It’s strange to see such anger and discontent
in the more developed nations of the world. Living conditions have never been
better, yet people in these nations report great uneasiness about their own
future that borders on hopelessness. Why? According to an article by the Dalai
Lama in the NY Times, it’s because people in western countries are feeling
unneeded.
The Dalai Lama says that this has nothing to
do with being selfish or attached to the esteem of others. Rather, it is
natural human desire to serve our fellow men and women. As the 13th-century
Buddhist sages taught, “If one lights a fire for others, it will also brighten
one’s own way.”
Research backs this up. A study found that
Americans who prioritize doing good for others are almost twice as likely to
say they are happy about their lives. In essence, the more we are one with the
rest of humanity, the better we feel.
According to The Dalai Lama, this helps
explain why pain and indignation are sweeping through prosperous countries.
The problem is not a lack of material riches.
It is the growing number of people who feel they are no longer useful, no longer
needed, no longer one with their societies”.
According to the Dalai Lama, there are two
ways to solve this situation:
“The first answer is not systematic. It is
personal. Everyone has something valuable to share. We should start each day by
consciously asking ourselves, “What can I do today to appreciate the gifts that
others offer me?” We need to make sure that global brotherhood and oneness with
others are not just abstract ideas that we profess, but personal commitments
that we mindfully put into practice.
Each of us has the responsibility to make
this a habit. But those in positions of responsibility have a special
opportunity to expand inclusion and build societies that truly need everyone.”
The second answer is more at the society
level:
“Leaders need to recognize that a
compassionate society must create a wealth of opportunities for meaningful
work, so that everyone who is capable of contributing can do so. A
compassionate society must provide children with education and training that
enriches their lives, both with greater ethical understanding and with
practical skills that can lead to economic security and inner peace. A
compassionate society must protect the vulnerable while ensuring that these
policies do not trap people in misery and dependence.”
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