Indians should promote ahimsa like Chinese promote their food: Dalai Lama

Monday , Apr 05, 2010 at 0315 hrs

by Suman K Jha

Rishikesh: The Dalai Lama on Sunday stressed that India “must take the lead” in promoting “secular ethics” with “Indian tradition of non-violence and harmony among various faiths”, to present a model before the rest of the world.

He was speaking in Rishikesh where spiritual gurus drawn from various faiths said that voluntary efforts must complement governmental initiatives in cleaning the Ganga and addressing other pressing environmental concerns.

“You should be proud of your nation, and you should be proud of your spiritual heritage. You (India) must continue to promote non-violence and harmony among different faiths (no matter where you are),” the Dalai Lama told The Indian Express, when asked about the challenges facing the country.

“No matter where they are, the Chinese find a way to promote their food. Similarly, Indians, wherever they are present in a group, in any part of the world, should promote the ideals of ahimsa (non-violence) and harmony,” said the Dalai Lama. He stressed that “modern-day secular ethics (like compassion and kindness)” must complement “traditional values (like non-violence in society)”.

Be one with the universe

The Pioneer, 30th January, 2010
H.H. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
There are five types of restlessness. The first is due to the place you are in. When you move away from certain places, streets or houses, you immediately feel better. Chanting, singing, or the innocence of children playing and laughing can change this atmospheric restlessness. If you chant and sing, the vibration in the place changes.
The second type of restlessness is in the body. Eating the wrong food, eating at odd times, not exercising and overworking can cause physical restlessness. The remedy for this is exercise, moderation in work habits and following a simple diet.
The third type of restlessness is mental restlessness. It is caused by ambition, strong thoughts, likes or dislikes. Knowledge alone can cure this restlessness; this includes seeing life from a broader perspective, knowing about the Self and realising the impermanence of everything. If you achieve everything, so what? After your achievement, you will die. Knowledge of your death or life, confidence in the Self and in the divine can all calm down mental restlessness.
There is also emotional restlessness. Any amount of knowledge does not help here. Sudarshan kriya helps. With it all emotional restlessness vanishes. Also, the presence of a guru, a wise person or a saint, can help calm emotional restlessness.
The fifth type of restlessness is rare. It is the restlessness of the soul, when everything feels empty and meaningless. Do not try to get rid of this feeling. Embrace it! This restlessness of the soul can bring genuine prayer in you. It brings perfection, siddhis and miracles in life. It is also needed to get that innermost longing for the divine. Satsangs and the presence of enlightened people soothe the restlessness of the soul. Do not look for the divine somewhere in the sky. See god in every pair of eyes, in the mountains, water, trees and animals. See god in yourself.
Heightened awareness brings you close to the reality. For this you have to increase your prana. When you have reverence for the whole universe, you are in harmony with the whole universe.