“My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness. Our prime purpose in this life is to help others…There is no need for temples; no need for complicated philosophy. Our own brain, our own heart is our temple; the philosophy is kindness.
Whether one believes in a religion or not, and whether one believes in rebirth or not, there isn’t anyone who doesn’t appreciate kindness and compassion. We can live without religion and meditation, but we cannot survive without human affection.”
The Dalai Lama
In amongst the many, many things I find troubling at the moment, I am trying find the balance. I was touched and inspired by so many women marching across the world on the weekend and so many of the signs made me smile because they were clever or funny or poignant or pointed; I wasn't that interested in the crude or destructive ones, but there were plenty of the others to lift me up.
What I am hoping for most this year, and working towards most in small ways, is kindness.
Kindness, Care and Hope are my touchstones for the year; to reach out and be kind; to care for others and to continue to work and act with hope in my heart for a better and more beautiful world.
Parts of me could dissolve into puddles of despair at times, but I am stoking myself with hope and kindness and care.
The Dalai Lama obviously gets it; his religion is kindness, the philosophy is kindness. We don't need structures or rule books or guidelines or lists, all of us have within us the capacity to be kind and I feel we will all need a bit of kindness to each other this year...
On of my favourite posters from around the time of the marches...courtesy of kristinjoiner.com
Whether one believes in a religion or not, and whether one believes in rebirth or not, there isn’t anyone who doesn’t appreciate kindness and compassion. We can live without religion and meditation, but we cannot survive without human affection.”
The Dalai Lama
In amongst the many, many things I find troubling at the moment, I am trying find the balance. I was touched and inspired by so many women marching across the world on the weekend and so many of the signs made me smile because they were clever or funny or poignant or pointed; I wasn't that interested in the crude or destructive ones, but there were plenty of the others to lift me up.
What I am hoping for most this year, and working towards most in small ways, is kindness.
Kindness, Care and Hope are my touchstones for the year; to reach out and be kind; to care for others and to continue to work and act with hope in my heart for a better and more beautiful world.
Parts of me could dissolve into puddles of despair at times, but I am stoking myself with hope and kindness and care.
The Dalai Lama obviously gets it; his religion is kindness, the philosophy is kindness. We don't need structures or rule books or guidelines or lists, all of us have within us the capacity to be kind and I feel we will all need a bit of kindness to each other this year...
On of my favourite posters from around the time of the marches...courtesy of kristinjoiner.com
tenderly, gently
ReplyDeletenamaste
Yes Mo, Yes. Quietly, gently, tenderly we resist.
DeleteI hadn't heard the those words by the Dalai Lama before. Thank you for sharing them. So right for these times.
ReplyDeleteThey resonate right don't they Jac? I feel like pleading for kindness the world around...
DeleteMy father was not a religious man but he brought us up with his own creed. One of his key themes was that of kindness to others. Many times I recall him telling me to always go a good turn whenever I could as I would be repaid tenfold. He was always right and Pay it Forward has been the watchword ever since so I am with you on this one Fiona, all the way.
ReplyDeleteLet's head to the barricades together Lesley - your dad had it right for sure. Be kind, do good and the world will be a better place...
DeleteFor years I have been following your blog, admiring you, your creativity, your skill and quiet elegance. And I have said nothing. Nothing! What you just wrote has inspired me because "puddle of despair" is exactly right. So from an island in the Pacific Northwest, here's a little voice thanking you for all you've been and done over the years, and for continued success in your quest for a kind and meaningful life.
ReplyDeleteOh Carol, thank you so much; I sat with tears forming in my eyes when I first read this. Your kindness is immense. Perhaps our goal is to avoid forming puddles of despair and instead to build bridges of care and kindness. Go gently, the times are tough but we are are better than this...
DeleteThese words - both of The Dalai Lama and yours - are some of the most relevant I have read lately. Though such a simple & basic concept/act, it is so often absent; yet it goes so far, and can make such a difference. And a wonderful antidote to keep one from dissolving into puddles of despair...
ReplyDeleteOh Lisa, we need to avoid those puddles as best we can don't we? They seem to loom large at times...I think if we we can have kind thoughts, and then do kind actions at least we will make small worlds better, even if the larger world seems too much to bear...go well.
Deleteliving in the usa right now is weird at best. i love the poster.
ReplyDeleteOh Velma, I can barely imagine it. The poster holds true...
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