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TEACHINGS | EASTERN HORIZON 21

COMPASSION AS THE

SOURCE OF HAPPINESS

By HH the 14th Dalai Lama

His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, is the spiritual
leader of Tibet. He was born on 6 July 1935, to a farming family,
in a small hamlet located in Taktser, Amdo, northeastern Tibet. At
the age of two the child, who was named Lhamo Dhondup at that
time was recognized as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama,
Thubten Gyatso. The Dalai Lamas are believed to be manifestations
of Avalokiteshvara or Chenrezig, the Bodhisattva of Compassion
and patron saint of Tibet. Bodhisattvas are enlightened beings who
have postponed their own nirvana and chosen to take rebirth in
order to serve humanity. In May 2012, His holiness was awarded the
distinguished Templeton Prize. This was awarded for His commitment
to interfaith relations and in 1989 he was awarded the Nobel Peace
Prize for his non-violent struggle for the liberation of Tibet. He has
consistently advocated policies of non-violence, even in the face of
extreme aggression. He also became the first Nobel Laureate to be
recognized for his concern for global environmental problems

The Purpose of Life Is to “sentient being” means, according
Strive for Happiness to the discussions that I’ve had

with scientists. “Sentient” doesn’t
We are here; we exist and we have necessarily mean being conscious
the right to exist. Even non-sentient or being human on a conscious
beings like flowers have the right level. Actually it’s difficult to
to exist. If negative force is exerted define what “consciousness” or
against them, then, on a chemical “conscious” means. Usually it
level, flowers repair themselves means the clearest aspect of the
to survive. But more than that, we mind, but then, is it that there is
human beings including insects, no consciousness when we are
even amoebas, the smallest beings semiconscious or unconscious? Do
are considered sentient beings. insects have it? Maybe it’s better to
And as sentient beings, we have speak of “cognitive faculty” rather
even more mechanisms to help us than consciousness.
survive.
In any case, the main point that we
Things that can move under their are referring to here by cognitive
own will or desire, that’s what a faculty is the ability to experience