Written by Ashala Tylor | 01 June 2009

In response to a question, posed during the press conference, on the battle between China and Tibet, his holiness said, “Tibet nation, with its unique cultural heritage, is now facing something like death sentence.”

The afternoon lecture, entitled “Ethics For Our Time,” was given entirely in English. The message was simple: “The very purpose of our life is happiness, joyfulness.” He said, “Compassion opens our heart to others. We and they are not right. We must look at whole world as one entity.”

On the current economic crisis, he said, “Greed has led to it. World global economic crisis is good for mind. You should not take for granted money always grow, grow, grow, that there are limitations.”

He went on to say, “When problems arise, look from different angles. We lost country but I have opportunity to learn, meet rich, poor, AIDS patients, different leaders. Each time I learn. Sometimes I feel grateful to Communists. They created this opportunity.” Therein lies the key to his happiness; no matter what the situation, look at the bright side and see the gift in it.

Here is a man who has lost his family and friends, suffered near obliteration of his culture and is exiled from his own country; yet in the midst of the entire travesty he still speaks of love and compassion for all while exuding peacefulness and love. He has said, “My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness.” He truly walks his talk.

His holiness spoke more in terms of self-help rather than religion. In these turbulent times, as the world is undergoing a mental, emotional and financial metamorphosis, people are searching for something to give real meaning to their lives; people like the Dalai Lama are paving the way for expanded consciousness world-wide.

The message of the Dalai Lama reaches so many because the human spirit always responds to love. His words permeate the depths of our souls with a message heard deep within the recesses of our being. A message of love, compassion, kindness, forgiveness, tolerance, non-violence, self-awareness, peace and happiness has no boundaries of class, color or creed. It is the antidote to the problems on planet earth.

Let’s each start today with one simple random act of kindness and follow the example set by this great man.

More photos of the Dalai Lama may be seen on Ashala’s website at www.centralcoasttravelchick.com