Hi Neeraja,

Thank you for starting this discussion. There are some wonderful points and questions here. I look forward to seeing how this develops.

Nonviolent communication has Eternity as its base, not the fears and desires of the separate self. Individual transformation therefore, is a prerequisite to world peace.

I will be back later to respond again,

my best to you,

Mick.

I would also like to add a quote from this website,www.seedsofcompassion.net. "Each of us has the power to make a difference".

Neeraja:

Thanks for inviting me to this thread. I don't know a lot about the Dalai Lama, except that from what I've seen/heard he is an extremely wise and joyful man. I do believe he's right about this being a whole new era opening up to us with the opportunity for "global communication".

Communication between individuals, not just governments, may be exactly what we need to put a stop to some of the wars and violence in the world. If I am able to communicate with women in Iraq or any other country on a personal level through the internet, it is going to be much more difficult for me to stand by and allow my government to bomb that country. So as this ability to communicate globally is used by more and more people, perhaps over time we will all be spurred to demand peace instead of wars.

It seems to me that "non-violent" communication is the personal, one on one dialog that is allowing us to move into the "new reality" the Dalai Lama envisions. And of course, non-violent communication also has to mean being able to talk to others without putting down their beliefs and lifestyles. That is going to be the hardest thing to overcome, unfortunately.

We can see even in this small microcosm of tbd that many people have a difficult time with allowing others be who they are without trying to tell them why they are wrong. I have to keep going back to the "Golden Rule" of treating others as you want to be treated as the basis of a peaceful world. It seems to me that global communication between individuals practicing the Golden Rule could be the answer to everything!

Also, I have to agree that "each of us has the power to make a difference". As Mahatma Gandhi said "What you do may seem insignificant, but it is very important that you do it!"

Thanks for inviting me,neeraja, to this spiritual discussion, regarding the seminar,Seeds of Compassion , this week in Seattle. Non-violent, global communication IS happening moreso via the internet; and IF we can learn this practice of communicating non-violently; teach it to ourselves, others, AND our children, and practice it; it could transcend; and help stop the hatred that spawns global wars, prejudices, and injustice.

I also believe that the BOOK that Oprah's half-a-million-plus viewers and readers are now discussing, each Mon. evening, on her oprah.com website, titled,

"A New Earth- Awakening to Your Life's Purpose", by Eckhart Tolle, echoes many of these same lessons. They are reiterating to let go of the ego, the past, anger, etc., to forge a new, more peaceful self; thereby, affecting the entire earth.

An important quotation to keep in mind:

"Never give up, no matter what is happening, or going on around us. Too much energy is being spent developing the mind; instead, develop the heart; be compassionate, and work for peace within, and in the world."

Wow, southerbl! Now I know I love the Dalai Lama because I love that quote. He is exactly right, we do spend too much time developing our brains instead of our hearts.

neeraja

Thanks for the invite.

southerbl and kathie

I too agree that not enough time is spent on developing compassion, or empathy even. Sometimes it is hard to find something to like about someone, but we should try. What we do affects not just those around us, but all over the world, as our actions spread out, and are passed on. I have problems with this sometimes. But I do know I have to work on it. So far this conversation seems very helpful, and I hope it proves to be.