![\"Tenzin](\"https:\/\/wp-media.patheos.com\/blogs\/sites\/83\/2015\/02\/14394623068_304f4db67f_m.jpg\")
<\/a>Even at the age of 80 (or 81 by Tibetan standards), the Dalai Lama continues to blaze a trail of wisdom and compassion across the globe. Last month the Dalai lama spoke from a\u00a0hospital in Rochester, Minnesota where he was\u00a0undergoing precautionary<\/em> prostate treatment (he told audiences in Minnesota this week that he\u2019s in good health). There he reminded listeners to not simply say the words \u201chappy new year\u201d (tashi Losar delek<\/em>)<\/a> but to embody the spirit behind them in their actions<\/em>.<\/p>\n In his recent talk he restated\u00a0his concern for a down-to-earth approach to human welfare and global peace. Reiterating his statements in the wake of last November\u2019s Paris attacks<\/a>, he noted that major problems faced by humanity today have been caused by humans and thus are in our hands to solve (as opposed to relying on God or prayer).<\/p>\n \u201cIn my experience, what we need is a calm mind and warm-heartedness provides a basis for that. That\u2019s how we make ourselves happy as individuals in families, local communities and nations. I believe that if we can train those who are young today in these qualities the world will be a more peaceful place later in this century. I try to promote human values because we tend to forget that we are all the same as human beings. If you think of me as your friend, try to do the same. This is not something we can hope the government or the UN can do, real change starts with individuals. We each have to make a contribution. I request you to do so too.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n Speaking on love in particular, he said that \u201call religions carry a common message of love, forgiveness and tolerance\u201d and that if we\u2019re to think of God, as many religions do, \u201cthinking\u00a0of God as a being of infinite love and seeking to emulate him is a very powerful practice.\u201d<\/p>\n This message of unity across religious boundaries has long been taught by the Dalai Lama, as we can find\u00a0in his 2007 book\u00a0Mind in Comfort and Ease<\/em><\/a> (you can read an excerpt via Wisdom Publications here<\/a>).<\/p>\n Love, he later said, is the antidote to the arising of anger. This allows one to develop compassion even when encountering \u201cuncouth, unruly people,\u201d to be followed by patience.<\/p>\n Teachings like these are sure to keep the Tibetan spiritual leader at the top of lists of spiritually influential<\/a> people for years to come.<\/p>\n Read more about the Dalai Lama\u2019s appearance in Minneapolis at dalailama.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>