Spirituality in the ThirdAge

The Dalai Lama Shares a Spiritual Message

The current Dalai Lama was born Lhamo Dhondrub in 1935, the son of a peasant family in northeastern Tibet. The recognized reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama, he assumed the political leadership of Tibet in 1950, at the age of 16, when China invaded Tibet.

Exiled and living in India, in 1989 the Dalai Lama won the Nobel Peace prize for his worldwide mission in search of a peaceful solution to the Chinese repression of Tibet. ThirdAge joined him in San Francisco at a recent conference called "Peacemaking: The Power of Nonviolence."

"I had a very bad temper when I was young," he told the group. "My life could have gone another way, but because of my training, my life was changed and transformed to loving kindness."

He added, "Everyone has the potential of greatness of heart. A peaceful atmosphere comes if we have a friendly, compassionate heart. If you want friendliness from others, it must first be in yourself."

Asked about the role of older adults in today's society, he made this request: "Older adults, wherever you live, create inner peace.

"Everybody can do that. It is the real way to make a contribution. Older

adults and elderly people may have more experiences.

"Tell and show other people what you know."

The Dalai Lamas are considered manifestations of Chenrezig, the Bodhisattva of Compassion. Bodhisattvas are thought of as enlightened beings who forgo nirvana to remain on earth and save others.

"Dalai Lama" is a Mongolian title meaning Ocean of Wisdom.