Whenever I talk to people, [I have] no feeling of barriers, I feel like I’m talking to a long time friend.
~His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet,* May 4, 2011
His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet. May 4, 2011, at UCI. All photos via DayLife
NOTE: This is a lengthy post–sorry! I do realize that Buddhism invites us to simplify, but I had trouble distilling this entry to a smattering of pithy sayings. No worries if you’re too busy to read it right now; stop by when you’ve got time for a cuppa!
This past Wednesday, I went with my friend Stace to hear the Dalai Lama speak at UCI*. It was a sold-out event, and by the time we pulled into the parking lot, the outside temperature was 80 degrees and climbing. We staked our claim to a shaded berm near the front of the line–a diverse group of individuals that mirrored SoCal’s population: robed monks with shaved heads…a cluster of hijab-wearing women in flowing skirts…a platinum blonde in red-soled stilettos, eyes shielded by Chanel sunglasses…a grizzly old man, Sierra Club t-shirt barely covering his belly…a school girl, peppering her parents with questions.
A protester arrived. He paced up and down the sidewalk behind us, spewing hatred into a bullhorn. “Tibetan Buddhism is a false religion–an ignorant lie, spawned of Satan.” UCI students skirted around him, flip-flops slapping the pavement as they rushed to God-knows-where. They barely gave him any notice. He stabbed a picket sign in our general direction–a boldfaced collection of slogans and Bible verses that punctuated his sermon. There was a brief murmuring, followed by a smattering of boos. But then the doors opened, to everyone’s relief. After passing through (tight) security, we entered the non-judgmental world of the Dalai Lama.
A Tibetan singer invited us to participate in a moment of silent meditation; then, a group of Gaden Shartse monks performed a traditional Tibetan horn tribute, thus inviting His Holiness to join us. The Dalai Lama crossed the stage, bowing. We rose in unison, applauding. The Chancellor handed him a UCI visor, which the Dalai Lama immediately perched atop his head. Scarlet and saffron robes aside, doesn’t he resemble your favorite grandpa?
The Dalai Lama spoke with us for about 90 minutes. With the occasional assistance of a translator, he talked about compassion, global leadership, happiness, and interfaith harmony. His eyes twinkled, and his speech was infused with joy and humor. Laughter burbled from his belly the entire time, as if he were being tickled from the inside. [Note: A webstream video of this event is available here.]
Much of what he said was contextual–I suspect the takeaways were different for each listener. Still, and while I certainly don’t want to reduce this multi-dimensional event to a series of trivial sound bites, I’d like to share the highlights I scribbled in my journal. [All apologies for my ineloquent translation; also, ‘most everything here is paraphrased.]
*Money, fame, power, and a strong physical body are important. But the full development of healthy individual is dependent on inner strength. Inner strength could never be brought about through anger.
*Everybody wants –and has the same right to–happiness.
*Throughout history, many conflicts have taken place in the name of religion. The Dalai Lama believes it is absolutely wrong to use differences in philosophy or perspectives as reasons to initiate (or continue) conflicts.
*The underpinnings of all religions are similar, in that they value compassion, love and forgiveness.
*Unhappiness is of our own creation. “No one wants this problem,” he said, “yet they themselves create this problem.” It’s caused by too much stress, anxiety, fear, and frustration.
*“Your enemy is your real [true] teacher.”
*Emotions color our perspectives. They blur our understanding of the world’s complexities.
The Dalai Lama wove together examples from his own life and from history, returning always to our shared responsibility in bringing about world peace.
*”One reason [we have conflict],” he said, “is that we don’t look at things holistically. We focus on one small thing. Therefore, we are not objective.”
*Peace is a choice…one that’s worth it, every time.
*To bring about world peace, we must cultivate calm minds and warm hearts. “Warm-heartedness brings self-confidence, so our mind will be calm,” he said. “With a calm mind, we can use human intelligence properly.”
*“A compassionate mind thinks more about others,” he said. “That makes it very easy to communicate.” In developing compassion, we equip ourselves with the ability to rise above hate–to realize that we are more alike than different.
*Warm heartedness boosts self-confidence, which calms the mind. This gives us a clearer view of the world.
*”Self confidence doesn’t come from always being right,” he said. “It happens when we lose the fear of being wrong.”
*While religion helps its practitioners develop compassion, current events suggest we must also discover other means by which we can reach common objectives. The Dalai Lama emphasized the importance of respect, with regards to people of all religious persuasions. Similarly, he said, we must respect those who are nonbelievers. This coupling of ideals drew sustained applause from the audience.
“This is not a new idea from my mind,” he said. By way of example, he cited India’s 1,000-year tradition of respecting different religions. “Indian secularism includes respect for religious observers. Non-believers, too,” he added. This value/practice [secularism] is imbedded in India’s Constitution.
*While some of his Christian friends think secularism is disrespectful toward religion, the Dalai Lama does not subscribe to that belief.
At the end of his speech, the Dalai Lama took questions from students in the audience. When asked how he might encourage interfaith friendships and dialogue, His Holiness suggested 1) meeting with scholars from a variety of religious traditions, so as to learn from them; 2) meeting with religious practitioners, so as to seek common understanding; 3) visiting their holy sites and sacred spaces; and 4) taking pilgrimages together. Here, he talked about meditating under a Bodhi tree with Christians, Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims and Jews. “People with different philosophies and viewpoints often have the same purpose, the same goal,” he concluded, “We all want to be better, sensible human beings.”
A sociology undergraduate asked, “What is the secret to happiness?” The Dalai Lama paused. A grin spread across his face; his shoulders shook with inner mirth. “If there is a secret,” he finally said, “I must keep it.” But then he suggested that the shared aim of humanity is a happy world. A happy world depends on the existence of a healthy community, which in turn is based on a healthy family, which depends on healthy individuals living happy lives. And true happiness comes of living accordance with inner (and shared) values. Therefore — and now we’ve circled back to the beginning of his talk–as we become happy individuals, we bring about change in the world. He also encouraged us to “Provide maximum love and compassion to children…If we make some effort now, in the later part of the century we can produce very sensible compassionate leaders.”
Before exiting the stage, the Dalai Lama reminded that these are his personal thoughts, borne of over thirty years’ study and experience. Patience is key. If you expect too much, too soon, you are setting yourself up for feelings of failure. Practice in compassion, extending grace to yourself and others.
Many thanks to UCI and Center for Living Peace, co-sponsors of this amazing event. I’m grateful also for the opportunity to share this experience with you.
*In typical self-deprecating style, Tenzin Gyatso describes himself as “a simple Buddhist monk.” His official title is His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet, but most people simply call him “the Dalai Lama. A world-acclaimed Nobel Laureate, the Dalai Lama has met with presidents, prime ministers and crowned rulers of major nations. He also hosts international dialogues with world-renowned scientists and key figures from major religious sects. He has authored more than 50 books, including “The Art of Happiness” and “Toward a True Kinship of Faiths.”
It sounds as if it was a peaceful, thoughtful place to be – not just UCI – but in a moment of thoughtful reflection on what the human experience is, and what it can be, and even more, what it should be.
Em
Yes to everything you’ve said here. Yes, yes, yes.
Wonderful and wise–thank you!
My pleasure! It’s a privilege to sit among like-minded people, and I like that he values divergent schools of thought.
Thanks for such a good write-up, this was a nice moment of peace and reflection in my day to read.
So glad you enjoyed the write-up; the experience was so magical, so peaceful and insightful! I couldn’t help myself…I *had* to share. 🙂
Wow! He sounds amazing!
He was at once a kindly grandpa, a scholar and a teacher. I enjoyed the experience more than I can say (lol, and I’ve already said a lot)!
Thanks for the write up.
It is wonderful that he says a lot about peace, very nicely. And respect, which is also critical.
Thanks again for sharing your notes.
I’m glad to share them with you!
The Dalai Lama he opened his heart to us, and in sharing his ideas, he humbly suggested that he wasn’t teaching us anything new. But we hear things differently at different points in our lives, don’t we, depending on our circumstances/life experiences. I love that he encouraged us to honor (respect) alternative points of view.
Thank you for sharing your experience. “Warm heartedness boosts self-confidence, which calms the mind. This gives us a clearer view of the world.” So true.
That’s a great take-away, isn’t it? In that simple sentence, so much truth…and quite the challenge.
This was wonderful. I want to hug him, and you, tight. Thank you very, very much for sharing this experience and his thoughts.
I realize it’s a bit lengthy, and I appreciate your indulgence. I’m always happy to share my experiences, and to hear about yours. And, of course, to give and receive hugs. *Hugs you back*
Such a wise, wonderful man. I really enjoyed this, Melodye. And I LOVED this quote: “Self confidence doesn’t come from always being right..It happens when we lose the fear of being wrong.”
I treasure all that the Dalai Lama shared with us, but that’s one of my favorite gems.
xoxo
This is wonderful, Melodye! And I was so glad that I got to hear a little of his talk through the link you provided–thank you for that. I just love his laugh and the love that shines through his words and thoughts. He is a true diplomat for all of us, for the entire world.
Thank you for sharing your notes, Melodye. I have found that there is a great similarity between Native American Spirituality and the Tibetan Buddhist teachings of compassion and respect for every living creature.
The underlying theme in Native American Spirituality, as well as most Indigenous cultures, is to honor the sacredness of the great circle of life. Sacred circles, medicine wheels, and mandalas are images that direct us to the center of our being, to the truth of who we are. Within the sacred circle of “everything that is” we begin to remember our relationship with all life.
The Indian Elders say, “We must remember also the four footed, those who swim and those who fly, those who crawl and those who move very slowly like the stone people and all the green and growing things.”
Within this sacred circle we are one. What we do effects everyone, and everything. These teachings remind us of our responsibility to care for all life, not just human life. In our pursuit of progress and comfort we have separated ourselves from our place in this great circle. Earth traditions bring us back in harmony and balance within the circle.
In both the Tibetan and Native American traditions, inside and outside are not experienced as separate. You form a truly interactive relationship with the environment. They both talk of “Mindfulness” as being the ability to see things as they are, to be fully present in the moment, and to manifest right thought, right action.
The Sunray Peace Village in Lincoln, Vermont shares teachings from the Cherokee tradition along with teachings from the Tibetan Buddhist spiritual tradition.
Think that they are not similar? Check out the following two statements.
“When the iron bird flies and horses run on wheels, the Tibetan people will be scattered like ants across the face of the earth and the Dharma will come to the land of the red men.”
~ Padmasambhava, Indian Buddhist Guru who helped spread Buddhism in Tibet in the 8th century, A.D.
“When the iron bird flies, the red-robed people of the East who have lost their land will appear, and the two brothers from across the great ocean will be reunited.”
~ From the Book of Hopi
Impartial content material unwraps Four new things regarding nike that no-one is speaking of.
A important double sprain on swimwear [url=http://plus-size-swimwear.webnode.com/]women s swimwear[/url] Odd write-up gives you the main points on the swimwear which just a couple of persons are conscious of. [url=http://modest-swimwear.webnode.com/]retro swimwear[/url] Independent write-up displays Unique innovative new things on swimwear that absolutely no one is covering. [url=http://spanx-swimwear.webnode.com/]designer swimwear[/url] Precisely why all are absolute wrong when it comes to swimwear and also why you must read through this expose. [url=http://vitamin-a-swimwear.webnode.com/]swimwear for women[/url] Explanation why all sorts of things you might have learned about bikini is truly completely wrong and what you should learn.
Advanced swimwear E book Presents Methods To Rule The swimwear Marketplace [url=http://girls-swimwear.webnode.com/]target swimwear[/url] All new questions about swimwear replied to and why you really should start reading every single term in this insider report. [url=http://freya-swimwear.webnode.com/]gottex swimwear[/url] Everything that all the others has been doing in the matter of swimwear and moreover those things you are looking to do completely different. [url=http://victoria-secret-swimwear.webnode.com/]bra sized swimwear[/url] Hot swimwear Guide Demonstrates Very Best Way To Dominate The swimwear Market [url=http://cheap-swimwear.webnode.com/]swimwear sale[/url] New guide reveal the know-how of swimwear and moreover the reason why you must take action as we speak.[url=http://women-swimwear.webnode.com/]women swimwear[/url] Atypical guide will give you the main points on the swimwear that experts claim just a few visitors are conscious of.
I’m thrilled that you stopped by for a visit, and that you found glimmers of joy and inspiration in what the Dalai Lama had to say. It was an amazing experience that I won’t soon forget. He has a way about him, doesn’t he? The living, breathing personification of the philosophies he shares.
Thanks for passing along the link! That’s the beauty of blogging, isn’t it–that we have the opportunity to share ideas and experiences, and to widen our circle of friends.
ZjywYrFtnocbccoCWyZqMQewaTqwsPNOtrYDQdOzudbnsHE
xanax pills xanax for anxiety attacks – buy xanax online with a prescription
oIEJInQRUjQYIchOAfQsKsf
buy valium no prescription online pharmacy reviews valium – valium side effects animals
icboh
http://www.elisaamoretti.it/ http://www.restaurantmennecy.fr/ http://www.mediationthatworks.co.uk/ http://www.asdoh.it/ http://www.tys568.com/ let your imagination run wild! [url=http://www.dialogosadr.it/]outlet miu miu[/url] [url=http://www.singing-exercises.com/]red wing shoes sale[/url] [url=http://www.xingheyulekk.com/]babyliss nano titanium[/url] [url=http://www.jamesblue.co.uk/]jimmy choo wedding shoes[/url] [url=http://www.infos-diagnosticimmobilier.fr/]lancel soldes[/url] Mon Ami Gabi is a Lettuce Entertain you Restaurant. the rounded and natural Japanese calligraphy is more popular. babyliss pro perfect curl outlet miu miu online clarisonic brush heads borse miu miu outlet tods sito ufficiale The true Christian must also expect trials from professed friends in church.