All religious traditions have the same potential, therefore we must respect all tradition. -Dalai Lama

Take respect in each other and each person’s traditions. If you don’t understand them, ask for explanations. Do not argue, but with permission you can discuss the differences between your traditions and theirs. If we work on this as a planet, we can achieve greater things than we already have.

Update

During his Q&A section the Dalai Lama was asked what can be done from the spiritual person to help those without spirituality. He made a very poingant case for leading by example, but most of:

Unless the non-spiritual person asks to be taught about Buddhadharma, do not teach Buddhadharma.

He further explained, that while this is the Buddhist way, it is a truth that all people regardless of religion should follow. This received a very loud round of applause from the audience at Colgate University. For more information and hopefully a link to access the recorded webcast, check out Colgate’s website.

This past year I have been conscious of everything that I do and its effect on my surroundings. As such I have take the following actions and I encourage you to take similar ones for yourself.

I purchased a new car. This car, while not a hybrid, is a compact Chevy Cobalt that averages 32 miles per gallon. In my mind, this still isn’t very efficient, but it did replace a 10 year old Ford Explorer that averaged 16 mpg so I have doubled my efficiency.

I began using reusable shopping bags. I purchased some bags from Trader Joe’s for $0.99 each and have continued to use them for over 8 months now. I have eliminated the the 8 plastic bags per week on average that I used at the grocery store. In addition I purchased some smaller canvas totes that I now use at stores like Target and Walmart eliminating those bags as well.

I am reusing all plastic and glass containers that I purchase from the grocery store. Instead of throwing out that salsa jar or hummus container, I wash it and will use it later instead of purchasing Tupperware. In addition I began buying in bulk. I no longer purchase boxes of cereal or cans of beans, but will purchase them from the bulk containers at the local Whole Foods store. I store these items in my reused containers.

I no longer eat meat and now opt for organic vegetables. By choosing locally grown organic veggies, I am reducing the use of fuels in production and transport as well as the chemicals that are used for growth and pest control. This results in better food for my family and a lower impact on our surroundings. By not eating meat, we are again removing chemicals from our bodies, but also we help reduce the demand for feed crops. these feed crops are often heavily treated to control pests and growth which get into the livestock. The livestock themselves have a large impact on the environment. I am not condoning eradicating cows, but by growing them in large herds in confined spaces is not natural.

I am purchasing natural cleaners that don’t use lab created chemicals and have a low impact on the environment in their creation.

My family has reduced computers down to one from three. This saved on the energy vampires and we recycled the computers and donated the ones that still work to Goodwill.

Some additional small steps to take on a daily basis that I have included: turning the dishwasher to air dry instead of heat dry. Turning the thermostat to only turn the heat on when it gets below 66 degrees and turn the air conditioner on above 75. Air dry as much laundry as possible (this tends to be tough due to the volume we seem to have in my house). Eating as much raw food as possible (this is not only healthier for you, but reduces energy used in cooking). And of course recycling as many plastics, papers, and metals as possible.

Tibetan citizens, not holding to the monks non-violent protest began rioting. There are reports coming from the region that monks have self-inflicted wounds upon themselves (a sign of protest), people are looting, fires are being set to vehicles and shops, and some are dying during this time.  Gunfire has been heard throughout the city. The political and religious turmoil occurring on the “Roof of the World” has forced the Chinese government to actually shut down Mt. Everest at the very beginning of the climbing season. It will be shut until May 10th when a Chinese team is expected to summit with the Olympic torch. The government of Nepal is attempting to negotiate so that the southern route of Everest is still climbable as this is a massive source of income for what is the world’s second poorest country. However they are under great pressure from the Chinese government which is concerned about meeting pro-Tibetan protests during the climb.

Just 5 months before the Olympic games in Beijing, the world should be holding China accountable for their oppressive and genocidal actions (yes I used the “g” word as they are killing off the Tibetan Buddhist people and culture). I hope the major governments of this world, including my own boycott the Olympics in hopes that China backs off the devastation they are creating.

War can only be understood and put an end to if you and all those who are concerned very deeply with the survival of man, feel that you are utterly responsible for killing others. What will make you change? – J. Krishnamurti

The world has many views in it. We all know that.

A great example is the current atmosphere regarding religious extremism. Certain religious sects think their religion calls for them to be violent towards non-believers. People not of this religion think this is just wrong. Even people within the religion wonder how holy texts can be interpreted in that way. Please note, I am not mentioning specific religions, as it happens in many religions.

The short of it is that everyone thinks their view is the “right” view and that they are justified in their actions because of their “right” view. Hitler thought he was right. Napoleon thought he was right. Hirohito thought he was right. Much of the world would disagree with them now. The reality is that there is no right view.

This is best summed up in this quote from Zhang Qingli, Tibet’s Communist Party leader regarding the Dalai Lama receiving the United States Congressional Gold Medal :

We are furious. If the Dalai Lama can receive such an award, there must be no justice for good people in the world.

China has been long chided by non-communist countries for invading
Tibet in 1950. They have repeatedly been under scrutiny for their labor practices. In addition China is criticized for their censorship practices.

The Dalai Lama has long been recognized as a leader in human rights and peace negotiations. He is a Nobel Peace Prize laureate. Despite being the leader of one of the poorest nations in the world and having not been able to step foot in his home country for nearly 50 years; he is a world leader with as much respect as any Pope or President.

The fact that China clearly sees him as a rebel, traitor and miscreant
proves that the “right” view doesn’t exist. We as a people trying for
world peace can only try to understand the opposing view and acknowledge their right to differing opinions. We will never change them; hopefully we can convince them to respect our opinions the same way we respect theirs.

Learn tolerance, practice tolerance, learn understanding, practice understanding, learn appreciation, and appreciate everyone you meet for who they are. Only when we recognize, appreciate and tolerate will there be peace.