Intelligence ceases to work when emotions are out of control. These days, several situations have reached that stage, says The Dalai lama
I have no idea how to solve global crisis, so it’s better to talk on a practical level. Today, in addition to natural disasters, there are various man-made problems. In daily news reports and on TV, we can see how much innocent people suffer. There is a great deal of killing, murder, even cases of children killing children. Sometimes people ask me, “What is your advice or suggestionIJ” I usually tell them I have no idea. These problems, I believe, are the result of long-standing negligence. These events did not come about suddenly. They have their causes and conditions. One cause and condition creates another cause, another condition and so on until things finally get out of hand. Most of these events are a result of human emotions going out of control. When such calamities take place, it is very difficult to deal with them. Human emotion has to be combined with proper intelligence, which means intelligence with human affection. One can’t be sure whether mere intelligence is destructive, or positive and constructive. Intelligence with affection, on the other hand, can produce marvellous results. Intelligence usually ceases to work when emotions are out of control. Nowadays many situations have reached that stage. If we ask certain individuals, even leaders, “What is your purpose in killing one anotherIJ”, they may not have a clear answer. By killing, they simply let out their negative and blind emotions, inflicting heavy suffering on other people. So what is it that we learn from these eventsIJ
In the future, if we want a happier humanity, a happy world, we must tackle the root of the problem. Of course the economy and political power are also causes. But the ultimate cause lies within the human mind. Every human action — verbal or physical, even minor actions, have some motivation. Ultimately everything depends upon our motivation. Proper motivation or proper development of motivation is an important factor.
Thus, if intelligence is accompanied with human affection and compassion — what I call human feeling — then it is very useful. The modern educational system pays too much attention to knowledge and the brain, and does not give enough attention to spiritual development. People leave it to religious organisations and others to take care of it. I don’t think that’s sufficient. Although all world religions have the potential to make a tremendous contribution to the development of a good heart, even that’s not sufficient. Moreover, many people feel that religion is something that is old-fashioned or out of date and religious people themselves are also at times a little too orthodox. They remain a little isolated from the real world and daily problems. Sometimes, many religious traditions, including the Tibetan tradition, place too much emphasis on ritual or ceremony without having a proper understanding of its meaning. Therefore, the religious contribution and influence is also limited. It is not enough to just let religious communities handle moral issues. The problems are usually too big, and the group of people who are to handle the problems, too small or too weak.
Take the case of the US or some other countries. We can see clearly that they are facing some kind of moral crisis. They are either increasing their police force or seeking some other technical solution to their problems. Unless some positive developmental change occurs in each individual’s heart, or unless there is some transformation there, it’s very difficult to control external forces. Therefore, each of us, as a part of the human community, has the responsibility to do something for humanity because if the future of humanity is good, bright and peaceful, we will all receive the benefit. If humanity degenerates morally, corruption, exploitation, bullying and cheating will take place, as a result of which society will suffer. Although there are laws and regulations in each country, mischievous people always find ways around them. If society’s moral values and standards of behaviour become negative, each of us will suffer. Therefore, the intentions of an individual are very much related to the interests of society. There is a definite correlation.
We should not think that the problem is huge and the individual is too small. “My efforts will never have an effect on that immense problem”, is not the right way to think. The problem may be big, but if every individual takes the initiative, there is a real chance. If each individual remains isolated, neutral and indifferent, and expects dramatic change from others or from the sky or from meditation, that’s ridiculous. Of course prayer has its blessing and a limited effect. But the main effort must come from ourselves. Buddha and God have certainly had some kind of influence, but basically each individual has to make an effort with complete confidence. Whether we achieve satisfactory results or not, it is logical and worthwhile to make an attempt.
In spite of your constant effort, if you don’t achieve the desired result, is doesn’t matter. At least you will not have regrets. When unfortunate events occur due to our negligence, it is far worse and regrettable. Therefore, each of us must realise our potential and make the effort. I have spent most of my life outside my own country as a refugee. Many Tibetans trust me, they have great expectations and my task or responsibility is great. There have been a lot of diffIculties. Throughout this period, in spite of the many difficulties and problems, it seems to me that when I compare my experiences with those of other people, I am quite a happy person.
Excerpts from The Transformed Mind by The Dalai lama