Love in our world
In the book "An Open Heart", the Dalai Lama teaches us that: Compassion is the wish that others be free of suffering. In the first step toward a compassionate heart, we must develop our empathy or closeness to others. We must also recognize the gravity of their misery. The closer we are to a person, the more unbearable we find that person's suffering. This closeness is not a physical proximity, nor need it be an emotional one. It is a feeling of responsibility, of concern for a person.
I think that is a very good definition of love. If enough people felt true compassion for all of their brothers and sisters, we would indeed get to a point where war would be extinct. That would be the ultimate triumph of love over war and hatred. While this sounds idealistic and impractical, we must consider that human history is sadly dominated by the opposites of love: greed, hatred and war. The only practical antidote is love, true compassion for all of our fellow human beings.
True love and compassion would naturally lead to non-violence, equitable distribution of resources and mutually beneficial human development. That would lead to more understanding, more cooperation, more non-violent conflict resolution.
Great spiritual leaders throughout the ages have told us love is the answer. Humanity has ignored that advice, and look what it has wrought. Shall we not pursue love as the best antidote to hate and war?
Let us commit to the work necessary to grow compassion within our hearts for all living things. It is not easy. It is a life long effort, and requires continuous effort through study, meditation and compassionate actions of service and kindness. As we touch others lives with compassion, some will then be inspired to be kind and compassionate too. This could grow and grow, if we would nuture it.
I also believe that love for our fellow human beings means we will fearlessly confront hatred and injustice wherever it victimizes innocents. Having true love and compassion for others means we care so much, emphathize so completely, that we cannot stand idly by or turn our backs when we see injustice. Martin Luther King Jr. said "It is not enough to say we must not wage war. It is necessary to love peace and sacrifice for it." MLK also said that "Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend."
I believe it is urgent that we change the direction of our world as soon as possible. Let us not only talk about love, let us live it!
Your loving brother in peace,
Dan
I think that is a very good definition of love. If enough people felt true compassion for all of their brothers and sisters, we would indeed get to a point where war would be extinct. That would be the ultimate triumph of love over war and hatred. While this sounds idealistic and impractical, we must consider that human history is sadly dominated by the opposites of love: greed, hatred and war. The only practical antidote is love, true compassion for all of our fellow human beings.
True love and compassion would naturally lead to non-violence, equitable distribution of resources and mutually beneficial human development. That would lead to more understanding, more cooperation, more non-violent conflict resolution.
Great spiritual leaders throughout the ages have told us love is the answer. Humanity has ignored that advice, and look what it has wrought. Shall we not pursue love as the best antidote to hate and war?
Let us commit to the work necessary to grow compassion within our hearts for all living things. It is not easy. It is a life long effort, and requires continuous effort through study, meditation and compassionate actions of service and kindness. As we touch others lives with compassion, some will then be inspired to be kind and compassionate too. This could grow and grow, if we would nuture it.
I also believe that love for our fellow human beings means we will fearlessly confront hatred and injustice wherever it victimizes innocents. Having true love and compassion for others means we care so much, emphathize so completely, that we cannot stand idly by or turn our backs when we see injustice. Martin Luther King Jr. said "It is not enough to say we must not wage war. It is necessary to love peace and sacrifice for it." MLK also said that "Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend."
I believe it is urgent that we change the direction of our world as soon as possible. Let us not only talk about love, let us live it!
Your loving brother in peace,
Dan
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Would you recommend that we add "An Open Heart" to our list of suggested Beyond War books?
Anne