The 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso on Universal Brother/Sisterhood 1

The 14th and current Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, belongs to the first generation of Tibetan Buddhists who have become more prominent actors in the globalized post-colonial modern world. In his impressive open, tolerant, cosmopolitan perspective, many a Theosophical idea has been adopted, not the least being the notion of universal brother/sisterhood, to which he gives a distinctive Mahayana touch based in a deep consideration of the value of compassion. Below are some of his reflections, taken from his Twitter page, from the year 2020.

I believe all 7 billion human beings alive today are part of one human family. We are born and die in the same way. And what is most precious in our relations with others is warm-heartedness. It yields the peace of mind and inner strength that are fundamental to a happy community. (Dec 20, 2019)

I believe that if we make an effort to develop peace of mind within ourselves and cultivate a proper appreciation of the oneness of humanity, we can create a happier, more peaceful world. What we need is common sense—the positive use of intelligence—and warm-heartedness. (Dec 23, 2019)

As human beings, all 7 billion of us are born the same way and die the same way. Physically, mentally and emotionally we are the same. We all want to live a happy life and avoid problems, but in a materialistic culture we overlook the importance of love and affection. (Jan 6, 2020 )

I don’t like formality. There’s no formality when we’re born and none when we die. In between we should treat each other as brothers and sisters because we all want to live a happy life. This is our common purpose and our right. (Jan 24, 2020)

Sometimes we feel we can’t do much by ourselves, but humanity is made up of individuals; we can make a difference. As individuals we can influence our own families. Our families can shape our communities and our communities form our nations. Together we can make a better world. (Mar 16, 2020)

Even more important than the warmth and affection we receive, is the warmth and affection we give. It is by giving warmth and affection, by having a genuine sense of concern for others, in other words through compassion, that we gain the conditions for genuine happiness. (Mar 20, 2020)

A deep awareness of the goodness of human beings, that they are essentially kind, helpful, and gentle, can give us courage and hope. On a personal level too, such a vision of our basic nature can help promote a greater sense of well-being and connectedness with others. (Mar 23, 2020)

In our world today, we’re heavily dependent upon each other. It’s essential, therefore, that we cooperate with one another—then we’ll be able to solve many problems. Good relations, heart to heart, are important and necessary—everything depends upon our having a good motivation. (Apr 27, 2020)

Change starts with us as individuals. If one individual becomes more compassionate it will influence others and so we will change the world. (May 28, 2020)

People face difficulties in many parts of the world, but since all seven billion of us live on this one planet we should be united and stand in solidarity with each other. When this blue planet is viewed from space, there are no national boundaries to be seen. (May 28, 2020)

Fundamentally human beings are the same. Imagine being lost in some remote place and suddenly seeing someone coming towards you over the horizon. You wouldn't care about their race, nationality or religious faith, you'd be filled with the joy of encountering another human being. (Jun 15, 2020)

Best wishes for the inaugural  International Day of Human Fraternity  February 4, 2021.

The UN General Assembly on 21 December adopted a resolution declaring 4 February as the International Day of Human Fraternity. The day is to be observed each year, beginning in 2021. The Assembly invited the Member States, the United Nations system and others to observe the annual day in a manner they would each consider appropriate to promote interreligious and intercultural dialogue.

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/world/news/2020-12/united-nations-institutes-international-day-human-fraternity.html 

Part 2