In October two remarkable human beings spoke in Ontario
about matters that drive civilization. One was Thenzin Gyatso, the Fourteenth
Dalai Lama; the other Jean Vanier, the founder of L'Arche communities for the
disabled.
Jean Vanier, son of one of Canada's governors general and former university
professor, warned about the search for happiness through wealth and status. “Get
out of the world of competition where you only think of yourself and power. We
don't have to be like a bunch of cows or sheep.” But to change or move on may
mean terrible loneliness, fear of rejection, and inner pain. Vanier noted that
this is true with everyone, not only of people with disabilities. “Weakness,
fragility, vulnerability can be beautiful and can bring us together in
community,” pointing to 134 L'Arche communities in 34 countries.
The Dalai Lama encouraged talk and compromise as a means of solving problems.
“Keep in mind the others' interest and their right.” Fighting leads to
destruction of the world which is destruction of oneself. Peace must come though
inner peace, not through regulation of government or nice statements by
politicians. ”Peace of mind can not be purchased at the supermarket.”
These two living giants of the 21st Century, spiritual brothers of earlier sages
such as Epictetus, Buddha, Confucius and others, speak eloquently to us of
standing up and finding routes different than those that are readily promoted.
