The Dalai Lama, his holiness, Tibet’s spiritual leader

The Dalai Lama, his holiness, Tibet’s spiritual leader, has set down in Canada. ‘The Dalai Lama, 68, arrived in Canada on Saturday for a 19-day visit to Vancouver, Ottawa and Toronto. At a news conference, the Buddhist spiritual leader said, “If (Martin) asks me about the situation of Tibet, then certainly I will tell him.” Martin and the Dalai Lama are to attend reception and interfaith prayer event in Ottawa on April 23, making Martin the first Canadian prime minister to meet him. China has objected, saying the Dalai Lama also has a political role and is working to separate Tibet from China. But the Dalai Lama insists he wants only autonomy so Tibetans can preserve their language, religion and culture.’* I’ve always thought he was an interesting character… surprisingly down to earth and easy going. He also, most notably, has some great advise on life. Here are the Dalai Lama’s instructions for life…I think they make a lot of sense.

1. Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk.
2. When you lose, don’t lose the lesson.
3. Follow the three R’s:
a) Respect for self,
b) Respect for others, and
c) Responsibility for all your actions.
4. Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.
5. Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly.
6. Don’t let a little dispute injure a great friendship.
7. When you realize you’ve made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.
8. Spend some time alone every day.
9. Open your arms to change, but don’t let go of your values.
10. Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.
11. Live a good, honourable life. Then when you get older and think back, you’ll be able to enjoy it a second time.
12. A loving atmosphere in your home is the foundation for your life.
13. In disagreements with loved ones, deal only with the current situation. Don’t bring up the past.
14. Share your knowledge. It’s a way to achieve immortality.
15. Be gentle with the earth.
16. Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before.
17. Remember that the best relationship is one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other.
18. Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it.
19. Approach love and cooking with reckless abandon.

* Excerpt originally from the Toronto Star article.
Updated: Link now dead.