” He shared a simple practice that will increase the
loving and compassion in the world. He asked everyone in the group to share
it with as many people as they can.
The
Practice:
1.
Spend five minutes at the beginning of each day
remembering we all want the same things (to be happy and be loved) and we
are all connected to one another.
2.
Spend five minutes – breathing in – cherishing
yourself; and, breathing out – cherishing others. If you think about
people you have difficulty cherishing, extend your cherishing to them
anyway.
3.
During the day extend that attitude to everyone you
meet. Practice cherishing the “simplest” person (clerks, attendants,etc.)
as well as the “important” people in your life; cherish the people that
you love and the people you dislike.
4.
Continue this practice no matter what happens or
what anyone does to you.
These
thoughts are very simple, inspiring and helpful. The practice of cherishing
can be taken very deeply if done wordlessly, allowing yourself to feel the
love and appreciation that already exists in your heart.
From
The Journal of the Gaia Foundation – Winter 2000
http://gaiawest.iinet.net.au
