In the face of challenges of technology against lacking of humanness, this is what Bruce Davis, Ph.D wrote. Bruce Davis is Author, Retreat Leader at SilentStay, Napa, California and Assisi, Italy.
Three wise men are heading to Silicon Valley. The Dalai Lama, Pope Francis, and Santa are coming in their words, deeds, if not physically visiting. Maybe it is unfair to put the Dalai Lama and Pope Francis in the same sentence as Santa Claus but all three are older men, smiling on the hearts and souls of children and the child inside all of us. All three represent what is good about us without judgment , distinction about who we are, where we live, or what we do. They embody the spirit of original thinkers, the best in everyone. It is this spirit of wonder and inspired wisdom which could give so much, filling the canyons and caves of Silicon Valley where world changing decisions are being made.
The Dalai Lama, Pope Francis, and Santa are on a path to the Corporate offices and hidden labs sunken in fortresses of the valley. Will they be welcome? Of course, each will tell the tech world about the world's poor. The three wise men will remind all who will hear them, there is a great hunger striking the rich in the constant connection to machines. The poverty is growing in the modern world as parents watch helplessly as their children live inside games and constant texting. People of all ages are trapped in front of monitors missing contact with neighbor, friend, and lover. The giants of Silicon Valley are challenged, do we really want a world of buttons and information that has left out so much of our heart and human experience?
What do the Dalai Lama, Pope Francis, and Santa all have in common besides their giving spirit and humble heart? All three form their character and original thinking unplugging from devices by spending time in silence. The Dalai Lama dwells deeply in meditation everyday despite his busy schedule. Pope Francis in his private chapel sits in the stillness of his heart before he goes out and touches the forgotten. And Santa of course lives in the North Pole without cell phone or Wi-Fi signal. This time of year is one long silent night. Golden silence is the source of their inspiration, generosity, the mind and heart connection which makes each of these wise men bearers of much needed good news. Their daily practice of letting go of busyness by exploring inner stillness is a good practice for all who seek a more meaningful journey.
Three wise men are coming. Will CEOs and technicians open to their presence? Can the creative minds help lead us to a new world closer to our humanness, earth, the needs of heart and nature? Imagine in this holiday season, Silicon Valley exploring the worlds of the Dalai Lama, Pope Francis, and Santa. Imagine they are sending emails and text messages inviting every one to unplug, be in the stillness of the season, and make a fresh new beginning.
Maybe the wise men will touch the shepherds of the valley. Everyone including the farmers planting new software and tech animals working in their stalls will hear a new calling. Maybe the peace of the season will expand thought, opening heart intelligence. Scientists and software specialists of all types will follow in the footsteps of the Dalai Lama, Pope Francis, and Santa. A cloud of unknowing will settle through out the valley inspiring a new heart of awareness. Can the valley embrace the stillness where the tapestry of heart and mind, the sacred and business weave together? Three wise men are pointing to life's true treasure. Everyone is hungry for purpose, creative living, inner joy. Are the best and the brightest ready to embrace the new frontier and paradigm where consciousness, the resource of our inner source, changes the structure of the brain and the world we live in?
