08/10/2025
“This is my simple religion. No need for temples. No need for complicated philosophy. Your own mind, your own heart is the temple. Your philosophy is simple kindness.” This quote is attributed to HH the Dalai Lama. We sometimes think kindness is being nice. It is much more. It is forgiveness. Not a matter of settling who is right and who is wrong. Rather, letting go of hurt, regardless. It is also understanding. It is respect, even when we disagree. It is integrity. Based on integrity and respect, we cultivate trust. In all kinds of relationships trust is essential for meaningful interaction. This is true at work, at home, and community. Without trust, there is suspicion, fear, and increased stress. Polarization can develop where family members no longer talk to each other due to lack of understanding and lack of mutual respect even while disagreeing. Kindness also includes gratitude, living in grace. Finally, kindness includes insight into who we are, and who we are not. This so-called wisdom of emptiness frees us from the shackles of dysfunctional emotional baggage that continually throws us off balance creating misery. A way of life based on a philosophy of simple kindness is vast and profound. The depth of kindness HH Dalai Lama eats, breathes and lives is unfathomable.”Emaho!-Barry Kerzin
Photo by Timothy
