o  The Kabala - to open this e-book now

o  The Krishna Verse - to open this e-book now

o  The Confucius Verse - to open this e-book now

o  The Mohammad Verse

o  The Life & Revelations of Jesus - to open this e-book now

o  The Essence of Buddha - to open this e-book now

o  The Essence of the Tao Te Ching to open this e-book now

o  The Development of Human Consciousness - to open this e-book now.

THE COSMIC INNERNET ACADEMY via C.N.N. the Cosmic Nirvana Network

Like the Cosmic Institute of Alchemy, the Cosmic Innernet Academy is an inner plane organization that is accessed by expanding our own consciousness and acting with impeccability. It has no leaders, no hierarchy and no structure. As we tune our 6th & 7th senses using Dimensional Biofield Science type tools, all that we need to co-create both personal and global paradise is given to us.

For a brief visual synopsis with specific C.N.N. messages: click HERE

For an insight into some of the Holy Ones that overshadow the Cosmic Innernet and the Cosmic Nirvana Network and the Cosmic Institute of Alchemy click HERE

FUND RAISING FOR CHARITY OR GIVING YOUR TIME & ENERGY : If you appreciate all the free helpful tools and information in the Cosmic Internet Academy website, then give something back by supporting some of our world's wonderful charities. Click HERE to discover more.

 CHANNELED MESSAGES

Excerpt from the book Cosmic Colleagues - Messages from the Masters 

Mother Mary shares: The more you quiet the inner mind of judgment, the more you strip away the limited you who presents yourself to the world, and the sooner the Divine You – the limitless you who was formed in the image of the Mother/Father Creator God – the sooner that real you can be revealed. The more that you walk hand in hand with your own Divinity which is the true aspect of your Being, then the more you will find that your journey is a joyous one. So often you sit in judgment of yourselves do you not? You judge your lack or limitation or beliefs of such. Yet for us in Spirit all we see is each Light as it shines some more brightly than others, but all shining none the less. …  Spirit and reason go hand in hand and reason will deliver you to the embrace of spirit, for reason was birthed in spirit. Reason is like the sheep that come back home to the shepherd. Times of contemplation will allow you to make peace with all aspects of your Being. To recognize your humanness and love all parts of you without judgment. Remember that love is the only real power of lasting transformation.

Sananda: Every atom, every molecule within Universal structure is perfect and the glue that binds the molecular structure of all is simply Love, Divine Love. It is said that the Son of God, the Son of the Mother/Father Creator God is the Son of Love – pure unconditional Love. What more could you strive for upon this plane at this time in your evolution, than the experience of pure, unconditional Love? This is your Christ nature, and that is the Christ Consciousness within all. It is the thread that binds the garland of life. This consciousness is inherent within your nature; it is the purest aspect of your Being. When it was said that none shall come to the Father except through me (Jesus), it was allegorical and symbolic of the necessity to seek and merge with the “Christ Consciousness” within. There are many ways that this merging can take place – the qualifying factor is the purity of intention and sincerity of desire which is a common factor within the hearts of many individuals of many religions and philosophies.

Triclon from the Intergalactic Federation of Worlds Council says: Do you understand that any game you wish to play is in your creative power to be real? For you are the masters of creation. So if you wish to engage in the game that there are entities of lower vibrations sucking off your energy fields, if you wish to play the game of lords of darkness, of satanic forces, of forces that perhaps you would label as not quite in perfect alignment with divinity or whatever label you wish to give – then as you think it, so it will be, for that is the game being played.
 The game we encourage instead is the game that gives you the key to the doorway to the fifth dimension which is the next energy matrix that you will find your beings, as mass consciousness, relating to and experiencing. The key to this doorway is instant manifestation through your creative abilities, as creative beings. 
 So with these new energies now bombarding your planet, whatever you wish to give power to through your thought form will become real instantaneously and you will feel the energy effects of such. You are no longer limited beings unless you allow yourself to be so.
 If you wish to imagine yourself as beings that have gone through the ‘ringer’, called third dimensional life, of thousands of embodiments with much emotional and mental baggage, then that will be your reality. You will identify yourselves as beings of great light and love but with baggage – huge bags of this baggage on your back. Or you can decide to see yourself standing tall in your divinity, in complete perfection, living life in complete perfection, embracing, expecting the perfection of life to be in your reality. See these bags of baggage disappear instantaneously off your back as you embrace that to be your reality, and so it will be and the universe will rearrange itself to accommodate your new framework of reality for that is one of the magnificent abilities that the universe has.

Kuthumi states: The new paradigm being created is the one that you as awakened individuals are collectively creating. The old paradigm is that which you are building upon as you become aware of patterns that do not run limitlessly, as you are aware of thought forms that create limitation. As you step into your mastery, the unlimited nature of your Being, you are being asked to assess every thought form, every action, and every word that creates limitation individually, so that the collective whole may change. These paradigms are simply patterns of energy. The new paradigm is being structured according to the desires of the collective hearts, your desire to treat each other in a way that is honorable. Your desire to be together in a way that accesses integrity, that allows you to be joyous, to be free, to experience life upon this plane with ease, with grace, to know pleasure in this embodiment, true pleasure. … The old paradigm brought lack. The old paradigm brought conflict; the old paradigm has brought states of being of great separation, of competition. There is a prophecy that is unfolding upon this plane and it is the prophecy of the new millennium, the prophecy of the Golden Age. The new paradigm insists that you open up to your own inner guidance, so that you may discover your true mastery, so that you may recognize that the one master that is requiring honoring is the master within you. This is not a time of being disempowered it is a time of empowerment, of standing true in your Light, of having courage to act from the guidance that comes from within for the good of the collective whole.

From Saint Germain: The Master discerns which experience, he or she will have while dwelling in physical form in God’s kingdom. The Master, through all realms of expression, creates around them in every now moment that which serves them fully in the awakened state in each now moment … What you are being asked to do is to embrace the Christed One within so you may be that magician in the stillness, in the power of that which you are; so that you may send out from your physical form, electromagnetic signals of deep wisdom and power and connectedness. This is the power that will bring the chaos into order once more for the good of the whole… Forget the power of your addictions and become addicted to experiencing the Divine One Within you and, as Its power radiates through you It will bring all your addictions into perspective and alignment – without struggle – for this is the power of the God that dwells within!

St Germain on earth changes: Let us talk then about these great changes, for they will come. In a period of fewer than decades you will find the continent of Europe greatly altered. In the period of similar time, you will find much of the United States greatly altered; a shifting of land mass and water, a simple rearrangement none the less. When you work with your full focus on aligning with and discovering and enjoying the God force within, then you may also trust that you will always find yourself at the perfect place in the perfect time.
 For as servants of the divine, you have the internal voice, that which you call your intuition, that will move you when you listen to it. It will guide you to be where you need to be and if that creates the ceasing of this physical embodiment, then so be it, it just means that your work is complete here and you as a soul will continue its journey of perfect evolution and may take another body at will, at another time. Or perhaps if it is not the end of your contract, you will find that you are one step ahead always of the supposed devastation. For devastation is only that according to your interpretation.
 Great change comes and can bring great glory and will bring great glory for those tuned to the gifts that these changes bring. The energy of the Buddha teaches detachment, teaches to be dependant only on the divine one within, and it is great teaching. Let us now see into future times, for there is the prophecy that the Federation is gathering masses, preparing for landings at this time. And on one level of reality that is so. They have made contact with many beings upon this plane that are now in constant service doing what they have agreed as in their blueprint. But it is your planet, and we share this so often, in the cycle of coming change, much will remain but more will be transformed for any system no longer operating for the good of the whole will crumble.
 You will have access to technologies that will radically transform communication that will radically transform your transportation that will allow the resources upon this planet to be distributed in a more equable manner. You will, many of you, remain in embodiment for decades to come, for you are the seeders of the new root race, you have long term contracts that see you here until the completion of this new phase of being. You are to bring in new technologies and systems that work for the collective whole. We have positioned and communicated with many beings, like chess pieces upon a board. These pieces are your own embodiments, beings such as yourself who have tuned into the higher paradigms of creation. They now form what you term an energy matrix around the planet.

Albert Einstein once said: "The finest emotion of which we are capable is the mystic emotion. Herein lies the germ of all art and all true science. Anyone to whom this feeling is alien, who is no longer capable of wonderment and lives in a state of fear is a dead man. To know that what is impenetrable for us really exists and manifests itself as the highest wisdom and the most radiant beauty, whose gross forms alone are intelligible to our poor faculties - this knowledge, this feeling ... that is the core of the true religious sentiment."

Progeny’s Pearls & Programs with Jasmuheen - excerpt from her book "Ambassadors of Light" Ch. 33.

“People in this world are prone to be selfish and unsympathetic; they do not know how to love and respect one another. They argue and quarrel over trifling affairs only to their own harm and suffering, and life becomes a dreary round of unhappiness.” The teaching of Buddha

I’d like to think that the above quote is generally not true. I like to think that we are an intelligent and loving species who act with compassion, honour and respect. Yes, we may need a little fine-tuning, and yes, we need to be responsible for our own health and happiness, but point us in the right direction, give us a few good recipes for change and anything can happen! By combining the Luscious Lifestyles Program with re-programming we can step into this new millennium with good skills. As the Indian author A. Parthasarathy once said: “Modern civilized men without self-development are but intelligent savages living in spiritual slums.”

The Power of Thought, Word and Action

Researching neuro-science has established a state called plasticity that is our brain’s inherent capacity to change. This is actually mirroring the universal law of change and adaptation. The human brain constantly designs new patterns, new combinations of nerve cells and neurotransmitters in response to new input and stimuli.
Each individual has the potential to rewire the brain’s neural map and reconfigure it in a manner more conducive to producing the life they are looking for. So utilize the programs listed throughout this book and remember that when we ask we will receive. This is universal law.  Programming utilizes thoughts, words and prayers and has the ability to create new software for our bodies - the hardware - to run more effectively in life.  Here are some interesting thoughts, quotes and programs for all to apply in life to aid in the creation, revelation and experience of personal and global paradise.

We have chosen to begin with love as:
“Love is a canvas furnished by Nature and embroidered by imagination.” - Voltaire
“Love is a friendship set to music.” - E. Joseph Cossman
“Love is a better teacher than duty.” - Albert Einstein
“Love is a fruit in season at all times, and within reach of every hand.” - Mother Theresa
“Love is all we have, the only way that we can help each other.” - Euripides

a) Luscious Love: “True love whispers impeccability, when softly stroking sweet tactility,
with agile gymnast's flexibility, from doubt and chaos comes stability.” J.C.
v Love comes to us all in many ways - through family, friends and also our lovers, and sometimes even strangers. Love comes to those who welcome it and give it.
v In order to give and receive love, it helps to know and love ourselves.
v If we do not consider ourselves worth loving, can we allow others to truly love us?
v Each morning praise yourself - and those you care about - for the good qualities that imbue you all.
v Give thanks to your DOW for all the good that is in your life, focus on what works in your world and choose to be sincerely grateful.
v Spend five minutes each morning and/or evening filling your mind and heart with things that you have to be grateful for - even if it’s just having a friend or a warm bed. The more grateful we are for what we have in life, the more we will be given by our DOW to be grateful about. This is Universal Law.
v Commit to create mutually empowering and mutually pleasurable relationships with all that you meet on earth.
v Forgive all those who you feel have ever hurt, betrayed or angered you, and who you have ever hurt, betrayed or angered. Forgive yourself.

DOW program:  “I ask my DOW to bring me all those with whom I can have a mutually beneficial relationship.”
“I ask to complete all learning from karmic ties, in joy and ease and grace, so that I may be free to give and receive and enjoy love, in all areas of my life.”
“I now accept and give thanks for the abundance of love that is mine.” Visualize yourself , eyes closed, standing in the middle of the universe. Your arms are wide open in receiving position. Imagine all the abundance of love, health and wealth etc flowing into you.
I give and receive love easily in my life.”

b)  Hot Health: “Good health’s opponent is anxiety, and sound habits include sobriety;
direction enhanced with variety, a fit, strong, purposeful society.” J.C.
v  Health of our total Self - our body, mind, spirit and heart - comes to all who are prepared to exercise a little personal care and self-nurturing plus a little daily discipline regarding our lifestyle choices.
v Meditation creates a healthy spirit, mind and heart.
v Exercise and a light diet creates a healthy vehicle for us to be high on life.
v Hot health comes from a basic lifestyle choice.
v Experiment - feel the difference!
v For hot health, laugh a lot and do what makes your heart sing!

DOW program:  “I now command that my physical, emotional, mental and spiritual bodies be perfectly aligned to the beat of my DOW so that I may fully enjoy and express Its presence.”
Health of others and health of our planet - outer pollution is a sign of inner pollution.

“After you’re older, two things are possibly more important than any others: health and wealth.” Helen Gurley Brown “...and passion and purpose...” Jasmuheen

c)  Wise Wealth: “Being frugal creates liquidity, but fortune’s fate avoids timidity;
the kitchen’s heat provides humidity, at first a mist, but then solidity.” J.C.
v Be aware of the abundance of opportunities - when we look for abundance, it comes.
v Open up to receiving abundance from sources ‘known and unknown.’ 
v Utilize the Cosmic Bank of Abundance - expect to have all your needs taken care of by your DOW.
v Know that OH-OM (your God) is your true employer. Expect to be paid if you choose to serve OH-OM’s Will on earth.
v Create your own Kosmic Kredit Kard and place it in your wallet.
v Place there also a small crystal that you have programmed to always keep your purse filled with more than enough money than you need.
v Also do what is practical on the earth plane to pay your bills - be responsible, but also expect that you can manifest and do work that you love and that is also beneficial to Gaia in some way.

DOW program:  “I now ask to complete all my learning from past, present and future lives regarding abundance. I ask my DOW to remove any blockages within my fields that are stopping me from receiving all the abundance that is mine.”
“I now command that all resources that I need to thrive on earth and fulfil my purpose and passion, in alignment with Divine Will, be brought to me in Divine Time.”
Then chill out, and every time you worry about money reprogram with the affirmation:  “I accept and give thanks to all the abundance that is mine and welcome it from sources known and unknown.”
Finally, be aware of your thought patterns around abundance. Reprogram limiting thoughts with limitless ones.

d)  Passion and Purpose: “A mould producing passion viable, purpose directed, undeniable;
achievements that are verifiable, a character that is reliable.”
J.C.
For many to feel passionate about life, they need to feel as if they have a purpose.
DOW program:  “I now command that the purpose about which I am passionate be revealed to me clearly.”
 “I am now in purpose and passion in my life and have all the abundance that I need.”

e)  Conscious Creation: “Change to refined from barbarian, careless eater to dietarian;
no information, to librarian, Piscean self is now Aquarian.” J.C.
v Be aware that your thoughts create your reality. Perceive it then receive it.
v Learn how to tune in to your DOW, then chill out and choose to find joy in each moment.
v Be conscious of how you fill each moment of each day. Quality thoughts, quality feelings and quality feeding creates a quality life.

DOW program:  “I ask my DOW to guide me in each moment of each day so that my life will enhance the planet and so that I will feel enhanced by being here.”
“I ask my DOW to arrange all circumstance around me so that I may  forever be free from doubt.”
“I ask for my eyes to be kept wide open to the cosmic rhythms and my heart to feel Its love. I ask for my ears to always hear angelic voices including that of my DOW. I ask for the honour of serving in this most majestic game. This life I do give so willingly and free. I dance to enhance from now on!”
“So be it! So be it! So be it!”

f)  Sex - Pheromone Fever: “Between the sheets there’s no formality, seduction’s ally is mentality, a canvas of your personality, the primal drive of sexuality.” J.C.
v Passion begins in the mind, practise the tantra of the Tao.
v Purpose comes from the heart and mind being in harmony.
v Potency comes from the Tao - learning how to direct your energy.
v Protection is part of life - ‘if it’s not on - it’s not on’ - think ‘safe sex’.
v Make a list of what you would like in a lover, keep it in a Holy Book drawer.
v Assign a lover angel - give it the list and say that that is what you would like - or someone better.
v Be aware that all major relationships are karmically connected.
v Understand that your partners often mirror who you are.

DOW program:  “I surrender all my relationships to OH-OM with the intention that my relationships be brought to their perfect level of expression so that we may be free to live our lives to our highest potential.”

g)  Addictions and Doorways: “In bleak landscapes crying destitution, the addiction’s painful institution, or alternately a revolution, the light plants’ mystical contribution.” J.C.
 Addictions come from our perceptions and our preconceptions in life.  Resolutions pave the way for change which will not come until we really want it to. By getting addicted to our DOW, all our other addictions will automatically be taken care of and put into their right perspective.

DOW program:  “I ask to complete my learning around my addictions so that I may be free to move on and joyously fulfil my purpose upon this plane.”
“I ask for clear and easy to understand guidance from my DOW in all areas of my life so that I may live each day in purpose and passion.”
h) Planetary Positives: “Politically correct is inclusion, bigots are denied their self delusion;
behaviour templates have nil exclusion, the planet’s bonding is no illusion.” J.C.

The future is as rosy as we wish! Social, educational, economic, environmental, and political agendas affect all:
v Understand people power - vote. Write letters to people with influence.
v Remember DOW Power and that no man is an island. Everything we do and don’t do, affects the field.
v Elect politicians that best represent your ideals and visions for a united earth.
v Tithe to those less fortunate - what we give out comes back to us.

DOW program:  “I ask that the very next piece of my part in the movie of OH-OM (the Divine Blueprint on earth) be clearly revealed to me, I ask that all the people, all the resources that we need to fulfil this role come to me NOW.”

i) Harmony and Humanity: “Some say the mystic is egotistic, idealistic is not realistic,
however simplistic is artistic, ritualistic is illuministic.” J.C.
v Live in synergy and experience Unity.
v Be mentally free from self-imposed borders and boundaries.
v Respect and honour all life.
v Imagine a world in peace and harmony where all have decent food, shelter and holistic education, where all are fit on all levels.
v Remember: First in imagination, then in will, then in reality.
v Employ the angels - they must obey your DOW.

DOW program:  “I ask that each and every day unfold in complete alignment with Divine Will, that all my sharing in each moment be for the highest good of all.”
“I ask that every cell of my being, every level of my being, mirror perfectly the Divine perfection of my DOW.” “So be it! So be it! So be it!”

Programs can be politely requested, or commanded and are made either to the Divine One Within you or your God (the One Source - or One Heart, One Mind that I call OH-OM). No one knows you better than your DOW, talk to it, program it, ask for guidance, learn to trust it and enjoy each step of your journey!

On Religious Unification

Just our commitment and desire to find and enjoy the evidence of Holiness will indeed change our world regardless of what we all call our God. The evidence of Holiness comes to us automatically when we use the following program.
v “I now surrender into the experience of the revelation of paradise on a personal and global level. I  ask the universe to bring me the evidence of Holiness and Godliness and graciousness and divinity in such a manner that I am permanently moved beyond doubt.”
v  “I now choose to forgive all those who have ever harmed me or my ancestors. I ask for forgiveness for all that I have ever done that has created harm.”
v  “I now enter the new millennium with the love of my God in my heart, accepting and honouring of all who honour life. So be it. So be it. So be it.”

When DOW Power awakens en masse the way it now is, changes automatically happen. Earth is not the first planet to be going through this. Some will cross into a new millennium feeling safe in every way, others will drag themselves in feeling all degrees of pain:

::To the environment we wish to offer no more pollution.
::To the animals we offer compassion and freedom from slaughter.
::To ourselves we invite the experience of the DOW.
::For the evidence of Holiness, we say thank you.
::To the angels we say welcome.
::And to each other we say the same.

Compassion and the Individual
by His Holiness, Tenzin Gyatso, the Fourteenth Dalai Lama of Tibet
from www.john-bauer.com/dalai-lama.htm

The purpose of life

ONE GREAT QUESTION underlies our experience, whether we think about it consciously or not:  What is the purpose of life?  I have considered this question and would like to share my thoughts in the hope that they may be of direct, practical benefit to those who read them.

I believe that the purpose of life is to be happy.  From the moment of birth, every human being wants happiness and does not want suffering.  Neither social conditioning, nor education, nor ideology affect this.  From the very core of our being, we simply desire contentment.  I don't know whether the universe, with its countless galaxies, stars and planets, has a deeper meaning or not, but at the very least, it is clear that we humans who live on this earth face the task of making a happy life for ourselves.  Therefore, it is important to discover what will bring about the greatest degree of happiness.

How to achieve happiness

For a start, it is possible to divide every kind of happiness and suffering into two main categories:  mental and physical.  Of the two, it is the mind that exerts the greatest influence on most of us.  Unless we are either gravely ill or deprived of basic necessities, our physical condition plays a secondary role in life.  If the body is content, we virtually ignore it.  The mind, however, registers every event, no matter how small.  Hence, we should devote our most serious efforts to bringing about mental peace.

From my own limited experience, I have found that the greatest degree of inner tranquility comes from the development of love and compassion.

The more we care for the happiness of others, the greater our own sense of well-being becomes.  Cultivating a close, warm-hearted feeling for others automatically puts the mind at ease.  This helps remove whatever fears or insecurities we may have and gives us the strength to cope with any obstacles we encounter.  It is the ultimate source of success in life.

As long as we live in this world, we are bound to encounter problems.  If, at such times, we lose hope and become discouraged, we diminish our ability to face difficulties.   If, on the other hand, we remember that it is not just ourselves, but everyone who has to undergo suffering, this more realistic perspective will increase our determination and capacity to overcome troubles.  Indeed, with this attitude, each new obstacle can be seen as yet another valuable opportunity to improve our mind!

Thus, we can strive gradually to become more compassionate, that is, we can develop both genuine sympathy for others' suffering, and the will to help remove their pain.   As a result, our own serenity and inner strength will increase.

Our need for love

Ultimately, the reason why love and compassion bring the greatest happiness is simply that our nature cherishes them above all else.  The need for love lies at the very foundation of human existence.  It results from the profound interdependence we all share with one another.  However capable and skillful an individual may be, left alone, he or she will not survive.  However vigorous and independent one may feel during the most prosperous periods of life, when one is sick or very young or very old, one must depend on the support of others.

Interdependence, of course, is a fundamental law of nature.  Not only higher forms of life, but also many of the smallest insects are social beings who, without any religion, law, or education, survive by mutual cooperation based on an innate recognition of their interconnectedness.  The most subtle level of material phenomena is also governed by interdependence.  All phenomena, from the planet we inhabit to the oceans, clouds, forests, and flowers that surround us, arise in dependence upon subtle patterns of energy.  Without their proper interaction, they dissolve and decay.

It is because our own human existence is so dependent on the help of others, that our need for love lies at the very foundation of our existence.  Therefore, we need a genuine sense of responsibility and a sincere concern for the welfare of others.

We have to consider what we human beings really are.  We are not like machine-made objects.  If we were merely mechanical entities, then machines themselves could alleviate all of our sufferings and fulfill our needs.  However, since we are not solely material creatures, it is a mistake to place all our hopes for happiness on external development alone.  Instead, we should consider our origins and nature to discover what we require.

Leaving aside the complex question of the creation and evolution of our universe, we can at least agree that each of us is the product of our own parents.  In general, our conception took place not just in the context of sexual desire, but from our parents' decision to have a child.  Such decisions are founded on responsibility and altruism -- the parents' compassionate commitment to care for their child until it is able to take care of itself.  Thus, from the very moment of our conception, our parents' love is directly involved in our creation.

Moreover, we are completely dependent upon our mother's care from the earliest stages of our growth.  According to some scientists, a pregnant woman's mental state, be it calm or agitated, has a direct physical effect on her unborn child.

The expression of love is also very important at the time of birth.  Since the very first thing we do is suck milk from our mother's breast, we naturally feel close to her, and she must feel love for us in order to feed us properly;  if she feels anger or resentment, her milk may not flow freely.

Then there is the critical period of brain development, from the time of birth up to at least the age of three or four, during which time loving physical contact is the single most important factor for the normal growth of the child.  If the child is not held, hugged, cuddled or loved, its development will be impaired and its brain will not mature properly.

Since a child cannot survive without the care of others, love is its most important nourishment.  The happiness of childhood, the allaying of the child's many fears, and the healthy development of its self-confidence all depend directly upon love.

Nowadays, many children grow up in unhappy homes.  If they do not receive proper affection, in later life they will rarely love their parents and, not infrequently, will find it hard to love others.  This is very sad.

As children grow older and enter school, their need for support must be met by their teachers.  If a teacher not only imparts academic education, but also assumes responsibility for preparing students for life, his or her pupils will feel trust and respect, and what has been taught will leave an indelible impression on their minds.   On the other hand, subjects taught by a teacher who does not show true concern for his or her students' overall well-being will be regarded as temporary and not retained for long.

Similarly, if one is sick and being treated in hospital by a doctor who evinces a warm human feeling, one feels at ease, and the doctor's desire to give the best possible care is itself curative, irrespective of the degree of his or her technical skill.  On the other hand, if one's doctor lacks human feeling and displays an unfriendly expression, impatience or casual disregard, one will feel anxious, even if he or she is the most highly qualified doctor, and the disease has been correctly diagnosed, and the right medication prescribed.  Inevitably, patients' feelings make a difference to the quality and completeness of their recovery.

Even when we engage in ordinary conversation in everyday life, if someone speaks with human feeling we enjoy listening, and respond accordingly;  the whole conversation becomes interesting, however unimportant the topic may be.  On the other hand, if a person speaks coldly or harshly, we feel uneasy and wish for a quick end to the interaction.  From the least to the most important event, the affection and respect of others are vital for our happiness.

Recently I met a group of scientists in America who said that the rate of mental illness in their country was quite high -- around twelve percent of the population.   It became clear during our discussion that the main cause of depression was not a lack of material necessities, but a deprivation of the affection of others.

So, as you can see from everything I have written so far, one thing seems clear to me:   Whether or not we are consciously aware of it, from the day we are born, the need for human affection is in our very blood.  Even if the affection comes from an animal or someone we would normally consider an enemy, both children and adults will naturally gravitate towards it.

I believe that no one is born free from the need for love.  And this demonstrates that, although some modern schools of thought seek to do so, human beings cannot be defined as solely physical.  No material object, however beautiful or valuable, can make us feel loved, because our deeper identity and true character lie in the subjective nature of the mind.

Developing compassion

Some of my friends have told me that, while love and compassion are marvelous and good, they are not really very relevant.  Our world, they say, is not a place where such beliefs have much influence or power.  They claim that anger and hatred are so much a part of human nature, that humanity will always be dominated by them.  I do not agree.

We humans have existed in our present form for about a hundred thousand years.  I believe that if during this time the human mind had been primarily controlled by anger and hatred, our overall population would have decreased.  But today, despite all our wars, we find that the human population is greater than ever.  This clearly indicates to me that love and compassion predominate in the world.  And this is why unpleasant events are "news";  compassionate activities are so much a part of daily life that they are taken for granted and, therefore, largely ignored.

So far I have been discussing mainly the mental benefits of compassion, but it contributes to good physical health as well.  According to my personal experience, mental stability and physical well-being are directly related.  Without question, anger and agitation make us more susceptible to illness.  On the other hand, if the mind is tranquil and occupied with positive thoughts, the body will not easily fall prey to disease.

But of course it is also true that we all have an innate self-centeredness that inhibits our love for others.  So, since we desire the true happiness that is brought about by only a calm mind, and since such peace of mind is brought about by only a compassionate attitude, how can we develop this?  Obviously, it is not enough for us simply to think about how nice compassion is!  We need to make a concerted effort to develop it; we must use all the events of our daily life to transform our thoughts and behavior.

First of all, we must be clear about what we mean by compassion.  Many forms of compassionate feeling are mixed with desire and attachment.  For instance, the love parents feel for their child is often strongly associated with their own emotional needs, so it is not fully compassionate.  Again, in marriage, the love between husband and wife -- particularly at the beginning, when each partner still may not know the other's deeper character very well -- depends more on attachment than genuine love.  Our desire can be so strong that the person to whom we are attached appears to be good, when in fact he or she is very negative.  In addition, we have a tendency to exaggerate small positive qualities.  Thus, when one partner's attitude changes, the other partner is often disappointed, and his or her attitude changes too.  This is an indication that love has been motivated more by personal need, than by genuine care for the other individual.

True compassion is not just an emotional response, but a firm commitment founded on reason.  Therefore, a truly compassionate attitude towards others does not change even if they behave negatively.

Of course, developing this kind of compassion is not at all easy!  As a start, let us consider the following facts:

Whether people are beautiful and friendly, or unattractive and disruptive, ultimately they are human beings, just like oneself.  Like oneself, they want happiness and do not want suffering.  Furthermore, their right to overcome suffering and be happy is equal to one's own.  Now, when you recognize that all beings are equal in both their desire for happiness and their right to obtain it, you automatically feel empathy and closeness for them.  Through accustoming your mind to this sense of universal altruism, you develop a feeling of responsibility for others:  the wish to help them actively overcome their problems.  Nor is this wish selective;  it applies equally to all.  As long as they are human beings experiencing pleasure and pain just as you do, there is no logical basis to discriminate between them, or to alter your concern for them, if they behave negatively.

Let me emphasize that it is within our power, given patience and time, to develop this kind of compassion.  Of course, our self-centeredness, our distinctive attachment to the feeling of an independent, self-existent "I," works fundamentally to inhibit our compassion.  Indeed, true compassion can be experienced only when this type of self-grasping is eliminated.  But this does not mean that we cannot start and make progress now.

How we can start

We should begin by removing the greatest hindrances to compassion:  anger and hatred.  As we all know, these are extremely powerful emotions and they can overwhelm our entire mind.  Nevertheless, they can be controlled.  If, however, they are not, these negative emotions will plague us -- with no extra effort on their part! -- and impede our quest for the happiness of a loving mind.

So as a start, it is useful to investigate whether or not anger is of value.   Sometimes, when we are discouraged by a difficult situation, anger does seem helpful, appearing to bring with it more energy, confidence and determination.

Here, though, we must examine our mental state carefully.  While it is true that anger brings extra energy, if we explore the nature of this energy, we discover that it is blind:  We cannot be sure whether its result will be positive or negative.  This is because anger eclipses the best part of our brain: its rationality.  So the energy of anger is almost always unreliable.  It can cause an immense amount of destructive, unfortunate behavior.  Moreover, if anger increases to the extreme, one becomes like a mad person, acting in ways that are as damaging to oneself as they are to others.

It is possible, however, to develop an equally forceful, but far more controlled, energy with which to handle difficult situations.

This controlled energy comes not only from a compassionate attitude, but also from reason and patience.  These are the most powerful antidotes to anger.    Unfortunately, many people misjudge these qualities as signs of weakness.   I believe the opposite to be true: that they are the true signs of inner strength.    Compassion is by nature gentle, peaceful and soft, but it is also very powerful.  It is those who easily lose their patience who are insecure and unstable.   Thus, to me, the arousal of anger is a direct sign of weakness.

So, when a problem first arises, try to remain humble and maintain a sincere attitude and be concerned that the outcome is fair.  Of course, others may try to take advantage of you, and if your remaining detached only encourages unjust aggression, adopt a strong stand.  This, however, should be done with compassion, and if it is necessary to express your views and take strong countermeasures, do so without anger or ill-intent.

You should realize that even though your opponents appear to be harming you, in the end, their destructive activity will damage only themselves.  In order to check your own selfish impulse to retaliate, you should recall your desire to practice compassion and assume responsibility for helping prevent the other person from suffering the consequences of his or her acts.

Thus, because the measures you employ have been calmly chosen, they will be more effective, more accurate and more forceful.  Retaliation based on the blind energy of anger seldom hits the target.

Friends and enemies

I must emphasize again that merely thinking that compassion and reason and patience are good will not be enough to develop them.

We must wait for difficulties to arise and then attempt to practice them.

And who creates such opportunities?  Not our friends, of course, but our enemies.   They are the ones who give us the most trouble.  So if we truly wish to learn, we should consider enemies to be our best teacher!

For a person who cherishes compassion and love, the practice of tolerance is essential, and for that, an enemy is indispensable.  So we should feel grateful to our enemies, for it is they who can best help us develop a tranquil mind!  Also, it is often the case in both personal and public life, that with a change in circumstances, enemies become friends.

So anger and hatred are always harmful, and unless we train our minds and work to reduce their negative force, they will continue to disturb us and disrupt our attempts to develop a calm mind.  Anger and hatred are our real enemies.  These are the forces we most need to confront and defeat, not the temporary "enemies" who appear intermittently throughout life.

Of course, it is natural and right that we all want friends.  I often joke that if you really want to be selfish, you should be very altruistic!  You should take good care of others, be concerned for their welfare, help them, serve them, make more friends, make more smiles.  The result?  When you yourself need help, you find plenty of helpers!  If, on the other hand, you neglect the happiness of others, in the long term you will be the loser.  And is friendship produced through quarrels and anger, jealousy and intense competitiveness?  I do not think so.  Only affection brings us genuine close friends.

In today's materialistic society, if you have money and power, you seem to have many friends.  But they are not friends of yours; they are the friends of your money and power.  When you lose your wealth and influence, you will find it very difficult to track these people down.

The trouble is that when things in the world go well for us, we become confident that we can manage by ourselves and feel we do not need friends, but as our status and health decline, we quickly realize how wrong we were.  That is the moment when we learn who is really helpful and who is completely useless.  So to prepare for that moment, to make genuine friends who will help us when the need arises, we ourselves must cultivate altruism!

Though sometimes people laugh when I say it, I myself always want more friends.  I love smiles.  Because of this, I have the problem of knowing how to make more friends and how to get more smiles, in particular, genuine smiles.  For there are many kinds of smile, such as sarcastic, artificial or diplomatic smiles.  Many smiles produce no feeling of satisfaction, and sometimes they can even create suspicion or fear, can't they?   But a genuine smile really gives us a feeling of freshness and is, I believe, unique to human beings.  If these are the smiles we want, then we ourselves must create the reasons for them to appear.

Compassion and the world

In conclusion, I would like briefly to expand my thoughts beyond the topic of this short piece and make a wider point:  Individual happiness can contribute in a profound and effective way to the overall improvement of our entire human community.

Because we all share an identical need for love, it is possible to feel that anybody we meet, in whatever circumstances, is a brother or sister.  No matter how new the face, or how different the dress and behavior, there is no significant division between us and other people.  It is foolish to dwell on external differences, because our basic natures are the same.

Ultimately, humanity is one, and this small planet is our only home.  If we are to protect this home of ours, each of us needs to experience a vivid sense of universal altruism.  It is only this feeling that can remove the self-centered motives that cause people to deceive and misuse one another.  If you have a sincere and open heart, you naturally feel self-worth and confidence, and there is no need to be fearful of others.

I believe that at every level of society -- familial, tribal, national and international -- the key to a happier and more successful world is the growth of compassion.  We do not need to become religious, nor do we need to believe in an ideology.  All that is necessary is for each of us to develop our good human qualities.

I try to treat whoever I meet as an old friend.  This gives me a genuine feeling of happiness.  It is the practice of compassion.

 The above is an excerpt from a booklet printed to commemorate the 1992 return to Perth, Western Australia, of His Holiness, Tenzin Gyatso, the Fourteenth Dalai Lama of Tibet. 

Return to the Library Menu - Library Menu