Motivation Matters Most.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama made a statement supporting armed forces featured in a post last week on the  of the Buddhist Military Sangha blog.  He said that actions that appear “harsh or tough” on the surface may actually be “non-violent” if they are based on good motivation.    What makes both a good monk and a good solider is the drive to serve others:

“Inner strength depends on having a firm positive motivation. The difference lies in whether ultimately you want to ensure others’ well being or whether you want only wish to do them harm.”

On the one hand, I’m comforted that His Holiness expands his benefaction to include everyone.  There’s nothing I can’t stand more than people who think they have THE answer (even if I agree with them).

On the other hand, there is a part of me that wants to take a stand against militarism and craves a more clear stance from spiritual leaders.  I fear that if we are not clear about what we want, it will slip away.  What do you think?