USING COMPASSION TO TRANSFORM ANXIETY, DEPRESSION AND STRESS

In this session, you will be viewing a lightly edited video recording of a public talk given by Gelek Rimpoche Wednesday, March 19, 2014 at the University of Michigan’s Michigan Union Rogel Ballroom in Ann Arbor, MI.

Rimpoche opens with a reference to His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s Opening Prayers at the U. S. Senate on March 6, 2014. Rimpoche paraphrases one of the prayers saying “Everything, whatever happens, whatever we experience and go through, good or bad, joy or suffering, follows from the mind.”

Emphasizing this does not mean there is no anxiety, depression or stress, Rimpoche reminds us the basis that creates all experience is the mind and therefore our mind makes a difference to everything we experience.

He shares about growing up in Tibet, appreciating the unique qualities available for those who lived at that special time while also reviewing the confusing debate of “mind versus matter” introduced during his adolescent years through relentless broadcasting of Communist Chinese loudspeakers.

Rimpoche explores the value of understanding the power mind holds to deal with the many faces of unhappiness, particularly when we compare a narrow central sense of “me” to a broader awareness of others through compassion. He adds another paraphrase from His Holiness’ Opening Prayers with – “If you have compassion with you, then joy and happiness will follow you.” and reminds us that switching from self-interest to compassion is the beginning of our opening to happiness. With this, Rimpoche reinforces that compassion begins with ourself, and that helping others, having compassion for others, ultimately benefits us.

This session is one hour in length.

Audio Only