Shyalpa Tenzin Rinpoche on Technology
In the book “Living Fully- Finding Joy in Every Breath” there is a Question and Answer session with the author Shyalpa Tenzin Rinpoche which really resonated with me so much that I wanted to share it with you.
Question: Many young people are addicted to Facebook and Twitter, or spend their entire day on their iPhones and iPods. Do you think these technological developments prevent people from living in the moment?
Rinpoche: Many brilliant and ingenious people have created these products for our benefit. Such innovations can help humankind to progress and grow. But if we use technology for destructive purposes, such as nuclear weapons, we can destroy our lives. Tools such as the internet or cell phones can enhance our lives if we use them with a positive motivation, for the benefit of ourselves and others. The point is not the tool itself, but how we use it.
That said, tools like Facebook and Twitter could trap us in meaningless distraction. We must remember that the most satisfying thing is to live fully. If we cannot be truly satisfied and content with ourselves, the next new gadget will soon leave us bored of our problems. We need to be aware of the confusing thoughts and emotions that bombard us when we use these tools. We need to learn how to handle these intruders!
- Quote and image from the book “Living Fully”
