The 14th Dalai Lama – (a.k.a. 拉莫頓珠)

The 14th Dalai Lama is truly an icon of wisdom. ”Dalai” literally means “Ocean” in Mongolian, and is a translation of the Tibetan name “Gyatso,” while “Lama” is the Tibetan equivalent of the Sanskrit word “guru.” The two words together literally mean “Ocean Teacher” and signify a spirituality that is as great as the ocean.

At the start of the new millennium the Dalai Lama issued eighteen rules for living. A good friend sent them to me today. Auspicious really, as I found that lately, I’d forgotten one or two.

1. Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk.
2. When you lose, don’t lose the lesson.
3. Follow the three Rs:
   • Respect for self
   • Respect for others
   • Responsibility for all your actions.
4. Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.
5. Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly.
6. Don’t let a little dispute injure a great friendship.
7. When you realize you’ve made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.
8. Spend some time alone every day.
9. Open your arms to change, but don’t let go of your values.
10. Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.
11. Live a good, honourable life. Then when you get older and think back, you’ll be able to enjoy it a second time.
12. A loving atmosphere in your home is the foundation for your life.
13. In disagreements with loved ones, deal only with the current situation. Don’t bring up the past.
14. Share your knowledge. It’s a way to achieve immortality.
15. Be gentle with the earth.
16. Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before.
17. Remember that the best relationship is one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other.
18. Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it.

Exiled in 1959, he has the wisdom, tenacity, and grit to remain the spiritual leader revered among the people of Tibet, the head of the government-in-exile based in Dharamshala, India, and an inspiration to millions of every faith, worldwide. In 1989 he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. He was given honorary Canadian citizenship in 2006, and was awarded the United States Congressional Gold Medal in October of 2007.