In Tibet we say that many illness can be cured by the one
medicine of love and compassion. These qualities are the ultimate
source of human happiness, and need for them lies at the very core
of our being. Unfortunately, love and compassion have been omitted
from too many spheres of social interaction for too long. Usually
confined to family and home, their practice in public life is
considered impractical, even naive. This is tragic. In my view
point, the practice of compassion is not just a symptom of
unrealistic idealism but the most effective way to pursue the best
interest of others as well as our own. The more we- as a nation, a
group or as individuals - depend upon others, the more it is in our
own best interests to ensure their well-being.
Practicing altruism is the real source of compromise and
cooperation; merely recognizing our need for harmony is not enough.
A mind committed to compassion is like an overflowing reservoir - a
constant source of energy, determination and kindness. This is like
a seed; when cultivated, gives rise to many other good qualities,
such as forgiveness, tolerance, inner strength and the confidence
to overcome fear and insecurity. The compassionate mind is like an
elixir; it is capable of transforming bad situation into beneficial
ones. Therefore, we should not limit our expressions of love and
compassion to our family and friends. Nor is the compassion only
the responsibility of clergy, health care and social workers. It is
the necessary business of every part of the human community.
Whether a conflict lies in the field of politics, business or
religion, an altruistic approach is frequently the sole means of
resolving it. Sometimes the very concepts we use to meditate a
dispute are themselves the cause of the problem. At such times,
when a resolution seems impossible, both sides should recall the
basic human nature that unites them. This will help break the
impasse and, in the long run, make it easier for everyone to attain
their goal. Although neither side may be fully satisfied, if both
make concessions, at the very least, the danger of further conflict
will be averted. We all know that this form of compromise is the
most effective way of solving problems - why, then, do we not use
it more often?
When I consider the lack of cooperation in human society, I can
only conclude that it stems from ignorance of our interdependent
nature. I am often moved by the example of small insects, such as
bees. The laws of nature dictate that bees work together in order
to survive. As a result, they possess an instinctive sense of
social responsibility. They have no constitution, laws, police,
religion or moral training, but because of their nature they labour
faithfully together. Occasionally they may fight, but in general
the whole colony survives on the basis of cooperation. Human
beings, on the other hand, have constitutions, vast legal systems
and police forces; we have religion, remarkable intelligence and a
heart with great capacity to love. But despite our many
extraordinary qualities, in actual practice we lag behind those
small insects; in some ways, I feel we are poorer than the
bees.
For instance, millions of people live together in large cities all
over the world, but despite this proximity, many are lonely. Some
do not have even one human being with whom to share their deepest
feelings, and live in a state of perpetual agitation. This is very
sad. We are not solitary animals that associate only in order to
mate. If we were, why would we build large cities and towns? But
even though we are social animals compelled to live together,
unfortunately, we lack sense of responsibility towards our fellow
humans. Does the fault lies in our social architecture -the basic
structures of family and community that support our society? Is it
our own external facilities - our machines, science and technology?
I do not think so.
I believe that despite the rapid advances made by civilization in
this century, the most immediate cause of our present dilemma is
our undue emphasis on material development alone. We have become so
engrossed in its pursuit that, without even knowing it, we have
neglected to foster the most basic human needs of love, kindness,
cooperation and caring. If we do not know someone or find another
reason for not feeling connected with a particular individual or
group, we simply ignore them. But the development of human society
is based entirely on people helping each other. Once we have lost
the essential humanity that is our foundation, what is the point of
pursuing only material improvement.
To me, it is clear: a genuine sense of responsibility can result
only if we develop compassion. Only a spontaneous feeling of
empathy for others can really motivate us to act on their
behalf.
http://www.dalailama.com/messages/world-peace/the-medicine-of-altruism