In fractured times, the Dalai Lama’s call for compassion is more urgent than ever

The Dalai Lama is known for his advocacy of peace and interfaith dialogues between different faiths and his non-violent struggle for the liberation of the Tibetan people. His title denotes 'Ocean of Wisdom', a wisdom that springs from compassion and tolerance. In fractured times ravaged by war, he stands as a beacon of light.

Compassion is the core value in Buddhism that transcends sympathy and empathy; compassion is to suffer together, to feel others' suffering and be motivated to relieve it. There is no sharp distinction between our own interests and the interests of others. We all appreciate affection, forbearance, truth, justice and peace, all contained within compassion.

Happiness is not an end but rather a byproduct of actions taken on behalf of others. Thus, in serving others, we serve ourselves, 'a wise selfishness' in the words of the Dalai Lama. In exercising restraint, disciplining negative emotions out of a sense of responsibility to others, we achieve compassion. His philosophy is, 'Be kind whenever it is possible. It is always possible.'


In his book 'Voice of the Voiceless', the Dalai Lama says, 'One must see the humanity even in oppressors, because, ultimately, it will be with their humanity that we could come to some kind of settlement.'

By focusing on material development, we forget that a society that believes in something beyond itself, and goes beyond the immediate, seems better equipped to confront threats to existence.