September 23, 1979
Claremont, California
Claremont College School of Theology, Blaisdell Institute at Bridges Auditorium:
Introduction by Lowell Thomas
36:35 minutes Summary (AI-generated):This recording offers an explanation of the essential Buddhist principles regarding the cultivation of inner peace and the development of altruistic compassion. The speaker discusses the shared human desire for happiness and explores how mental attitudes, rather than material wealth, are the true keys to overcoming suffering. The explanation further delves into the practice of shifting one's focus from the selfish self to the needs of others and the philosophical understanding of the mind's inherent clarity.
Main Topics:
Universal Humanity and Inner Peace
The explanation begins by highlighting the fundamental equality of all human beings, suggesting that superficial differences in culture, nationality, or social status are secondary to our shared experience of seeking happiness and wanting to avoid suffering. The speaker notes that while material prosperity is a necessity for a functioning society, true mental peace cannot be produced by external wealth alone; instead, it must be cultivated from within through a positive attitude toward life and others.
The Role of Compassion
A central theme of the recording is the role of compassion (karuṇā) as the essential foundation for inner peace and social harmony. The speaker explains that emotions such as hatred, anger, and jealousy act as obstacles to tranquility, whereas cultivating kindness and a sense of brotherhood allows individuals to better face life's inevitable challenges and develop a deeper sense of unity with others.
Training the Mind for Altruism
The recording provides a practical approach to developing altruism by using the imagination to contrast the single, selfish self with the infinite number of other beings. By recognizing the vastness of the 'others' compared to the individual, the speaker suggests that one can naturally shift their perspective to see that the needs of the many are far more significant than the desires of the self, thereby motivating one to use their capacities for the benefit of all.
The Nature of Mind and Afflictive Emotions
In a deeper philosophical section, the explanation addresses the nature of the mind and the presence of afflictive emotions (kleśas). The speaker posits that because the mind is essentially an entity of illumination and clear light, negative emotions are adventitious rather than inherent to its nature. This implies that through consistent training and the cultivation of valid, positive mental states, these afflictive emotions can be gradually diminished and eventually extinguished.
