http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/faith/article4034921.ece

The Buddhist path to enlightenment and peace is attractive to thousands in Britain

“I had to come. This is the nearest thing to meeting a Buddha that’s going to happen in my lifetime,” said Morag, 45, a science teacher from Glasgow. For ten-year-old Gialbu Sherpa from Ashford, Kent, “the Dalai Lama is like a god”. For Lobsang Chodron, 80, a frail but feisty Finnish nun ordained into the Tibetan tradition, the pilgrimage to hear him speak always holds its own magic. “We should learn from a teacher, not from a book. You can trust his spiritual integrity absolutely,” she said. Among the 28,000 people of many faiths who bought tickets to hear the Dalai Lama speak at Nottingham Arena over the May Bank Holiday, many doubtless see qualities in the Nobel laureate that have made him one of the world’s few global spiritual teachers.

Admiration for him abounds at such events. But behind the superlatives expressed by his followers is a quiet reverence for his approach to the struggle for survival. His qualities have been tested in the fire. He has been in exile for nearly 50 years and his people face what he has reluctantly called the “cultural genocide” of Tibet. In the past two months Tibetan resistance has been met with the kind of crackdown reminiscent of the Chinese occupation that forced the Dalia Lama to flee in 1959. Some Tibetans, including monks, seek to defend themselves by force if necessary, but the Dalai Lama remains immovable in his commitment to non-violent protest.

When he speaks of cultivating the twin pillars of Buddhist life — compassion and wisdom — he is clearly a man of humanity. Tibetans believe him to be the reincarnation of the enlightened being Avalokiteshvara. For Westerners, his “policy of kindness” offers hope in a seemingly intractable conflict. Rather than meet violence with violence, he teaches forgiveness.

He moved with laughter and clarity through the audience’s questions, from inter-faith harmony to an Oprah Winfrey range of personal issues. His five days of teaching was essentially a practical guide to happiness.

The fact that so many Westerners study his Buddhist teachings seems unlikely. The Dalai Lama does not seek converts. Every day he emphasised the importance of continuing in one’s own faith. “It’s better to keep your own tradition, Catholic, Protestant — better, safer,” he said. He urged Tibetans to study and practise Buddhist teachings and praised the “great progress made by American Buddhists.

“These teachings are meaningful if they bring a more mature, more compassionate heart,” he said. The week culminated with initiation into his suggested method to achieve this: a meditation on the revered figure of Vajrasattva. Vajrasattva is one of the best-loved Bodhisattvas or enlightened beings in Buddhism, associated with health, long life and the after-death state. Crucially, Vajrasattva represents primordial purity of the mind and heart, the state, His Holiness emphasises, of our own true nature.

Paul Garden, from Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, was once a Catholic altar boy. “Catholicism taught me to project my faith outside,” he said. “But now I find it within. I feel clearer in my mind after the Vajrasattva practice, calmer in my view and with a better level of self-acceptance, so I can aspire to put others first.”

The meditation involves visualising oneself purified through the enlightened qualities of Vajrasattva. It involved three days of detailed study of Buddhist doctrines such as “emptiness” and “causality” drawn from the 14th-century Buddhist master Tsongkhapa. These teachings, exquisitely translated by Thupten Jinpa, are essential to tenderise the mind and heart so as to understand the nature of reality. For example, Tsongkhapa’s teaching of “dependent origination” reasons that all things result from a web of conditions rather than from the design of an omniscient creator god, willing the world to be as it is. Such teaching enables people to see that they are free to create more loving conditions.

With his wide-ranging command of Buddhist history, the Dalai Lama quoted the great teachers of India’s Nalanda monastery, the precursors of Tibetan Buddhism. Their investigations into the nature of the mind led them to challenge the human tendency towards the extremes of absolutism and nihilism. Tsongkhapa’s text, as interpreted by the Dalai Lama, emphasises the value of the “Middle Way”.

For several days Nottingham Arena’s audience was treated to the rigours of monastic discourse that promise a glimpse of a higher state of mind. In truth many found this intellectually challenging, and His Holiness often described his own efforts as just a step towards deeper understanding. “I am just a simple monk,” he said, with his characteristic laugh.

For Annie Cullen, a grandmother from Glastonbury, Somerset, the Dalai Lama’s presence was enough. “It means a lot because I am being initiated by the only enlightened teacher,” she said. “All he wants is more enlightenment so that we can live in peace.”

So this Houston housewife gets a rock from a Tibetan healer and sticks it in a closet, and it starts talking to her - the rock, not the closet - and she doesn't know what to do, but eventually she decides to share its mystical powers with humanity, which is why Tom Kiefaber had the drum session of his life a few weeks back and why the Senator Theatre owner scored a real-deal crystal skull for his theater lobby this weekend, when he screens Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.

I'm trying to keep this short, partly because the editors tell me to write short, but mostly because the "short" version from JoAnn Parks took an hour, and she's very pleasant and earnest and all, but that was a full 60 minutes on a skull-shaped rock, albeit a rock that claims - it talks to Parks, remember - to be an ancient Mayan artifact that holds the key to personal enlightenment and world peace.

Anybody who wants to know more can Google "Max the Texas Crystal Skull." Or catch Parks next time she takes her show on the road. She and Max travel the world, staying with New Age-y hosts and delivering 90-minute lectures to anyone who ponies up $25. For $50, you can get 30 minutes alone with the rock.

Kiefaber opted for some private time with Max about six weeks ago, when Parks and her skull made a visit to the Upperco home of Jayne Feldman, interfaith minister and author of several books on angels, and her retired IBM engineer hubby, Charles.

Kiefaber invited Parks to display Max at the Senator, tonight through Sunday afternoon. It will be their only appearance at a theater showing the skull-themed blockbuster. A publicity coup for the theater owner, but is it more than that?

When he met Max, Kiefaber brought along his African Djembe drums.

"I played my drums, and it was kind of dramatic," he said. "Some rhythms were coming out that I've never played before - or since, by the way."

So is he a believer?

"I try to be open-minded about these things. I was a philosophy major. I thought it was going to be this sort of heavy spiritual thing. It wasn't. But it was the coolest thing I've ever done."

In a world filled with a constant barrage of negativity, as we watch disturbing scenes in Iraq and feel the pain of our struggling economy on a daily basis, it is easy to become jaded and cynical. Perhaps more than ever before our society is in need of tools to help achieve happiness, fulfillment and success. In fact, people are actively pursuing many avenues to help them find reasons to be optimistic in mass numbers.

This ranges from motivational speakers who provide lectures and seminars, workshops designed to promote a more holistic existence, individual coaching for facilitating development of skills, self-help books and online support. These programs have typically not been based on scientific principles, and have therefore been viewed with skepticism by experts who are concerned that the self-help industry is unregulated, making it easy for charlatans to enter the field. The most researched approach to self-growth is psychology, however, traditionally the field has focused on alleviation of symptoms and returning people to a neutral functioning state, rather than building on strengths.

In recognition of the need for psychology to address human flourishing, the Positive Psychology movement was founded by Martin Seligman, Ph.D. (former President of the American Psychological Association) in 1998. In this extremely brief period of time it has grown into one of the most promising branches of psychology and has transformed the field from focusing primarily on pathology to a field that explores human potential.

The field now includes thousands of psychologists, dozens of books, and courses in prominent schools and institutions across the world. Some of the most respected psychologists in the field are involved in this movement and it is regularly featured in the most prestigious psychology journals. Positive Psychology has caught the attention of the popular media, demonstrating its mass appeal. Time magazine dedicated almost an entire issue to this topic in its January 17, 2005 issue. The movement has been featured in Newsweek, The Today Show, USA Today, Oprah, and various other major publications and programs.

Skeptics may wonder whether positive psychology is merely the mindless pursuit of cheerfulness that makes achieving happiness sound too simplistic. But experts in the field are quick to make it clear that they are not suggesting that fulfillment and tranquility come in a few easy steps. They argue that it takes hard work and a serious commitment to making changes in both perspective and lifestyle. As a result of the research we now have a better understanding of some of the key techniques that almost anyone can implement on a daily basis to make significant strides in achieving and maintaining a more positive existence.
In fact, Dr. Seligman had reported on his website that 94% of people who participated in the most proven Positive Psychology techniques, had a decrease in depression (on average greater than a 50% reduction) and 92% increased their positive emotions in just 15 days. These results are comparable to the beneficial effects of antidepressant medications and cognitive therapy.

Positive psychologists emphasize that to achieve a more optimistic outlook, a decision needs to be made to embrace the belief that happiness is to a large degree within one’s control and that we all have the power to create internal joy. Here are some practical suggestions that can be used to take initial steps towards a more positive existence:

1) Use Past Experiences Constructively
Utilize earlier life experiences to grow in some aspect of your present life and potentially for the future. Avoid the trap of holding on to negative feelings from the past which cannot be altered.

2) Focus Energy on the Present
Make a conscious effort to anticipate in advance any potential positive occurrences that may be present in your daily routine and be alert to unanticipated positive events. Then pay close attention to momentary pleasures and wonders and take “mental photographs” to help capture these experiences. Finally, designate time each day to reflect on the positive that exists in your life and be sure not to take anything for granted.

3) Work Towards the Future
Dare to dream, shoot for the stars and build hope and optimism for what lies ahead. Develop a plan for the future that allows you to work towards your own personal vision of fulfillment. When you limit your fantasies you close off possibilities for growth and success.

4) Engage in Physical Activity on a Regular Basis
Taking care of your body impacts you both physically and mentally. Shift from a “can’t do” to a “can do” attitude and focus on what you are capable of doing physically. Find ways to associate activity with something that you enjoy so you can experience immediate benefits.

5) Explore Ways of Finding Meaning
Dedicate yourself to something you truly believe in and involves something that you think is larger than you (spirituality, charity, kindness to others). It will provide you with a sense of purpose and make life meaningful. Treat today as if it’s your last and don’t let the precious moments of life slip through your fingers.

6) Assume a “Big Picture” Perspective
When you encounter a situation that is stressful (but not tragic) step back and ask yourself if in the larger scheme of your life this is truly important. Consider whether or not it is worth your emotional investment and with the passage of time if the situation will pass or be less critical. Keep your eye on your priorities and consider ways to use the trying circumstances as an opportunity for growth.

7) Invest in Relationships
Positive Psychology research has demonstrated that developing close relationships is the most crucial component for achieving happiness. Invest time in developing meaningful connections with friends and family. Avoid focusing on having your needs met and focus your energy on meeting the needs of the people about whom you care most. The more you put into your relationships the more love you will receive in return.

Perhaps most importantly, increased joy and positive growth produces benefits beyond simply feeling good. It’s been proven to broaden intellectual, physical and social resources. Happy people have better health habits, lower blood pressure and stronger immune systems, which ultimately lead to living longer. They also experience more satisfying relationships, higher levels of self-esteem, more effectively manage stress, a greater sense of purpose, and more clarity and optimism that they can achieve goals. Ultimately, it has the potential to create greater productivity and success and meaningfully impact almost all major domains of life.

Dr. Marc J. Shulman is a Clinical Psychologist/Associate Research Scientist at the VA Connecticut Healthcare System and Yale University, and is in private practice in Stamford, CT. He is the founder of Positive Living, a program which offers a series of group and individual workshops rooted in the concepts of Positive Psychology. Learn more about the workshops by visiting www.positiveworkshops.com.



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Sharon Stone claims the earthquake in China is the result of bad karma for its treatment of Tibetans. Is her definition - "when you are not nice, bad things happen to you" - correct?

Radiohead sings of the "karma police", called in to arrest those who upset Thom Yorke: "This is what you get when you mess with us." And Boy George warbles about a "karma chameleon", in a toxic relationship because he's not "so sweet" anymore.

Cause and effect, see. Actions have consequences.

THE ANSWER Law of karma holds that actions have consequences Ethical intention behind an action affects outcome Other factors also come into play

And Sharon Stone, a convert to Buddhism, has claimed - to much criticism - that the earthquake that killed at least 68,000 people in China was bad karma for Beijing policy in Tibet. "I thought, is that karma - when you're not nice that the bad things happen to you?" she mused at the Cannes Film Festival.

Karma is an important concept for Buddhists, Hindus and Sikhs. Translated from the Sanskrit, it means simply "action". Because karma is used in a number of ways and contexts - even among different branches of Buddhism - this can be confusing.

Dhammadassin, a teacher at the London Buddhist Centre, says that Stone's take on karma is common - glossed over as an outcome that is the result of something done in the past - or even a past life.

Chinese mourn the dead and missing

"This reduces the enormously complex matter of causes and their effects to a question of retribution meted out for unspecified previous actions," she says.

But the law of karma states that it's the motive behind one's actions that affects the outcome of that particular act.

"So an intentionally ethical action - for example to promote kindness, generosity, contentment - is more likely to have positive, beneficial consequences. An intentionally unethical one - to promote self-aggrandisement or greed - will be more likely to have unhelpful, even harmful consequences. Unhelpful, that is, for the positive well-being of either the doer or the recipient or both."

In a complex world, it's too simplistic to expect that a positive intention will always have a positive outcome as many factors are involved, she says.

Poetic justice

The idea of moral causation has long been held in India, but the doctrine of karma was formulated and explained by the Buddha, a spiritual teacher thought to have lived about 2,500 years ago. Some believe that he was a human who became enlightened; others that he was a god.

WHO, WHAT, WHY? A regular part of the BBC News Magazine, Who, What, Why? aims to answer some of the questions behind the headlines

His teachings hold that whatever comes into existence does so in response to the conditions at the time, and in turn affects what comes after it.

Sangharakshita, the Briton who founded the Friends of the Western Buddhist Order in 1967, explains this with the following example in his book Who Is The Buddha? "Rainfall, sunshine, and the nourishing earth are the conditions from which arises the oak tree, whose fallen leaves rot and form the rich humus from which the bluebell grows."

Dhammadassin says that despite its simplicity, this example reflects the inter-connectedness of our world, "in which our views, attitudes, opinions and intentions all have a part to play in creating our actions and their consequences". And what many call karma is actually closer to the idea of poetic justice, she says.

Nor do Buddhists believe karma is the only cause - others are:

• inorganic or environmental factors, such as the weather
• organic or biological factors, like bacteria or viruses
• psychological factors such as stress
• and transcendental or spiritual factors (such as the sometimes powerful galvanizing effect of spiritual practice)

"The earthquake in China or the cyclone in Burma have much to do with environmental factors," says Dhammadassin. "To invoke karma is more to do with our desire to nail things down and find someone to blame. But that's not ours to do."