Others Are Important

October 3, 2012

From Modern Buddhism, by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso

When we deeply think that others are important, and that their happiness and freedom are important, we are cherishing others. If we cherish others like this, we shall always have good relationships and live in harmony with others, and our daily life will be peaceful and happy. We can begin this practice with our family, friends and those around us, and then gradually we shall develop and maintain cherishing love for all living beings without exception.

In Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life, Shantideva says:

All the happiness there is in this world

Arises from wishing others to be happy

If we think carefully about this, we shall realize that all our present and future happiness depends upon our cherishing others – upon our wanting others to be happy. The immediate effect of cherishing others will be that many of our daily problems, such as those that arise from anger, jealousy and selfish behavior, will disappear, and our mind will become calm and peaceful.