Throughout my life when the hypothetical question arose "if you could meet anyone in the world living or dead, who would it be?" my answer was always the same…Bob Marley or The Dalai Lama. I didn't get the opportunity to meet Bob, but I visited his home in Kingston, Jamaica as a graduation from high school gift to myself in 1993, and I didn't get to meet The Dalai Lama, or even come within 100 feet of him, BUT… I DID get to sit in the RIMAC Arena at the University of California San Diego, May 18th, 2012 and see my idol in person and listen (in awe) to His Holiness the XIVth Dalai Lama speak. It was a truly amazing experience and one I will carry with me throughout my life.
Friday, May 4, 2012
His Holiness the XIVth Dalai Lama
His Holiness the XIVth Dalai Lama came to San Diego on a speaking engagement called Compassion without Borders. At our particular talk the topic was Climate Change and the Environment, something that is very important to me and resonates in my daily life. The moment he walked out on stage my eyes welled up, it was as if he lit up the room with his aura. I was mesmerized when I heard him speak, and the sound of his giggle made my heart smile. The Dalai Lama was funny, charming, sincere, and realistic. When talking about environmental issues and climate change things can seem a little worrisome and exasperating, but surprisingly, this time it was inspirational and optimistic. As the words were being spoken I could feel the impact of change they were making in me. I felt a strong desire for a different kind of life, a simple and empowering existence.
The Dalai Lama is considered one of the most spiritual beings living today. He has devoted his entire life to the teachings of Buddha, and has been living as an exiled monk in India for over 50 years. However, he doesn't let religion define him. He is his own person, and lives for humanity. He talks about simple truths, and sees each person as just human, no pretenses. Science intrigues the Dalai Lama and he lives in a realistic present. If science proves his religion or tradition wrong, then he makes adjustments. My take away from this peaceful man is that he evolves humanly, spiritually, and peacefully to the betterment of the world and for humanity.
For me, I had been waiting 37 years to be in His Holiness's presence and hear his words. As I walked across the campus to my car I knew the gravity of this experience had not finished making its impact on me, it took some time to really seep into my soul. I don't think it was the Dalai Lama that left the biggest impression on me that day, but he did help me find enlightenment. The simplest of things can be with you throughout your life and you know them to be true, but one day, someone or something comes along and opens something within yourself, and you start thinking clearly.
I won't go into what exactly has changed for me, or the steps I am going to take to be a better person, but I do hope that everyone has or will find that moment in their lives where they gain perspective and inspiration…maybe everyone has and I'm just late to the game! A girl can hope.
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