Kindness Is Always Possible

07.24.2020 KINDNESS IS ALWAYS POSSIBLE When I think of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, I think of his famous quote: “Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.” It’s a small, but important teaching. Right now, we need his message more than ever. As the spiritual leader of Tibet and one of the most beloved figures of our time, His Holiness has dedicated his life to spreading his message of kindness and compassion. In the social and political climate we’re currently in, it may feel especially difficult to be kind and compassionate toward ourselves and others. But I believe His Holiness when he says it’s always possible. There are so many ways to be kind at this time. Right now, something as small as making your bed in the morning is especially kind to yourself. Wearing a mask in the grocery store is especially kind to others, too. Below are three of my favorite teachings from His Holiness that speak especially well to these times. You’ll find even more in Lion’s Roar’s special publication celebrating his 85th birthday, filled with teachings and intimate glimpses into his life. May they each help to remind you of the kindness and compassion that still exists. —Lilly Greenblatt, digital editor, LionsRoar.com

Only Genuine Compassion Will Do It’s not sufficient, says the Dalai Lama, to simply think that compassion is important. We must transform our thoughts and behavior on a daily basis to cultivate compassion without attachment. True compassion is not just an emotional response but a firm commitment founded on reason. Because of this firm foundation, a truly compassionate attitude toward others does not change even if they behave negatively. Genuine compassion is based not on our own projections and expectations, but rather on the needs of the other: irrespective of whether another person is a close friend or an enemy, as long as that person wishes for peace and happiness and wishes to overcome suffering, then on that basis we develop genuine concern for their problem. This is genuine compassion.

Don’t Let Hatred Destroy Your Practice His Holiness the Dalai Lama takes an in-depth look at how we can work with anger and hatred. Genuine peace of mind is rooted in affection and compassion. There is a very high level of sensitivity and feeling involved. So long as we lack inner discipline, an inner calmness of mind, then no matter what external facilities or conditions we may have, they will never give us the feeling of joy and happiness that we seek. On the other hand, if we possess this inner quality — that is, calmness of mind, a degree of stability within — then even if we lack various external facilities that are normally considered necessary for a happy and joyful life, it is still possible to live a happy and joyful life.

Good Heart A good heart is the source of all happiness, says His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and we can all be good-hearted with some effort. But better still, he says, is to have bodhichitta — a good heart imbued with wisdom. When people say that I have worked a lot for peace, I feel embarrassed. I feel like laughing. I don’t think I have done very much for world peace. It’s just that my practice is the peaceful path of kindness, love, compassion, and not harming others. This has become part of me. It is not something for which I have specially volunteered. I am simply a follower of the Buddha, and the Buddha taught that patience is the supreme means for transcending suffering.

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