PROGRESSIVE VIEWS
Hatred, bigotry, political polarization and distrust are a gigantic problem, but the words of Nobel Peace Prize winner, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, ring true for all times and generations.
His solution is simple: kindness.
The Dalai Lama has been in the news lately and that brought back some memories of this inspired leader. He was born Lhamo Thondup in 1935 and became the Dalai Lama, which translates to “Oceans of Wisdom,” in 1950.
He is the spiritual and political leader of the Tibetan people. He is also the spiritual leader for millions of Buddhists throughout the world. Chosen through a complex process, the Dalai Lama is believed by followers to be the reincarnation of the previous Dalai Lama.
In 1954 he went to Peking to meet with Chinese dictator Mao Tse-Tung which unfortunately failed to preserve Tibet’s freedom. Finally in 1959, he was forced into exile in India after the Chinese military occupation of Tibet.
The 1989 Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to him because of his struggle for the non-violent liberation of Tibet. He remains a lifelong advocate for peaceful solutions based upon tolerance and mutual respect.
The Nobel Prize Committee had this to say: “The Dalai Lama has developed his philosophy of peace from a great reverence for all things living and upon the concept of universal responsibility embracing all mankind as well as nature.
“In the opinion of the Committee,” it continued, “the Dalai Lama has come forward with constructive and forward-looking proposals for the solution of international conflicts, human rights issues and global environmental problems.”
He remains in exile in India as he peacefully continues his struggle for Tibet’s independence from China.
Unlike past Dalai Lama’s, he has traveled throughout the world and authored many books championing his philosophy of peace and human understanding.
This excerpt from his Nobel Prize acceptance speech demonstrates the essence of the man and his principles: “As a Buddhist monk, my concern extends to all members of the human family and, indeed, to all sentient beings who suffer. I believe all suffering is caused by ignorance. People inflict pain on others in the selfish pursuit of their happiness or satisfaction. Yet true happiness comes from a sense of inner peace and contentment, which in turn must be achieved through the cultivation of altruism, of love and compassion and elimination of ignorance, selfishness and greed.”
I have been an admirer of the Dalai Lama and his philosophy for many years after learning more about him from dear friends. The Dalai Lama visited Findlay, Ohio, in 1991, at the invitation of local artists Philip Sugden and his wife, Carol. The visit was arranged by the Sugdens after a trip to Tibet, where they visited him in 1987.
We lived in Findlay during the 1990s before moving back to Texas. Our connection to the Dalai Lama is through the Sudgens, who were our house- and dog-sitters in addition to being artists and college professors. We accumulated several pieces of Phil’s art and we supported one of their trips to Tibet in exchange for one of Phil’s drawings from the trip.
Phil also was the recipient of our snow blower when we left to retire in Texas, something I hope never to use again. At last report it was still running.
As the story goes, the announcement of the Dalai Lama’s visit to Findlay was initially met with a yawn but as the date grew closer and folks learned more about him, interest built. The event was packed and viewed as a total success by those who attended.
I was out of town on business so I missed the presentation but heard the details from those who attended. The event is still talked about to this day.
The Dalai Lama believes all religions share a common goal to promote love, compassion and human well-being. Unfortunately, we are seeing the return of many prejudices which require renewed effort to realize the Dalai Lama’s vision.
The essential elements for a democracy to function remain civility and truth. Like the Dalai Lama, we all should believe in kindness and caring for others.
To learn more about our activities and activism, check out the Kendall County Democratic Party website: kcdems.us Kevin Henning is a local Democrat
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