In this short video His Holiness The Dalai Lama talks about his approach to being calm when faced by challenges. It comes from his interactive session with students in Gangtok, Sikkim, India, on December 21st, 2010.
He begins by describing his own experience of loss early in life. For him this involved losing his freedom and his country. Over the past 50 years much of the news about his nation has been heart breaking.
Nevertheless, his emotional level continues to be calm and happy. Why? He says it is vital to be realistic. When faced by a challenge, it is important to use our intelligence to investigate the problem to see if it is solvable.
He then gives his version of the approach described by the Buddhist monk Shantideva.
If you can solve your problem, then what is the need of worrying?
If you cannot solve it, then what is the use of worrying?
The Dalai Lama says this is the practical and realistic approach. We can then keep our emotional mind calm. This enables us to appreciate life and keep giving to people. Such an approach will help us to feel even better.
Then, on our last day, we can happily say: “Goodbye.”
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