Tuesday, April 15, 2008

The Dalai Lama.

"True compassion is not just an emotional response but a firm commitment founded on reason."
- His Holiness The Dalai Lama


Yesterday, I received the rare opportunity to witness the Dalai Lama speak at the University of Washington, the school of which I attend. It was nothing short of amazing. As I expected, his words were very much inspirational. He spoke of the importance of inner peace that, once is achieved, would be able to spread outward. The significance of compassion is the main message that he tries to communicate.

He is actually a very funny man. At one point, he pointed to a balding young man in the crowd and mentioned that they had the same hair. He would let out kind-hearted laughs at such comments. His smiles and laughs are quite contagious.

At the end, we all attempted to swarm out of the arena in one large crowd. However, we were halted by the security men. As we stood there, waiting patiently to get on with our daily lives, Cheryl remarks: "If we didn't just listen to a talk on peace and compassion..." Ha. She's right. There probably would be pushing and shoving involved in a different situation.

The message was nice and peaceful, despite the mass of protesters chanting outside the arena with signs in hand. It was a joy and truly refreshing to hear the Dalai Lama's words echo in the same vicinity that I was seated in.

Off to find my inner peace.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

What a cool thing to experience, especially at this moment in history!

I like that one of your tags is "baldness."

-Avenue.

High Desert Diva said...

What a wonderful opportunity!

femputer said...

wah. i should have been there. but i'll just live vicariously through you. :D

Unknown said...

i too, have seen the dalai lama. it is amazing how you can feel his presence so tangibly. what a wonderful opportunity and at such a volatile and historical time.

Waterrose said...

Wow, I would have loved to have attended that. I'm sure that his presence is long lasting and gives you moments of reflection for the rest of your life.

S. Collier said...

Sooooo jealous. That's not a peaceful emotion, but what an awesome opportunity!

Hoi Polloi said...

I wish I was there! What an amazing thing. I could really use a talk right now that reminds me who I am and why I am here to do what I do (vague anyone?).