A few weeks ago Debbie and I listened to one of the Dalai Lama's public talks. We had 5th row seats and it was my second time and Debbie's first time listening to him. As we walked down the stairs onto the Roger's Centre floor we both looked at each other and commented on how it felt like we just walked through a wave of good energy. It was pretty powerful and neat that we both felt it at the same time.
He began his talk by saying he's not here to convert anyone. He's not here to talk to us a religious leader, a spiritual leader or a political leader. But he was there to speak to us about how to achieve world peace which will not be achieved until we can create inner peace and peace within our own minds.
He said he doesn't want anyone to convert to Buddhism but instead, he wanted everyone to explore their own faith more deeply and passionately while opening their hearts and minds to other religions, not to judge other religions or not to try to convert others to your own (stupid missionaries--see a few posts from several months ago).
What a great message and I'd like to see if other religious leaders would say that. Not likely. I believe both the Pope and the Supreme Leader of Islam recently said that everyone should just convert to their respective religions in order to acheive peace.
He said it's not until we accept others for no matter who or what they are, that we can even begin to live in real, sustainable peace.
If His Holiness ever comes back around again, I will definitely go to one of his public talks and encourage others to go as well. If other world, spiritual, community, political or religious leaders listened and acted on his message this world wouldn't be in such the mess that it is.
1 comments:
Jeff...i loved what you wrote about the Dalai Lama. What a wonderful message....I would definitely open myself to hearing his message. I looked everywhere to find out about the "stupid missionaries." Our church has missionaries, most of whom are nice boys wanting to share their faith, but some can be fanatical or really pushy. Whatever God you worship and however you chose to worship....it is not for man to judge. I think the world would be a much nicer place if we could share our beliefs and appreciate the good in every religion instead of trying so hard to convert people.
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