10

Timeless Lessons

From Dalai Lama

This is my simple religion. There is no need for temples; no need for complicated philosophy. Our own brain, our own heart is our temple; the philosophy is kindness. - Dalai Lama

In this climate of manifold desperations, the Dalai Lama emerges from another civilization, from a higher altitude, as a living example of calm in emergency, patient endurance in agony, humorous intelligence in confusion and dauntless optimism in the face of imminent doom. Through his teachings and writings, he serves and inspires Buddhists worldwide, as well as followers of other faiths. - Robert A.F. Thurman

What makes this man so interesting? Why do people around the world care about a simple Buddhist monk who heads an unrecognized government-in-exile and an unrecognized nation of 6 million Tibetans? Maybe because he is also a diplomat, a Nobel laureate, an apostle of nonviolence, an advocate of universal responsibility and a living icon of what he calls our common human religion of kindness. And here are ten of his timeless lessons:

Lesson 1: Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk.
I dont know what rewards you will enjoy by your willingness to take thoughtful risks, but I know for sure that those rewards will not occur unless you are willing to take those risks. And wouldnt it be a shame to forgo some wonderful, if unknown, rewards just because you just cant seem to find your way out of your comfort zone?

Lesson 2 : When you lose, dont lose the lesson.

How you respond to your error determines just how smart you are. Look for the silver lining in the cloud, even if its just an opportunity to learn how not to make the same mistake again (and again). Even better, think about what you may have done well and build on that element.

Lesson 3 : When you realize youve made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.
This is counterintuitive to your wishful thinking to wait and see if the mistake somehow corrects itself. It wont. If you do not act quickly, and put off tending to the problem, it will only make you feel more stressed, and the problem could get bigger with the passing of time.

Lesson 4 : Spend some time alone every day.

Give yourself one hour on certain days to do an activity you truly enjoy. It doesnt matter what you do, as long as you enjoy it. These breaks will help you renew your energy and concentration. Or even try doing nothing, try sitting in a quiet room thinking about nothing for at least 20 minutes, twice a day.

Lesson 5 : Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.

When you engage another person in conversation, always think before talking. I know your mind has many random thoughts, but there is no need to expose them to the world. So, before you open your mouth, just turn over your thought and try to inject it with a trace of reason, and if it doesnt work, just shut up!

Lesson 6 : Share your knowledge. It is a way to achieve immortality.

The way to internalize an idea, habit or principle is to share it with someone else. Find someone whom you can mentor on the subject that you want to master. You will learn quickly and indelibly. There are also an incredible number of opportunities for information sharing over the Internet.

Lesson 7 : Open your arms to change, but dont let go of your values.
These are the things that make us the people we are, they define what is important to you, they determine how you spend your time. Values determine what you accomplish with your time the results you get. They are the source of your motivation, so dont be afraid to communicate them. And never let go of your values.

Lesson 8 : Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.
Ever heard the phrase Be careful what you wish for you may get it? You may call it luck, maybe fate or something, but yes, sometimes when you dont get what you want you are lucky because it turned out that you got something better anyways.

Lesson 9 : A loving atmosphere in your home is the foundation for your life.
Its just that youre particularly good at drawing energy and inspiration from those around you, from those who really care about you. We often get so wrapped up in the importance of money or other things in life that we sometimes forget about the most important little things.

Lesson 10 : Be gentle with the earth.

Our earth is fragile too, and deserves our gentleness. In this century, man seems to finally realize just how fragile our Mother Earth is. All things are connected. Whatever befalls the earth befalls the sons of the earth. Man did not weave the web of life. He is merely a strand on it. Whatever he does to the web he does to himself.

The Dalai Lama is the worlds greatest living exemplar of nonviolence and compassion, accessible to followers of all faiths. As one of the greatest people of the 20th century, he offers an inspiring vision of the likelihood that humanity will realize its highest potential in the 21st. Listen to his teachings.

Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions. Dalai Lama

Thank You Very Much Sompong Yusoontorn