The Dalai Lama

"To develop a sense of universal responsibility--of the universal dimension of our very act and of the equal right of all others happiness and not to suffer--is to develop an attitude of mind whereby, when we see an opportunity to benefit others, we will take it in preference to merely looking after our own narrow interests." (Dalai Lama) This part stood out to me the most because it is beyond true that we all need to start taking responsibility for ourselves and others. It will also be of free will not because you have to. I have done various community service jobs and have seen so many people unhappy and grudge around. It saddens me to see that more people are not happy and will ing to help out in the community. Yes, I understand in some circumstances it is court order to do community service, but why not make the most of it. Another part that stood out to me was when the Dalai Lama said, "When we pretend to be one thing but in reality we are something else, suspicion develops in others, causing fear." The relates to me on a personal level because all throughout high school I always tried being someone I wasn't. I would bounce from groups to different groups and would always try to conform to however that particular group was. I regret always trying to be a follower/conformist andn not being my ownself. If I could go back in time with the knowledge I have now I would do it in a heart beat.

I believe this next part can relate to everyone;"Not only can our speaking out under such circumstances be a duty, but more importantly it can be a service to others." To me this means that yes it can be a hassle or put that target on your back for speaking out, but in the end it could be beneficial. This reminded me of the class where we role played and my group had the scenario where someone spoke out and out of the norm. It was good that she spoke up because say that outsider looking in never said anything, everyone would continue to be so naive to the truth and how George Mason isn't as diverse as it may have seemed to the other faculty members. "Our circumstances may prevent us from always acting in accordance with our responsibilities." I feel this quotation goes along with this because even though there are the times we should speak our minds freely, sometimes just isn't always the right time.