The Book of Joy

are seven billion human beings and nobody wants to have problems or
suffering, but there are many problems and much suffering, most of our
own creation. Why?” He was speaking now directly to the Archbishop,
who was nodding in agreement. “Something is lacking. As one of the
seven billion human beings, I believe everyone has the responsibility to
develop a happier world. We need, ultimately, to have a greater concern
for others’ well-being. In other words, kindness or compassion, which is
lacking now. We must pay more attention to our inner values. We must
look inside.”
He turned to the Archbishop and raised his hands, palms pressed
together in a gesture of respect. “So now you, Archbishop Tutu, my
longtime friend.” He extended his hand to the Archbishop, who took it
tenderly between both of his. “I think you have great potential—”
“Potential?!” the Archbishop responded with feigned outrage,
retracting his hand.
“Great potential, yes. I mean great potential, you see, to create a
happier humanity.”
The Archbishop threw his head back, laughing. “Ah, yes.”
“When people just look at your face,” the Dalai Lama continued, “you
are always laughing, always joyful. This is a very positive message.”
Now the Dalai Lama reached over and took the Archbishop’s hand again
and stroked it.
“Sometimes when you see political leaders or spiritual leaders, they
have a very serious face—” He sat up in his chair frowning and looking
very stern. “It makes one hesitant, but when they see your face—”
“It’s the big nose,” the Archbishop suggested, and they both giggled.
“So I really appreciate your coming to have this conversation,” the
Dalai Lama said. “In order to develop our mind, we must look at a deeper
level. Everyone seeks happiness, joyfulness, but from outside—from
money, from power, from big car, from big house. Most people never pay
much attention to the ultimate source of a happy life, which is inside, not
outside. Even the source of physical health is inside, not outside.
“So there may be a few differences between us. You usually
emphasize faith. Personally I am Buddhist, and I consider faith very