We should all be the kind of people who never forget the true way of life for humanity—that is, loving our own countries and cherishing other people—by making ourselves the light and making the Dharma our light. Then we can bring to the world the happiness of sharing with each other instead of taking from each other and entrust the next generation with such a world.

If we sent photographs of Earth seen from space to politicians around the world and encouraged them to become aware of where our lives come from and the laws of Nature that govern our lives, would it be too optimistic to think some might conclude, “This is no time for war”? Well, at the very least, those of us who study the teachings of the Buddha are already learning the importance of the Earth as well as teachings that help us avoid conflict and division and bring about har

According to one study, people learn about themselves by reading stories, imagining the world within those stories, and empathizing with the characters. At the same time, reading seems to cultivate the empathy and sensitivity needed to understand other people’s positions and feelings, and to foster the sensitivity that inspires us to be considerate of others.