Dalai Lama

 know of few people who have seen as much suffering as the Dalai Lama. As the spiritual and political leader of Tibet he was driven from his own country and witnessed the systematic killing, torture, oppression, and expulsion of his people. Still, I know of few people who radiate so much peace and joy. The Dalai Lama’s generous and disarming laughter is free from any hatred or bitterness toward the Chinese who ravaged his land and murdered his people. He says: “They too are human beings who struggle to find happiness and deserve our compassion.” How is it possible that a man who has been subjected to such persecution is not filled with anger and a desire for revenge? When asked that question the Dalai Lama explains how, in his meditation, he allows all the

suffering of his people and their oppressors to enter into the depth of his heart, and there to be transformed into compassion. What a spiritual challenge! While I anxiously wonder how to help the people in Bosnia, South Africa, Guatemala and yes, Tibet . . . the Dalai Lama calls me to gather all the suffering of the people of this world in the center of my being and to become there the raw material for my compassionate love. Isn’t that, too, the way of Jesus? Shortly before his death and resurrection, Jesus said: “When I am lifted up from the earth, I shall draw all people to myself.” Jesus took upon himself the suffering of all people and made it into a gift of compassion to his Father. That, indeed, is the way for us to follow.