One of the most learned and highly trained American-born lamas in the Tibetan Dzogchen tradition. He is a meditation teacher and author.
This morning I was reading about an article about a school child who recently asked President Obama who he would like to meet and talk with, or have dinner with, if it could be anyone at all. This is not a new question for our time. I seem to remember that someone posed the same query to President Kennedy, who was known for, among other things, the many star-studded dinner parties he and Jackie hosted. JFK said that Thomas Jefferson was who he’d like to dine with, insouciantly adding that there hadn’t been such a gathering of renaissance-minded brilliance and talent at a White House dinner party since Jefferson dined there alone.
Mr. Obama thought about the child’s question, and replied that his choice would be Mahatma Gandhi, adding that it was because he effected such positive and long lasting change for his country though nonviolent methods and he’d like to learn more about that.
The editorial writer joined in with plenty of political pundits, saying Obama’s choice revealed how soft he is in a rough and tumble world, and moreover how he needs to be more tough and better understand the realpolitik in which he, as a world leader, should be engaged more powerfully and uncompromisingly. But, I myself intuitively feel that this critique misses the mark, because for me, his principled and thoughtful choice is profoundly related to the kind of leadership we need today in our troubled, divisive world. For even if short- term benefits aren’t always apparent through a reflective and principled leadership stance, upon deeper consideration we, I believe, must conclude that long term goals and compassionate, collective ideals take precedence.
I myself am engaged in some research on enlightened leadership and what I lovingly call “authentic higher education”, including our need for and possibility of developing the skillful means and practices conducive to improving ourselves—and inculcating in the younger generation the universal wisdom necessary for knowing how to live our lives, how to flourish together, and how to contribute to a better world for ourselves, our children and grandchildren. For higher education in this country has become little more than vocational training and needs an infusion of contemplative awareness to truly educe the best in our young people. This is a discussion beginning to happen now as we consider what to do now to major issues and how we shall live, thrive, and further implement further effective alliances and altruistic actions.
Fabulous blog, btw…….just found you after reading one of your books. You are very inspiring. I too would have chosen Gandhi…..and yes, we need more people like Gandhi in the world and less news reporters trying to distort our reality….
Those who understand and agree with the message of His Holiness need be the voices that consistently promote these “new” values and ethics (by our example, in our professional lives as well as personal).
When we truly examine the fruits of capitalism we find the seeds are often laced in greed rather than altruism. There is a clear need to re-evaluate what we consider desirable leadership qualities. It has been said that the best leaders are those who rule by serving and who serve by ruling (a very different motivation than what we see in most leaders now.)
Where on earth did that editorial writer learn his history lessons? To emulate Gandhi is definitely not being soft! Gandhi was tough as nail when he dealt with the British colonial masters who were not above using violent means to halt the collapse of their empire after the war (think of Cyprus, Burma, Palestine, Egypt, Iraq, Malaya, etc). I have just read Thomas Jefferson’s bio by RB Bernstein, and compared with Gandhi, Jefferson was contrived, not very honest in his conduct (did he have sex with his female slaves?) and a softie (no disrespect though to Americans who adore Jeff).
On another note, Americans should be thankful they have the Dalai Lama sharing his wisdom with them on education (a bienniel event organised by MIT).
I agree with you 100%. Do you know about the Mindfulness in Education Network http://www.mindfuled.org/ ? Seems to me teaching children from a young age the ability to sit quietly and practice mindfulness would go a very long way towards peace and raising good citizens.
This is so true. Sadly most leaders today are revered for their passion for fighting or their drive to make their country the highest above all. I often wonder why some people equate compassion with weakness? I have to confess I have been guitly of this at times too. But wouldn’t it be nice to have a leader who embodied these qualities to light the way? It would definitely make a difference in my opinion.
– Reshwet
Thanks for this blog. Yes, there have always been enlightened leaders that embraced thoughtful principled change. Steady compassionate pressure that is based on reflection and long term goals is a transformative way to lead. Instead of some half thought out hot headed retaliation. This is authentic interconnected leadership indeed.
Dr. Jennifer Howard
http://www.DrJenniferHoward.com