One of my college classes was Ethics, and one of our textbooks was Ethics for the New Millennium by the Dalai Lama. I don't remember everything in the book, but when I came to the end of the book there was one passage there that penetrated my heart to the core.
"This, then, is my true religion, my simple faith. In this sense, there is no need for temple or church, for mosque or synagogue, no need for complicated philosophy, doctrine, or dogma. Our own heart, our own mind, is the temple. The doctrine is compassion. Love for others and respect for their rights and dignity, no matter who or what they are: ultimately these are all we need. So long as we practice these in our daily lives, then no matter if we are learned or unlearned, whether we believe in Buddha or God, or follow some other religion, or none at all, as long as we have compassion for others and conduct ourselves with restraint out of a sense of responsibility, there is no doubt we will be happy."
My whole life flashed before my eyes. Six year old me, laying on my grandmother's summer lawn in the sun warmed grass. Gazing up at the puffy white clouds in the cerulean blue sky, my mind dreamed. In my 6 year old mind I envisioned the world. All of the people in the world were standing there in that sky. They were holding hands and looking at one another, with love. I had no concept of the size of the world or any of the particulars. I only knew what was in my own heart, and my imagination created the world, the way I wanted it to be.
Recently I watched an animated movie called The Little Prince. It is based on the 1943 novella of the same name by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. One thing was impressed on my mind. All grown ups were once children but only few of them remember it. The problem is not in growing up, it is in forgetting. It reminded me, do not forget your childhood dreams.
Inside our hearts is where the magic lies. Where love lives, invisible to the human eye. Things that cannot be seen we can feel, for it is only love that makes us real.
According to the Velveteen Rabbit, once you become real you can never be unreal again. Love made that bunny real and love changed him. That is the only answer in this world, love.
I want to finish with the Dalai Lama's prayer.
"May I become at all times, both now and forever
A protector for those without protection
A guide for those who have lost their way
A ship for those with oceans to cross
A bridge for those with rivers to cross
A sanctuary for those in danger
A lamp for those without light
A place of refuge for those who lack shelter
And a servant to all in need.
