“My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness.”
Dalai Lama
When it comes to clarity, few do it better than the Dalai Lama. He says, “My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness.” Just like a crisp morning sunrise, crystal clear and inspiring. Now, I might not be Buddhist, but this fundamental truth resonates with me like the rhythm of a well-played drum.
Picture this: You’re at the beach. You scoop a handful of sand and let it trickle between your fingers. Each grain of sand—like a single act of kindness—might seem insignificant on its own. But gather enough of them, you have an entire beach, an entire landscape shaped. That’s how kindness works. It’s simple, it’s singular—but it has the power to shape worlds, change landscapes. And it’s at the heart of this simple religion the Dalai Lama speaks of.
I believe in this path, not because it’s a prescribed doctrine or a mandated commandment. No, I believe in it because it’s a choice. A choice to uplift rather than tear down, to heal rather than harm, to love rather than hate. It’s a choice that, in its simplicity, can make a world of difference.
Choices aren’t always easy, but they are ours to make.
So no, I may not be Buddhist, but I choose to walk this path. Because when it comes to making the world a better place, nothing beats the simple, transformative power of kindness.
