AndYaDontStop
The Art of Happiness...134/365
"I think that this is the first time I am meeting most of you. But to me, whether it is an old friend or new friend, there’s not much difference anyway, because I always believe we are the same; we are all human beings. Of course, there may be differences in our cultural background or way of life, there may be differences in our faith, or we may be of a different color, but we are human beings, consisting of the human body and the human mind. Our physical structure is the same, and our mind and our emotional nature are also the same. Whenever I meet people, I always have the feeling that I am encountering another human being, just like myself. I find it is much easier to communicate with others on that level. If we emphasize specific characteristics, like I am Tibetan or I am Buddhist, then there are differences. But those things are secondary. If we can leave the differences aside, I think we can easily communicate, exchange ideas, and share experiences."
~H.H. The Dalai Lama, from "The Art of Happiness"~
This is a little strange to start the year off, i know. But it's also very meaningful for me. Several years ago I read The Art of Happiness, written by The Dalai Lama, and it helped change my life. I am by no means a Buddhist, however I believe their beliefs are some of the most virtuous of all the religions available for us to choose from. To some, they may seem extreme, and they are difficult for most people, even me, to follow to the letter. But the meaning I draw from Buddhism, and the lessons I learned from The Art of Happiness are simple: Be compassionate towards others and you will find happiness in yourself. I try to live my life this way, and though sometimes it is difficult, I also recognize we all struggle and it's what we learn from that struggle that makes us stronger. A strong mind is a happy mind, in my opinion.
In 2009, I hope to strengthen my mind, and in the process to learn to live an even happier life. My resolution this year is not one of health or financial responsibility, but it is to do everything within my power to treat all creatures, human or animal, with compassion so that they might lead a happy life as well. I hope you all have a wonderful new year, and I look forward to the next year of creativity that flows from Flickr into all of our hearts and minds :)
The Art of Happiness...134/365
"I think that this is the first time I am meeting most of you. But to me, whether it is an old friend or new friend, there’s not much difference anyway, because I always believe we are the same; we are all human beings. Of course, there may be differences in our cultural background or way of life, there may be differences in our faith, or we may be of a different color, but we are human beings, consisting of the human body and the human mind. Our physical structure is the same, and our mind and our emotional nature are also the same. Whenever I meet people, I always have the feeling that I am encountering another human being, just like myself. I find it is much easier to communicate with others on that level. If we emphasize specific characteristics, like I am Tibetan or I am Buddhist, then there are differences. But those things are secondary. If we can leave the differences aside, I think we can easily communicate, exchange ideas, and share experiences."
~H.H. The Dalai Lama, from "The Art of Happiness"~
This is a little strange to start the year off, i know. But it's also very meaningful for me. Several years ago I read The Art of Happiness, written by The Dalai Lama, and it helped change my life. I am by no means a Buddhist, however I believe their beliefs are some of the most virtuous of all the religions available for us to choose from. To some, they may seem extreme, and they are difficult for most people, even me, to follow to the letter. But the meaning I draw from Buddhism, and the lessons I learned from The Art of Happiness are simple: Be compassionate towards others and you will find happiness in yourself. I try to live my life this way, and though sometimes it is difficult, I also recognize we all struggle and it's what we learn from that struggle that makes us stronger. A strong mind is a happy mind, in my opinion.
In 2009, I hope to strengthen my mind, and in the process to learn to live an even happier life. My resolution this year is not one of health or financial responsibility, but it is to do everything within my power to treat all creatures, human or animal, with compassion so that they might lead a happy life as well. I hope you all have a wonderful new year, and I look forward to the next year of creativity that flows from Flickr into all of our hearts and minds :)