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Edited on Thu Oct-11-07 04:57 PM by whereismyparty
It is so rare these days that I focus on peace. Times are difficult, and the problems in our world are so serious. But yesterday I had the wonderful pleasure of spending 4 hours of my day in a room, within just a few feet, of His Holiness, the Dalai Lama. It was the most beautiful and uplifting experience I have had in years.
During the first two hours, I saw spiritual dance and heard music and poetry – all focusing on peace. The honored guests came from all corners of the earth: India, Africa, Isreal, Palestine, American Indian…There were religious leaders and priests of all different faiths, thinkers and theologians. I heard Buddhist chants, African American hymnals, harp and cello meditation music. Some described first-hand experiences of peaceful resistance in the face of tyranny and injustice, others focused on peace and the belief that we are all one. There were soft lights and candles and flowers and robes of every color, and in the middle sat the Dalai Lama. Then it was his turn to speak. His voice was soft and his accent strong. He spoke of the challenges we face today: September 11th and the dreadful backlash against Muslims, poverty and war, and our environment. War and fighting only add to the cycle of revenge and anger and bitterness. He warned against the false ethics of those who wrap themselves in the deceptive cloak of “religious morality”. He explained that dogmatic faith can lead to serious problems and he gave reverence to the “non-believers”. He spoke of our desperate need for peace and mutual acceptance and love -- that we must embrace those who are different from us. His speech was short and poignant and beautiful and humorous. Tears streamed down my cheeks and I felt as though I was experiencing a dream come true. I, who had not been to a church service or listened to a sermon in decades, sat mesmerized as all these people of different faiths, from different corners of the globe, spoke with one voice, and it resonated in me with such clarity. Like a drought-ridden plant, the heavens suddenly opened up and poured upon me, quenching this terrible thirst. My soul was so revived by this experience.
During the next two hours, he taught the “Eight Verses of Training the Mind”. I was in the third row! It was a full and intense 2 hour lesson. One I will ponder for weeks, months, years to come.
One of the event photographers took a picture of me with His Holiness in the background, and said he would email it to me. Unfortunately, I am in focus but the Dalai Lama just looks like a fuzzy orange blob. That’s okay though, I know what that orange blob really is…. “I am merely a simple monk.” the Dalai Lama is known for saying. He is so much more.
So often here at DU, we focus on the atrocities, the horrors and the injustices. Today, I wish for my fellow DU’ers a day of hope, of peace, of miracles, happiness, and most of all, a day of love.
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