The Kindness of Dharma

The Dharma, or Buddhism, has been extremely kind to me. It has played a profound role in my life and transformed my outlook. It has instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility to help anyone who crosses my path, regardless of their relationship to me. It is thanks to the Dharma that I am able to do what I do now – to extend the scope of my care and concern beyond my family and friends to assist those who would be strangers. To treat the children here as my own children.

Without having encountered the Dharma, I doubt I would have this desire to help others to the best of my ability. I would have married, and become solely preoccupied with my own family and personal affairs, with little regard for the well-being of most others.

Fortunately, I met the Dharma and my precious lamas, and they instilled in me the thought and confidence to help others.

As a result, I firmly believe that the most meaningful contribution I can make is to share and encourage this way of thinking in others. Just as I have learned to do my best to help anyone, regardless of their relationship to me, I now feel I have to share this way of thinking with you. If I can help you adopt this outlook, not only will our own minds find greater peace and happiness, but our community and the world as a whole will have less conflicts and troubles.

This is why I consider the Dharma to be invaluable to the world. I am grateful to have been raised in a Dharma environment, and I aspire to dedicate the remainder of my life, until my last breath, to sharing it with others.

2nd November 2023, Thrangu Sekhar Retreat Centre, Nepal