W

my child, help me. Help me to spread love and laughter and joy and
compassion. And you know what, my child? As you do this—hey, presto
—you discover joy. Joy, which you had not sought, comes as the gift, as
almost the reward for this non-self-regarding caring for others.”
“Thank you. Your Holiness, what final words would you like to leave
the reader with so that they can experience more joy and create more joy
in our world?”
“I hope this book will leave you with more hope and a sense of greater
responsibility rooted in genuine concern for others’ well-being. You see,
in order to become a happy person, we need to live more from the
compassionate part of our nature and to have a sense of responsibility
toward others and the world we live in. In this century if we make an
attempt with realistic effort and clear vision, perhaps in the later part of
the century, we can really have a happier world. A more peaceful world.
A kinder and more compassionate world. So, my hope is that this book
can be a contribution toward bringing about this happier humanity.
“Nobody expects this book alone will change the world. No, that’s
impossible, but from various quarters, with a common effort, and a vision
that thinks about humanity, we can achieve unity and harmony with a
sense of brotherhood and sisterhood, with the oneness of humanity. And
all these small problems here and there, I think, ultimately, we will solve,
but we must also address the bigger problems. When the larger systemic
problems are addressed, then the smaller problems will also be solved
quite easily. So all of us, spiritual brothers and sisters, have a special
responsibility, have a special role to make clear that the ultimate source
of a meaningful life is within ourselves. If you live in this way, until your
last breath comes you will be a happy, happy person. That’s the goal of
human life—to live with joy and purpose.”

•           •           •

e were done with the interviews, but before we ended the session,
the Archbishop thanked all who had been involved, most
especially his friend. “I want to say a very big thank-you to the Dalai