Another topic that the Dalai Lama and Archbishop discussed in the book was compassion. I wanted to share this with all of you because these men are so ridiculously full of wisdom it's not even funny.
It's important for me to note that these following paragraphs are their words, not mine....
"The Dalai Lama says that the source of suffering is too much self-centered thinking. We need to focus our attention on the well being of others in order to find happiness. "The more time you spend thinking about yourself, the more suffering you will experience. The incredible thing is that when we think of alleviating other people's suffering, our own suffering is reduced." "
"However, many people might still wonder how can I be so compassionate and reach out to others when I have my family to care for, my own job to worry about, and quite honestly, my own problems? Why is it in my self-interest to help others?
Science has actually found that when we help others, we often experience what has been called the "helper's high"-endorphins are released in our brain leading to a euphoric state." The warm feeling we get from helping others comes from the release of oxytocin. This hormone has health benefits- including the reduction of inflammation in the cardiovascular system. So compassion literally makes our heart healthy and happy!" "
The Dalai Lama said that when we are able to live with an open heart, we're able to feel our pain and the pain of others, but we're also able to experience more joy.
I honestly can't say enough about this book....I absolutely LOVE it! If anyone wants to borrow it, let me know...although Core is reading it at the moment so it could take awhile. ;)
Or check it out on amazon!
