Compassion in Public Life

If one listens, really listens and comprehends, one might see the wisdom of these words of the Dalai Lama – and question which of the presidential candidates are listening and following this advice. My vote is for President Obama who from the beginning has been, in his hopes, dreams and actions, motivated by compassion. – 2012

From Opening the Eye of New Awareness – His Holiness, the Dalai Lama:

“For any activity related to human society, compassion and love are vital; whether one is a politician, businessperson, scientist, engineer, or anything else. If such people carry out their professional work with a good motivation, that work becomes an instrument for human benefit. On the other hand, if people work at their profession out of selfishness or anger, the profession becomes distorted. Instead of bringing benefit for humankind, the knowledge gained in the profession brings disaster. Compassion is essential.”

Adding here, some of the words of the Dalai Lama resting at my meditation center:

“. . . real compassion is without attachment. Pay attention to this point, which goes against our habitual ways of thinking.  It is not this or that particular case that stirs our pity. We don’t give our compassion to such and such a person by choice. We give it spontaneously, entirely, without hoping for anything in exchange. And we give it universally.”