His Holiness the Dalai Lama

Tashi Delek!
Greetings!

They say a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. These last two weeks working as a volunteer at the Kalachakra for World Peace has been a thousand steps leading to a single journey. Many of us have now been placed on a path and charged with a simple mission; to live a meaningful and compassionate life.

There is no real way to explain what I experienced throughout the two weeks of teachings and ritual in Washington DC with His Holiness the Dalai Lama. How do you put into words; incredible pearls of wisdom from a highly respected teacher and guru, hours of communicating information to the wandering public, connections made, communities discovered, mobs of people grasping at their chance of redemption and protection, realizations, awakenings, exhaustion and the subway ride to Chinatown... you simply can't.

The story that can be told is the message. Over the many days of preliminary teachings, His Holiness spoke of compassion and selflessness, of religious tradition and moral principle. he spoke of the importance of holding true to your own faith.

"Religious tradition is not like fashion...we often get caught in too many rituals without understanding the real meaning behind them. We must understand the real meaning behind what we do..." HHDL

When speaking of compassion he said; "...with compassion there can be solitude...one can go for many months feeling joyful (when meditating on compassion and living a compassionate life)." HHDL

"Modern life celebrates distraction." HHDL

And so it does...
It was incredible to see how quickly we forgot our teacher and his words. Breaks in between teachings were filled with throngs of people - operating as a mob - grasping for free books and photographs. Frustrated and impatient they freely shared complaints and irritations. On a subtle level, some of the volunteers too were distracted, irritated, and operating from their ego. The energy built until a sudden burst in the middle of an afternoon thunderstorm. Pandamonium broke out within the mob and they began to spiral out of control. And over what? A spiritual symbol meant to aid thier process of ascension. Within this scene we were reminded that you cannot have 'one without the other'. There can be no selflessness without self-centeredness. No love without hate. No moral principle without immorality.

His Holiness says we all want a happy life, a successful life. This is quite simple to achieve.

"Those with a strong moral principle lead a happy, more successful life...with moral principle, you are honest...(there's) more respect, trust...you find more genuine human friends." HHDL

Within the madness that was the mob, there were also sparks of light. Watchings as individuals within the public gladly gave their books away, shared their ritual materials and lively rare gems visiting the booths; sharing their joy and love for others.

His Holiness shared with us Buddha's teachings:
" You are your own Master...I'm providing the path - unless you implement the path, then I cannot give you the goal." Shakyamundi Buddha

Once again I am blessed and humbly grateful to be placed on my path by His Holiness. Now I must follow his teachings like the rest of us and begin to implement the practices, cultivate compassion and hold a strong moral principle.

His parting words:
"This is simply a beginning. Keep in your mind a clear vision - now you must lead a meaningful and compassionate life and develop genuine spiritual friendships. I remember you. Now you remember my wish." HHDL

WIth humble thanks,
Lisa