On February 11, 2016 His Holiness the Dalai Lama met with several mayors of US cities to discuss how they (and really all people) can make their cities more compassionate towards all. His Holiness the Dalai Lama said "'We are witnessing lots of suffering in today's world, including the recent refugee problem. We must question what is wrong in today's world. I feel we are lacking a sense of respect for other's life, a sense of concern for other's well being, which is kindness. We only think of me, me, me! That is the seed of today's problem'".
In Louisville, Kentucky several schools are using a curriculum based on teaching secular ethical values to the children. Here they are "teaching young children social and emotional behavior centered around kindness, love and compassion, and mindfulness and meditation".
- What positive goals does this teach to children? What, if any, could be some drawbacks?
- Is there a problem with calling it "secular ethics"? Given that we have a separation between church and state and we are a country made of believers of many different religious traditions, or none at all, why should this not be a problem?
- Given that you are comparative religion students and that we are all "inextricably interconnected and inter-dependent... and the goal of [the text] is to create a culture of genuine inclusiveness and pluralism", does teaching an ethical curriculum based on kindness, love and compassion, and mindfulness and meditation honor this or not?
- At this meeting the Dalia Lama said, "I remain committed till my death in the promotion of the oneness of seven billion human beings. Whenever I look at another human being I always see them as a fellow human being that automatically brings a strong feeling of closeness. If one considers secondary levels then you are enveloped by a feeling of loneliness."
- How does the statement by the Dalai Lama and teaching of secular ethics correspond with Buddhist teachings of compassion, wisdom, mindfulness and interdependence?
https://dalailama.com/news/post/1368-his-holiness-the-dalai-lama-discusses-secular-ethics-with-mayors