His Holiness the Dalai Lama
If you have not already including seeing the Dalai Lama on your life or bucket list, you might want to revise your list. I recently had the opportunity to hear him speak in Aspen, Colorado and it was a once in a lifetime memorable experience.
Even though he is revered by millions, the Dalai Lama calls himself a "simple Buddhist monk". His speaking style reflects his humble feelings and is quite unique. He sits cross legged in stocking feet in an oversized armchair and speaks without notes. He laughs infectiously throughout his talk, leading you to feel as if you are having a conversation with him. Since English is not his first language, he speaks with an accent which takes some time to acclimate to. He even plays up the misinterpretations, at one point repeatedly saying "forget it" knowing that the audience thought he was stating an obscenity.
The basic message of his speech is that we are all one earth and that we must treat each other with compassion. He explained that children do not care about race, religion or social background and treat everyone the same. When we grow we lose this innocence and forget the importance of humanity. He stated that we are all human beings and that physically and mentally we are the same. We have the ability to show kindness to people and animals and should do so.
The Dalai Lama describes himself as a Marxist and said that he is concerned with the well being of the working class people. He believes that moral principles must govern transactions, not just profit. We "really need a sense of global responsibility" because if we only care for our economy than the environment will suffer and all will be effected.
He hopes that this century will be a "century of dialogue". A blueprint should be developed to transform the world and make everyone globally responsible. Peace must come through individual inner peace which can then develop in families and communities and ultimately spread to all. " It must also come through leadership — leadership that is truthful, transparent, open.”
He addressed the issue of Tibet, his exiled homeland, by saying that Chairman Mao had promised him that Tibet would be autonomous under its own flag. He claimed that there are human rights violations and violations of religious freedom in China. He does not oppose the Olympic games but wants China to recognize Tibet.
During the question and answer session, which lasted almost as long as his speech, he noted that compassion is based on two levels. The first is biological, such as a mother for a child. The second level is through training and reasoning and can be developed in individuals. He said that in order to change and become more compassionate, each person has to be responsible for themselves.
He offered several personal stories as his way of illustrating his points. For example, he explained how on meeting an official and his wife and child he shook hands with everyone. He said that the child had a nanny who was reluctant to shake his hand. He did not understand this class distinction and pointed out that everyone is the same.
Similarly, he explained that a wealthy Indian family had once asked for his blessing. The Dalai Lama told them the blessing must come from within and that they had the source of the blessing. He told the family to bless others by giving their wealth to help educate people in need.
The Dalai Lama's sincerity and humbleness were apparent throughout his talk. He "never dreamt Lama in dreams" and instead identifies more closely to being a monk. To the almost two thousand people who listened with rapt attention to his discussion, the Dalai Lama was much more than a simple monk.
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