Forgiveness and the Dalai Lama

Today's news carries the headline that the Dalai Lama announced his intention to step down as the political leader of Tibet, creating an opportunity for Tibet to transition to a new political leadership during his lifetime.  This comes after China proclaimed the Dalai Lama had no authority to choose his own successor and that the next Dalai Lama must be selected through a Chinese approved reincarnation.  Not only would this give China control over the next Tibetan leader, but it would also provide a time gap in political leadership for the Tibetans. 

The differences between the Tibetan and Chinese points of view have been going on for decades, since China invaded Tibet.  Fifty-two years ago today, in 1959, the Dalai Lama fled his country and began living in exile in India.  He has continued to lead his people from his new home in Dharmsala.  When other Tibetans leave Tibet, they go there first.  The Dalai Lama has met with many of them and has heard the firsthand stories of what has happened to his people and his country.  He has negotiated with China regarding their treatment of Tibet and has become a spokesperson for his country in the international community.

Yesterday my post was a quick entry about forgiveness and happiness.  My mind was on forgiveness, so when I read the news today about the Dalai Lama, my thoughts immediately went to the strong example of forgiveness he has shown the world.  In spite of all the damage that has happened to his country, he refuses to hold anger toward the Chinese.  He practices forgiveness toward the government of China and toward the people who have carried out Chinese orders.  In his book, Ethics for a New Millennium, he tells a story about a Tibetan monk who had been in prison, mistreated and tortured, for many years.  When the monk was released from prison, he went to India and reunited with the Dalai Lama.  He was serene and gentle even after all he had endured.  The Dalai Lama asked him if he had been scared and he replied that he had indeed been afraid of one thing--that he would lose compassion for those who imprisoned him. 

The Dalai Lama is a proponent of compassion as a means to happiness.  He says patience, forbearance, empathy, and forgiveness are components of this. 

"The appropriate response to someone who causes us to suffer...is to recognize that in harming us, ultimately they lose their peace of mind, their inner balance, and thereby their happiness.  And we do best when we have compassion for them..." (Ethics for a New Millennium, p. 107). 

In spite of all he's gone through in his life, the Dalai Lama is a truly happy person.  He is quick to smile and exudes a feeling of joy and peace through his presence. I consider him as much an authority on happiness as anyone I can think of.  He's an inspiration and a powerful teacher and I am grateful he has come onto the world stage.