Because the twentieth century was a century of violence, let us make the twenty-first a century of dialogue.
Interpretation
The quote encourages us to shift from violence to communication in the twenty-first century.
In this quote, the Dalai Lama reflects on the turmoil and violence of the twentieth century and advocates for a future characterized by dialogue and understanding. He emphasizes the importance of communication as a means to resolve conflicts and build a more peaceful world, highlighting the power of conversation to bridge divides and foster harmony among individuals and nations.
In practice
This quote can be referenced in a speech at a peace conference.
Human beings are not intrinsically selfish, which isolates us from others. We are essentially social animals who depend on others to meet our needs. We achieve happiness, prosperity and progress through social interaction. Therefore, having a kind and helpful attitude contributes to our own and others' happiness.
Material objects give rise to physical happiness, while spiritual development gives rise to mental happiness. Since we experience both physical and mental happiness, we need both material and spiritual development. This is why, for our own good and that of society we need to balance material progress with inner development.
All major religious traditions carry basically the same message, that is love, compassion and forgiveness the important thing is they should be part of our daily lives.
The ultimate source of a happy life is warm-heartedness. This means extending to others the kind of concern we have for ourselves. On a simple level we find that if we have a compassionate heart we naturally have more friends. And scientists today are discovering that while anger and hatred eat into our immune system, warm-heartedness and compassion are good for our health.
My religion is kindness. _x000D_ A good mind, a good heart, _x000D_ warm feelings these are _x000D_ the most important things.
If a person's basic state of mind is serene and calm, then it is possible for this inner peace to overwhelm a painful physical experience. On the other hand, if someone is suffering from depression, anxiety, or any form of emotional distress, then even if he or she happens to be enjoying physical comforts, he will not really be able to experience the happiness that these could bring.
I've seen attack ships on fire on the shoulder of Orion, I've seen moon beams glisten at the Ten hauser gate, all those memories, lost like tears in the rain.
In music, in the sea, in a flower, in a leaf, in an act of kindness... I see what people call God in all these things.
If God is Trinity and Jesus is the face of God, then it is a benevolent universe. God is not someone to be afraid of, but is the Ground of Being and on our side.
Holiness is not for wimps and the cross is not negotiable, sweetheart, it's a requirement.
It is the business of future to be dangerous.... The major advances in civilization are processes that all but wreck the societies in which they occur.
I don't think pandemics make us afraid of death, I think they make us afraid of oblivion. They force us to grapple with the futility of effort. Also they make us barf which isn't fun either... Wash your hands, cover your coughs, and find a way to hold in balance the futility of effort with the necessity to struggle.
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