Compassion, Forgiveness, Self-Discipline, Brotherhood & Charity.

Quoted from His Holiness The Dalai Lama's relevant comments subsequent to the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attack on the US:

Who are these terrorists?
It is a mistake to refer to Muslim terrorists. I believe no religion endorses terrorism. The essence of all major religions is compassion, forgiveness, self-discipline, brotherhood and charity. All religions have the potential to strengthen human values and to develop general harmony. But individuals twist religious beliefs for their own ends. There are people who use religion as a cover to achieve their vested interests, so it would be wrong to blame their particular religion. Religious divisions have lately become dangerous once more, and yet pluralism, under which everybody is free to practise his or her own faith, is part of the fabric of contemporary society. Buddhism may be good for me, but I cannot insist that it will also be good for you or anybody else.

The beauty of Dalai Lama's teachings is that he thinks everyone is free to practise his or her own faith. There is no insistence. There is no right or wrong. I see and feel respect. At the end of the day, we all need to learn to respect each other's belief and allow differing opinions. Respect breeds harmony I think.

His words are very enlightening - at least to me. Compassion is a core value in his teachings - which is a very strong personal value in my life. In that we align. It is only with compassion and love that the world can be a better place.