“If every 8 year old in the world is taught meditation, we will eliminate violence from the world within one generation.”
-Dalai Lama
This quote by the Dalai Lama went viral over the weekend – When I first read it I was amazed by the powerful message within so few words. Since that time bloggers and naysayers have taken to the internet to analyze and interpret these words of wisdom.
B. Scofield from Tikkum Daily said this: “While for much of my life I’ve also shared this popular sentiment I’ve now come to see it much differently. Based on years of research and writing as well as personal practice of yoga, meditation and Chi Kung I’ve discovered some very strong flaws in the Dalai Lama’s argument. Furthermore, I actually see these types of statements are very irresponsible as they mislead the public about the causes and solutions to violence. The real conversations about these very challenging issues that need to take place could potentially be minimized by these types of statements.”
Scofield went on to rationalize an impressive argument about why this statement from the Dalai Lama is not really wisdom at all. Others like me are taken back by the eloquence from such a simple statement. Personally I think everyone is over analyzing the comment – including myself. From simple words can come a simple message of wisdom – nothing more… nothing less…
I do not see this quote as misleading… I see this quote as empowering. The world in many ways is already wrought with violence and suffering. The point is, if everyone in the world would just stop for a moment and take a deep breath; if everyone in the world became mindful of the controlled chaos that is life for one minute a day – sensing the gift of energy and love when our thoughts and attention are centered away from fear and fantasy – anchored soundly in the present – Yes, there would be less violence. When we stop to meditate we allow the gift of space, clarity and responsiveness to arise from our True Nature. From these qualities arises wisdom and love – not violence and tyranny.
John C. Bader
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I do know who the Dalai Lama is…I have no idea who B. Scofield is. I think I’m not alone…does this give an idea of how much his/her comment adds to Dalai Lama’s quote?
Yes it does… thanks!
Some cannot allow this in to their lives. Following Christian – Judaeo religions, they cannot follow anything other than that prescribed.
I do believe the ego gets in the way. Many believe there is a direct conflict, and they, and their families can’t be wrong therefore, they are following, fact.
My question; Where has this ‘fact’ gotten us, so far in this context?
Taking ego out of play, adding only True Nature, World Peace could easily become the normal.
The Dalai Lama is saying, you cannot help but, discover your True Nature through meditation.
If there was just one generation that had discovered their True Nature in tandem, world peace would be the result.
Simple? Possibly. But, also very wise.
Am I beginning to understand?
Yes, the Dalai Lama is simply saying that being centered in your thoughts allows your True Nature to well up – there is not violence or evil within the waters of this well; only compassion, energy and wisdom…
thank you john…love how these words are placed–speaking from your own true nature to help others—
i am going to save your words
thank you john—you speak from the ocean of your own nature –true nature—im going to save your words
thanks for visiting the Responsive Universe!
I strongly disagree just because you are from a different religious (Judaism or christian or catholic) background you can most certainly meditate and learn to set your ego aside and relax I went to a catholic high school and we did yoga and meditation in gym class. I am not a practicing catholic but I know people who are that believe in meditation and metaphysical things. You sound very narrow minded for someone who seems to have a lot of heady and righteous insight.
Madeline…
I apologize as I am not even sure I understand your comment fully… I am not alienating a specific religion; nor is the Dalai Lama; only commenting on one specific writers negative comments of a Dalai Lama view on meditation in regard to limiting violence in this world. The point simply is, if everyone stopped for a moment and was mindful, there would be a lot more compassion and love in this world. When we center our thoughts in the present; sans of ego, only positive energy and wisdom arise. This really has nothing to do with religion; Buddhism is more of a philosophy than a religion but that is a different blog. I agree, all faiths have their own process of prayer and or meditation and meditation as referenced in this article/blog transcends such dogma. The whole point is… if more people meditated there would be less violence and I agree with that – JCB
You don’t need to be a believer of any kind of religion to meditate and find a peace in you mind, just be a human.
I would replace “eliminate” with “decrease”. 🙂 If everyone, or the majority of people, were prioritating the observation of, detatchment from and elimination of egos, the world would look very different! I am quite wretched inside, but just the knowledge about consciousness and the false selves makes me behaving more peaceful… If everyone prioritated these things, I cannot imagine wars still existing, and also money might become unnecessary, because we would be less selfish. We would deliberately help out in society. But that’s not the case now.
Scofield can’t truly appreciate the effects of meditation to make a statement like this. If every eight year old started a daily meditation program, violence would surely be almost non-existent, as long as every eight year old continued daily. The key is if they continued daily.
I agree Joshua… It is interesting as I have had a fair share of naysayers on Twitter say they do not believe in the Dalai Lama’s comments about meditation – But I think the main point is the more mindful you are the less violent and more compassionate your are…
I AGREE WITH U
I don’t know about that. they probably just think more and meditate more on sex
I GOT ATTRACTED BY ARTICLE GIVEN IN TIKKUM DAILY , I BELIEVE THAT PERSON WHO HAS THESE VIEWS IN THIS ARTICLE NEEDS TO EXPERIENCE MORE DEEPER LEVELS OF MEDITATION.
IN SHORT ONLY MONK CAN BE THE BEST SOLDIER BECAUSE HE KNOWS SOUL NEVER DIES ITS CHANGES BODIES LIKE PEOPLE CHANGE HOME, BUT MONK BECOMES SOLDIER ONLY WHEN SOMEBODY DOES INJUSTICE.
I agree totally! Once you find that connection there is no doubt on every fundamental level – thanks for your energy and comments – JCB
Even in the Judeo-Christian tradition, and especially the scriptures, meditation (or, entering the rest) is encouraged heavily — At least ten times in the Book of Hebrews.
“Meditate in your heart upon your bed, and be still. ”
Psalm 4:4
“Be still, and know that I Am God”
Psalm 46:10
“Therefore, let us fear lest, while a promise remains of entering His rest,
any one of you should seem to have come short of it.”
Hebrews 4:1
“Since therefore it remains for some to enter it, and those who formerly had good news preached to them failed to enter because of disobedience. 7 He again fixes a certain day, ‘‘TODAY.”
Hebrews 4:6
I agree with those who felt this quote needed questioning – the most pertinent question being, “did the Dalia Lama even say this?” I mean, it’s not like I haven’t seen several dozen other quotes he supposedly said, and discovered he didn’t.
So, first question for anyone thinking about this: did he say it? Where? In what context? Is it accurate?
I’ve had a look, and I can find no evidence that he said it.
That doesn’t mean that he didn’t say it, of course, but I wouldn’t be surprised if it was yet another made-up quote.
Next question is about the content – and to cut it brief, anyone who’s been around meditators, or done some reading, will know that meditators are still very capable of violence. Even dedicated, regular, devoted meditators.
Indeed, some are capable of downright madness.
Maybe whoever wrote it should have said, “If every 8-year-old in the world is given a plethora of tools and support designed to encourage emotional, mental and spiritual growth, under the tutelage of good teachers and guides, the world will probably see a decrease in violence, and other negativities besides.”
That’s something I can agree with. Not as catchy. But a damn sight more realistic.
Feel free to stick the Dalai Lama’s name on it and pass it around. He obviously doesn’t mind. 😉