"In this country, one's existence is closely related to the existence of other people. Economy, education and many other fields are heavily interdependent. The concepts of 'us' and 'them' are no longer relevant. The whole world is like a part of your body. Take, for example, my foot and hand. If there is some pain in my leg, my hand goes there to rub it and nurture it. Similarly, you neighbor may have a serious problem; but he is still your neighbor and part of your community. You have to develop a sense of compassion, caring, and a sense of connectedness because the destruction of your neighbor, or your neighboring country, is actually a destruction of yourself. Under these circumstances we need a broader view to look at humanity as one human family. Yes, there are different races, different customs, religions — if you want to look for differences, they can always be found. In spite of that, we share the same planet, and if others suffer, we suffer eventually. If we are happy, they are also going to benefit. So in this respect we need a sense of global responsibility, a universal responsibility.
"If one thinks more about others, then a sense of caring develops. This way of thinking brings more inner strength. Caring for others makes one feel that others are okay. On the other hand, if one thinks only about oneself, it perpetuates a feeling of inadequacy within oneself. Still there is the feeling that one needs more, and this kind of feeling automatically brings suspicion, resulting in more anxiety and restlessness. The same mind with the same concerns of pain and suffering, is concerned only with one's own pain and happiness. This creates an emptiness and the result is fear and insecurity. But the same attitude with the concern for others with pain and suffering brings inner strength. Worrying about oneself brings more fear, more doubt. And doubt and suspicion are always accompanied with a sense of insecurity and loneliness.
"If we are to be selfish, we should be wisely selfish. If we think about ourselves all the time, it will eventually bring more suffering. So we should think about others for our own benefit. If we analyze our daily life and also observe our neighbors', we ultimately develop some kind of conviction. Altruism thus benefits others and also brings immense benefit to oneself."
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