“There is a saying in Tibetan,
‘Tragedy should be utilized as a source of strength.’
No matter what sort of difficulties, how painful experience is,
if we lose our hope, that’s our real disaster.”
― Dalai Lama XIV
It’s easy to despair at goings on in the world.
Turmoil in the UK and the EU around Brexit; Republican and Democrat division in the US; volatility in financial markets; 737s crashing inexplicably…
But as is typical, often in the worst of circumstances we will always see inspirational examples of courage.
And the recent tragedy in Christchurch, New Zealand is no exception.
Two stories among the many that caught my eye are:
1. Abdul Aziz who chased the shooter away from the mosque at great risk to his own life.
and
2. Farid Ahmas who has already forgiven his wife’s killer and spoken at his insistence that he will not turn to hatred because of the events.
No-one’s life is free of suffering. There is always challenge. Always pain.
Yet where we direct that pain is key.
Often we take it out on the people around us and the world at large.
The more challenging route is to use the pain as motivation to grow.
To get better. To build hope. Something we can never afford to lose.
What we choose is up to us.
But the consequences are significant for everyone.
Best,
Shane
