How I Incorporated Dalai Lama's Values Into My Life
A Journey of Compassion, Mindfulness, and Inner Peace
The teachings of Dalai Lama have resonated with people across the globe, offering timeless wisdom on how to lead a life filled with compassion, mindfulness and inner peace. For me these teachings have been a guiding light, shaping not just me but the way I interact with the world.
Embracing Compassion as a Way of Life
The Dalai Lama often emphasises that compassion is not just a virtue but a necessity for a fulfilling life. I realised true compassion begins with self-compassion- treating myself with kindness and understanding through challenging times. This practice has helped me extend the same empathy towards others.
For instance, in my recent journey to the Nomadic Festival in the rugged terrains of Leh, Ladakh, I encountered my group member struggling with the harsh conditions.
I offered ELECTRAL powder/ hydration salts, not out of obligation but out of genuine concern for their well-being.
This simple act of kindness reinforced the idea that compassion doesn’t just benefit others; it enriches our own lives as well.
Cultivating Mindfulness in Daily Life
Mindfulness is at the heart of many of the Dalai Lama’s teachings. It’s about being present in each moment, fully engaged with the here and now.
Incorporating mindfulness into my daily routine has been transformative. Whether it’s through meditation, mindful eating, or simply paying attention to my breath, this practice has brought a sense of calm and clarity to my life.
For me, mindfulness is about completing an average of 10,000 steps every day.
Practicing Non-Violence in Thoughts and Actions
The Dalai Lama’s commitment to non-violence, both in action and thought, is another principle I thrive to uphold. This means not avoiding physical harm but also being mindful about my words and intentions.
One way I’ve applied this value is in conflict resolution. During one of my road trips, our car driver and I were attacked by a group of countryside men after our car’s handbrake failed, causing us to bump into their vehicle.
My boxer instincts tempted me to take them down and throw them off the hill.
But instead, I used my mind to instill fear in them. They eventually helped us and left because the entire street was on our side.
Our driver Ahmed and I were happily out of trouble with Non-Violence.
Finding Joy in Simplicity
The Dalai Lama often speaks about finding joy in the simple things in life. In a world driven by materialism and constant pursuit of more, I’ve learned to appreciate the beauty of simplicity. Whether it’s the tranquility of the mountains in Rishikesh or the warmth of a home-cooked meal, these small moments bring a deep sense of contentment.
The picture below is of one of my home-cooked meals from the homestay where I am staying.
Living with a Sense of Purpose
Finally, the Dalai Lama teaches us to live with a sense of purpose—aligning our actions with our core values and making a positive impact on the world.
For me, this has meant dedicating time and energy to causes that matter to me, such as environmental conservation, supporting local communities in mountains and living in the mountains.
Living with a sense of purpose could also involve Why Moving Out of Your Parents Home is a Crucial Step Towards Personal Growth.
Conclusion
Incorporating the Dalai Lama’s values into my life has been a journey of self-discovery and growth. It’s not about being perfect but about striving to be a little better each day—more compassionate, more mindful, and more at peace.
I encourage anyone reading this to explore the Dalai Lama’s teachings and see how they can bring about meaningful change in their own lives.