Sharing Laughter in Teaching Compassion
True Compassion is not just an emotional response, but a firm commitment founded on reason.
The Dalai Lama
Depicted above, the Tibetan spiritual leader The Dalai Lama shares a laugther with South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu as they both take part in a dialogue on youth and spiritual connection, part of the five-day Seeds of Compassion event to teach compassion to children.
Seeds of Compassion is an initiative to ‘nurture kindness and compassion in this world’, starting with the most important (and often neglected) group in our world: Children. Their mission is to focus world attention on the following:
x95 Our communities need thoughtful, creative adults who are actively engaged citizens.
x95 Our global society needs people equipped to communicate across cultures and address differences through understanding and collaborative problem solving.
x95 These qualities must take root in early childhood.
x95 When children build from strong foundations emotionally, socially and cognitively, they can develop into compassionate adults.
April 10- 5th, Seeds of Compassion organised an ‘unprecedented gathering’ anchored by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. A communityx96focused event celebrating and exploring the relationships, programs and tools that nurture and empower children, families and communities to be compassionate members of society.
To me, in these days where protests against the Olympic games are all over the news, the Dalai Lama’s view on a peaceful solution, on practicing compassion instead of violence, couldn’t be illustrated better by the text that came with the picture above:
Desmond Tutu has urged world leaders to boycot the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games, to express their sympathy with the people of Tibet and the Dalai Lama. The Dalai Lama himself does not support this boycot. He is against any boycott of the Beijing Olympics, saying Chinese people should not be blamed for the situation in his homeland.
Do also read: The Dalai Lama’s Vision of a Compassionate Future
Picture: Reuters/Robert Sorbo (U.S.)
16 April 2008 at 15:35
Ellen,
A wonderful post.It will definitely bring awareness about Tibet problem and solving it with a touch of compassion.
God bless.
17 April 2008 at 04:38
You are amazing Ellen! Thank you kindly for your kind and gracious words. I appreciate it greatly!
Ohhhh Ellen…that experience was so wonderful! I only pray that I too one day can reach a higher level of peaceful consciousness. His Holiness inspires me too.
I agree with you, Ellen.. that “Children are our future.” We need to be of service…to teach and guide our children toward a more compassion world.
I really LOVE your blog and your spirit.
So brilliant to meet you
18 April 2008 at 16:55
Hi Surjit,
thank you!
Yes, I can only hope the Tibet issue will find a peaceful and compassionate solution soon..
Blessings to you,
Ellen
18 April 2008 at 16:57
Hi Christine,
)!!
it’s a pleasure to meet you too! Thanks for your great reaction, it really made me smile
Will definitely ‘meet’ you again on your blog, I love the wise words and peacefullness it brings me!!
20 April 2008 at 04:33
Thank you for sharing this and educating us about this important initiative!
Have you heard about an organization called Seeds of Peace? They are an excellent organization designed to serve teenagers in conflicted areas with strategies and building relationships for promoting peace. We need more organizations and initiatives like this for world harmony and peace…the younger, the better!