Looking Inward

...it is extremely important to look inward and try to promote the
right kind of attitude, which is based on awareness of reality. A sense of
caring for others is crucial. And it is actually the best way of caring
for oneself. ...the moment you think of others, this automatically
opens our inner door--you can communicate with other people easily, without
any difficulties. The moment you think just of yourself and disregard
others, then because of your own attitude, you also get the feeling that
other people also have a similar attitude toward you. That brings
suspicion, fear. Result? You yourself lose inner calmness.

Therefore, I usually say that although a certain kind of selfishness
is basically right--self and the happiness of that self are our original
right, and we have every right to overcome suffering--but selfishness
that leads to no hesitation to harm another, to exploit another, that
kind of selfishness is blind. Therefore, I sometimes jokingly describe it
this way: if we are going to be selfish, we should be wisely selfish
rather than foolishly selfish.

I feel that the moment you adopt a sense of caring for others, that
brings inner strength. Inner strength brings us inner tranquility, more
self-confidence. Through these attitudes, even though your surroundings
may not be friendly or may not be positive, still you can sustain peace
of mind.

--from "The Art of Peace: Nobel Peace Laureates Discuss Human Rights,
Conflict and Reconciliation" by the Dalai Lama and other Nobel
Laureates, edited by Jeffrey Hopkins, published by Snow Lion Publications

I just had to share the above. I read quite a bit even while I am on the road. Right now we are in Memphis, Tennessee. Check us out on our travel blog at http://jlarocca.typepad.com/rvlarocca/