"We can live without religion and meditation, but we cannot survive without human affection ... Whether one believes in a religion or not, and whether one believes in rebirth or not, there isn't anyone who doesn't appreciate kindness and compassion." (the Dalai Lama)

Is no one going to post only to point out and distance themselves from these generalisations, criticise the phrasing of this argument, claim it to be unsound or 'needlessly inflammatory'? (Shambles)

WHat, you don't care for kindness or compassion, Shambles? Do those ideas inflame you or what? ANd if I said "There is not a human being alive today who does not have a beating heart" would that be too much of a generalization for you??

With the exception perhaps of those like the poor old Dalai Lama � who has a job for life thrust upon them � in which they have no choice.

Sorry, Shambles, but just like you and me and every other every human being on the planet, the Dalai Lama has and always had a "choice". And he chooses, every day of his life, to live out his traditional role of "Bodhisattva (Buddha) of Compassion", to demonstrate the principles of love, compassion, forgiveness, tolerance nad non-violence in all of his affairs, and for all the world to see.   

And he is anything BUT the "poor ole Dalai Lama". From what I've read, everyone who's met him marvels in wonder at the inner peace, joy, good humour, wisdom, compassion and friendliness this man always radiates. People walk away inspired and uplifted just be being near him. And he maintains his happiness, peace and commitment to the loving service of others, no matter what their social background or faith or lack thereof --- even in the face of the all the horror, tragedy and injustice inflicted upon himself and his people by Communist China PLUS all the attacks and ridicule directed at him, and all others like him, by those who misunderstand, hate, fear and sneer at anything even remotely resembling the "spiritual" or "religious".

The Dalai Lama's presence and his living example is a gift and a blessing for the entire planet. The man is a living saint, IMO. And he became what he is today only through suffering extreme tragedy, brutality and injustice - both personally and vicariously through the suffering of his people. Just like Jesus. And just like Jeanne d'Arc.

"Organized religion" is nothing more than the sum of it's parts --- and it's "parts" are the human beings, just like you and me, who choose to adhere to those particular beliefs and play out traditional roles within those organizations. If that's what you mean by "self-appointed middle men", well I suppose I agree with you. For once!

daylia