The second dimension is what may be considered religion-based spirituality, which is acquired from our upbringing and culture and is tied to particular beliefs and practices. The first dimension, that of basic spiritual well-being-by which I mean inner mental and emotional strength and balance-does not depend on religion but comes from our innate human nature as beings with a natural disposition toward compassion, kindness, and caring for others. And just as the doctrine of divine judgment underlies ethical teachings in many theistic religions, so too does the doctrine of karma and future lives in non-theistic religions.Īs I see it, spirituality has two dimensions. In such a world, I feel, it is vital for us to find genuinely sustainable and universal approach to ethics, inner values, and personal integrity-an approach that can transcend religious, cultural, and racial differences and appeal to people at a sustainable, universal approach is what I call the project of secular ethics.Īll religions, therefore, to some extent, ground the cultivation of inner values and ethical awareness in some kind of metaphysical (that is, not empirically demonstrable) understanding of the world and of life after death.

It is a matter of great urgency, therefore, that we find ways to cooperate with one another in a spirit of mutual acceptance and respect. “For a considerable portion of humanity today, it is possible and indeed likely that one's neighbor, one's colleague, or one's employer will have a different mother tongue, eat different food, and follow a different religion than oneself. The Dalai Lama has been engaged in training his mind since he was four years old.” This was achieved through gradual practice it didn't happen overnight.'Ĭertainly not. Or, I may become irritated and develop some anger, but again, it dissipates very quickly.

So, if I receive some tragic news, at that moment I may experience some disturbance within my mind, but it goes very quickly. And, although my own experience may be very little, I have found this to be true in my own small practice. Through repeated practice of these methods we can get to the point where some disturbance may occur but the negative effects on our mind remain on the surface, like the waves that may ripple on the surface of an ocean but don't have much effect deep down. Within Buddhist practice there are various methods of trying to sustain a calm mind when some disturbing event happens. Through training, we can change we can transform ourselves. “No matter what activity or practice we are pursuing, there isn't anything that isn't made easier through constant familiarity and training.

Dalai lama happiness quotes