Finding Our Common Humanity

Programme Notes

In Chapter 14 of The Art of Happiness in a Troubled World, the Dalai Lama shares a profound insight about the interconnectedness of humanity:

“If we appreciate our social nature and the need to work cooperatively with each other, naturally we will pay attention to others’ welfare. This will create a society that is stable, happier, more peaceful – and the result is that everyone enjoys the benefit.”

Reading this, I couldn’t help but think about the world we’re living in today, a time when many of us are still in self-isolation due to COVID-19. Could the division we feel in the world be partly a result of our physical separation? It’s a thought worth considering. How can we truly work together when we cannot even be in the same space? While it is certainly more challenging to collaborate from a distance, is there really any other choice but to find new ways to connect?

One of the key lessons I’ve taken from this book is that the internal and external worlds are deeply intertwined. A healthy, balanced life requires harmony within and around us. We cannot neglect one for the other; they are two sides of the same coin.

I’ve always had a tendency toward solitude, perhaps because I’m an only child, and this inclination has only grown during the months of quarantine. Yet, reading the Dalai Lama’s words reminded me that, even in times of isolation, cooperation remains essential. I have learned that we don’t need to be physically present to work together or to support each other. Over the past months, I’ve felt a renewed sense of energy when I’ve collaborated with others—whether through a Skype call or a Zoom meeting. It’s a reminder that even though we may be physically apart, our connections and shared intentions can still make a powerful impact.

The technology that allows us to communicate across distances is truly remarkable. It may not replace the warmth of being in the same room, but it does offer an opportunity to work in harmony, to help others, and to uplift the world, even from afar. It’s a reminder that the inner peace we cultivate through connection ripples outward, and when we nurture our relationships—whether face-to-face or through a screen—we bring healing and hope to both ourselves and to the world around us.

– Frank Horvat