Friday 25 April 2008

The Word from The Man

With the presence of Tibetan monks yesterday at the Olympic Torch relay, it got me thinking about the Dalai Lama, the fourteenth spiritual leader of the Tibetan people and his book The Art of Happiness. I thought I would reacquaint myself with its soothing messages which I have read and reread a lot over the years.

Now I've got to be honest, I didn't buy this book for any higher purpose such as delving into eastern philosophies. The real reason I bought the book was because I had a huge crush on Richard Gere for many years and, as everyone knows, the Dalai Lama and Rich are close....and that is where my thinking on the subject started and finished.

For those who want to know more about Tibet, its struggles with China and the Dalai Lama, watch this. Richard explains it so well.



Anyway, as it happens, I found the book full of good vibes and positive messages. His Holiness transcends cultural bias easily, which is perhaps what makes him such a powerful figure in our age.

This very eloquent man has some very simple answers to life's complex problems. And to be honest, if you are going to take advice from anyone then who better then a man decked out in bright orange robes and sandles.

So, while my crush on Richard eventually disappeared, my interest in the Dalai Lama, his books and his messages stayed strong. You don't have to be a Buddhist to appreciate his wisdom.

According to His Holiness "if you desire happiness you should seek the causes that give rise to it, and if you don't desire suffering, then what you should do is to ensure that the causes and conditions that give rise to it no longer arise."
Told you it was simple. In other words, life goes by too quickly so a wise soul should not walk in uncomfortable shoes. Basically we don't have to deny ourselves the more pleasurable of life's adventures. So, on that note, I am going for a ride in a hot air balloon on the weekend and have promised not to jump up and down...and turn happiness into suffering.

PS I just watched that video of Richard Gere (ok, maybe 3 times) and it appears that crush has come back again. The man has still got it going on........big time....

10 comments:

  1. I also liked The Art of Happiness at Work. I think the colaboration with that Dr. guy helps translate the Dalai Lama's message to a wider audience.

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  2. Hi dineometerdeb - thanks for visiting. I will have to check that book out. The Dr is a bit dry at times and I found I was searching for the Dalai Lama's quotes but I just love simplicity - we all look for the complex in everything at times.

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  3. Thoughtful,profound, and a post which definitely provides one with a moment of contemplative pause.

    "if you desire happiness you should seek the causes that give rise to it"

    I have to agree as it seems to me that we are all responsible for the part we choose/neglect to play in shaping the nature of the larger, collective reality.

    Thanks again for the thoughtful post.

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  4. Lindenrow - thanks for stopping by. This liveing life buisness is tough sometimes. I am always on the lookot for reminders and pointers to help me make it all the more better these days.

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  5. Lilly, this is a very good example of what we were discussing earlier; why we need to be open to all religions and the philosophies taught within them. The Dalai Lama is, indeed, a wise and powerful figure in the world, whether or not the Chinese choose to see it that way, and we can all learn a lot from his teachings. Thanks for the post, I think I need to familiarize myself more with this charismatic individual who does not receive enough attention in a world more interested in focusing on the problems with the Catholic church and the costant battling amongst the Baptist factions.

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  6. Matt, true it is very much aligned to what you were saying in your post. I just read in the news that the Chinese government wants to meet with the Dalai Lama's aides for a 'chat'. It really is a big wide world out there isnt it and the more I find out, the more I realise I don't know.

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  7. Hey my dear friend. How are you? I've been running behind. But I wanted to not only comment here but thank you from my heart for your wise and ASTOUNDING comment on my last post titled, "I'D RATHER..." Your words just blew my mind and moved me so much I can't even tell you what they meant to me. I've read them a few times. I am sending you a HUGE hug and want you to know I am deeply grateful that your life has touched mine. I know it is over distance and only through the internet, but you have made a difference and I thank you from my heart.

    I love your site. You have such an eclectic and fascinating group of posts. I just read your last three and you astound me how quick and intelligent your mind is and your wit. Fantastic.

    I really enjoyed this post on the Dalai Lama...well, like you said ...both men. :) :) But what really hit me was the whole happiness thing. I needed to hear that right now because it strengthens that in me. It's something I've been thinking a lot about the last year. And to have that posted by you, someone I highly respect, made it even more potent for me.

    Thank you Lilly for being SO...Lilly-ish. I love it. : ) : )

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  8. Wow RainforestRobin, you make me...happy. See, well you know I have had some issues to deal with and some answers to find about why things are as they are. I too have been on that journey. Your last post got me thinking. A lot. In order to be truly happy we need to move closer to the things that make us happy because in doing so we find the real us. Life is too short to wear uncomfortable shoes if we can avoid them. You already know this. I am still looking for the right shoes and you have inspired me a lot with your honesty. Because when we are honest there is nowhere to hide, heh? Hope you are not too busy, getting to go outdoors as much as you can and that the book is coming along ok. It such a pleasure to hear from you.

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  9. Hi Lilly,

    Matt at Matt-speak recommended you to me. He just gave my blog some awesome compliments on EntreCard, and he encouraged me to read your blog on the Olympic Torch and to tell you that the "Matts" are ganging up on you. I wrote a blog post April 8 on the "Politicization of the Beijing Olympics"...You'd have to click on the April 2008 link in my archives on my sidebar to find it, but then scroll down. I'd love to hear your thoughts.

    Matt suggested all of us could talk about the Olympics and the HR violations and perhaps organize this as a topic for the May 15 bloggers unite day.

    Anyway, just stopping by. I'm adding you to my favorites on entrecard and I'll be stopping by often.

    Cheers!

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  10. Thanks Matt for dropping by. The blogging world can never have enough Matts right? I will definitely check out your post. I don't know much about the May 15 bloggers united day but Matt's idea sounds great. I think its an area that we all need to know more about (and there are heaps more to add to that list too). Thanks again.

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Thanks for your comments.