I just watched a remarkable documentary, the first of three one-hour shows being produced by Frame of Mind Films.

http://www.womenoftibet.org/pages/index.php

This first part juxtaposes the archetype of the Great Mother with the details of the Dalai Lama's mother's life. It includes interviews with the DL's family--brothers and sisters, sister in law, nieces, nephews, great nephew, and friends of the family, as well as segments with Jungian psychologists, anthropologists, and author Alice Walker and lots of family photos. The DL has always struck me as very human and down to earth; listening to him and other people speak of his mother, it's easy to see where that came from. And he looks just like her, too!

If you can lay your hands on a copy, I highly recommend it. It's interesting and detailed, but also very heart warming.

Slate: http://todayspictures.slate.com/20080401/

Adopting an attitude of universal responsibility is essentially a personal matter. The real test of compassion is not what we say in abstract discussions but how we conduct ourselves in daily life.

-His Holiness the Dalai Lama, "Imagine All the People"

Tibetans have risen against the Chinese in Lhasa, and now there has been a demonstration in China, as well.

From the NY Times

From the International Campaign for Tibet, including a statement from the Dalai Lama

For those who haven't been following this, China has, for years been shipping in Chinese "settlers" at a high rate, apparently seeking to dilute Tibetan culture and unity. It's not so different from what we did to Native Americans.

I'm distressed that so many people seem to be more concerned about whether we should boycott the Beijing Olympic Games than what's happening to the Tibetans.

A good friend of mine is from mainland China, and her view of the situation is more along the lines of the split between the North and South during our Civil war, and that places like Taiwan and Tibet constitute strategic borders, which may be true, but China feels the need not only to control territory, but also religion, and has been actively co opting and suppressing Tibetan Buddhism for some time now. According to my Chinese friend, all religions, including Christianity are allowed to operate in China, but under close government scrutiny to "preserve order for all".

My Chinese friend and I drive to meditation together, and have some really nice conversations. She loves her country, just as I love mine, and says that many things about her country are misrepresented by our government, just as happens in her country about us. I know I've meet a lot of people from other countries who hold views of the US that are unfamiliar to me, or just plain wrong, but sometimes with a seed of truth.

View is very subjective.

What we desire and seek is to have happiness and overcome suffering. This yearning to have happiness and avoid pain and suffering is innate to all of us and needs no justification for its existence or validity. However, happiness and suffering do not arise from nowhere. They arise as consequences of causes and conditions. . . I sometimes remark that all of Buddhist thought and practice can be condensed into the following two principles: (1) adopting a world view that perceives the interdependent nature of phenomena, that is, the dependently originated nature of all things and events, and (2) based on that, leading a non-violent and non-harming way of life.

The Dalai Lama, The World of Tibetan Buddhism

Buddhists have no corner on the environmentalist market, but the message bears repeating as often as possible. :-)

If we unbalance Nature, human kind will suffer. Furthermore, we must consider future generations: a clean environment is a human right like any other. It is therefore part of our responsibility towards others to ensure that the world we pass on is as healthy as, if not healthier than we found it.

-His Holiness the Dalai Lama

To that end, here's a handy checklist of ideas from Thich Nhat Hanh.
http://www.deerparkmonastery.org/peace_treaty.pdf

Hope I'm not getting too preachy today, but I thought this quote from Lama Surya Das bore repeating:

"In "Buddha’s Advice on Healing the Community," Thankissaro Bhikkhu writes about the five basic strategies that people use to avoid accepting blame when they’ve caused harm. These strategies of avoidance are:

deny responsibility
deny harm was actually done
deny the worth of the victim
attack the accuser
claim that he or she was acting in service of a higher cause.

It’s noteworthy that the early Buddhist teaching on moral responsibility serves to undercut all five with the following tenets:

We are always responsible for our conscious choices.
We should always put ourselves in the other person’s place.
All beings are worthy of respect.
We should regard those who point out our faults as if they were pointing out treasure.
There are no higher purposes that excuse breaking the basic precepts of ethical behavior.

This country has been engaged in war for much of the past 60 years; wars rage in more than 42 countries; the deadly, yet amorphous "war on terrorism" drags on. If we agree with the Dalai Lama, that war is an outmoded means of resolving conflict in our increasingly complex, pluralistic, postmodern world, we must ask ourselves: What can replace it"?

From "Ask the Lama"
on Beliefnet.com

He brings up a related theme in his article on the situation in Burma/Myanmar:

"The monastics have bravely stood up and led the people’s call for freedom and democracy, and are in grave danger as a result. In a telling response far more significant than it might seem, and congruent with their nonviolent Buddhist beliefs, multitudes of saffron-robed monks have refused religious services to the oppressors, and turned their daily alms bowls away from the families of the military leaders. These acts of passive resistance are more severe than the old-fashioned Christian punishment of shunning and verge on a kind of excommunication—they are denying the rulers their link to the good karma and future happiness accorded by their own beliefs. The Burmese call this nonviolent resistance the Saffron Revolution.

Since Buddha’s teachings are generally geared toward compassion, acceptance, and the cultivation of inner peace, people often underestimate the great power of non-violence. The gentle Buddhist virtues should not veer into the extremes of complacence, indifference, passivity, and disengagement. The socially engaged and activist leader the Dalai Lama of Tibet has called this "misplaced tolerance" and "misplaced forbearance," an approach that only encourages and enables perpetrators and other harm-doers."

Lama Surya Das "Witness to History in Burma"

Being a Buddhist is not being a pacifist doormat.

"Dangerous consequences will follow when politicians and rulers forget moral principles. Whether we believe in God or karma, ethics is the foundation of every religion."

-His Holiness the Dalai Lama

Some of you voiced an interest in the recent ceremony in Washington, DC in which the DL was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal. The International Campaign for Tibet has put up a link to see the webcast You can find it here:

There is a lot of Tibetan cultural performance, both ancient and modern, and very interesting speeches by various dignitaries, and the DL himself.

Please excuse the sketchy coverage. Was typed on the fly as I watched on the International Campaign for Tibet's webcast "America Celebrates the Dalai Lama" and CNN:



No coverage by CNN. Seen on ICT: The wonderful Tibetan performers are relegated outside, while classical music is played indoors, where the ceremony will take place. What a shame! It was colorful and inspiring, and quite beautiful under the clear sunny sky, with the gleaming Capitol Dome as a backdrop. I hope it was broadcast inside to the massed crowd.

Presentation of the colors: Does anyone see an irony in the flags being held by soldiers, while someone sings "The Star Spangled Banner", which came out of war?

Invocation: delivered by a Christian pastor. Nice invocation for peace.

(In the meantime, CNN is airing momentary clips, while the main stories are a monetary scandal at Orel Roberts University, the hunt for a wounded burglar in Florida, pedophile Chester Stiles, the weather, etc.)

Good speech by Nancy Pelosi, who pulls no punches as to China's repression.

Senator Lantos (first to invite HH to meet with members of Congress, over two decades ago.) Calls for China to meet with HH, and to grant religious and cultural autonomy for Tibet, not independence. "Let this man of peace visit Beijing".

Diane Feinstein: long time friend, first to invite him to the US.

Musical interlude by US Air Force Strings, playing more western classical music. *shakes head*

Nobel Laureat and Holocaust survivor, peace activist, Eli Weizel: Long time friend of HH. "Speak truth to power." Today President and Congress gives power to truth. "One day, if God gives me years, you and I will go to Tibet together." Receives standing ovation.


Speaker of the Senate: Nod to Bush, first President (sitting) to appear at a public event with HH. "The US Congress stands with Tibet." "The truth is persistent, and in his Holiness' case, so is the messenger. . . You are always welcome here."

Senate Majority leader Harry Reed: "I can think of noone living on this Earth today as being more deserving of this award. . . He is a voice is reason in crisis, and wisdom in chaos."

Nancy Pelosi: President Franklin Roosevelt, hearing that the young Dalai Lama loved science and technology, sent him a gold watch that showed the phases of the moon and days of the week, which HH still carries. . . . Honored to give him a gold medal today. . . . Inspiration of people all over the world. Points out that HH has long advocated a "middle way" approach, asking for autonomy rather than independence. The people of Tibet risk imprisonment to even own a picture of HH.

(Meanwhile, CNN is ignoring what is being said, and commenting on the oddness of HH's robes.)

Ah, now the President is speaking, so they'll show that.

"(religious diversity in the US) is not a source of instability; it's a source of strength." Urges China to sit down with HH. "Today we honor him is a universal symbol of peace and tolerance."

Presents medal. HH takes it from box, examines it closely, shows it around, laughing. Shakes hands with all presenters.

Dalai Lama: Presses palms to crowd. Laughs over formality as he tries to get his robe to lay right over his shoulder. "A bit difficult." "I start my English training in 1947. My English is still very, very poor." So will read statement in English. Laughs that it feels like an English examination, in front of so many dignitaries and scholars.

Refers to self as "spokesman" then changes it to "spokes person" "My first mistake!"

Speaks of his mother's deep compassion, and the love and good teaching he grew up with when he came to the temple in Lhasa at age 4. His conviction in these values gives him the strength to continue his work and commitment to a nonviolent path. Honors US friends in audience, friendship based not on money or politcs, but human compassion.

Thanks President for strong support, and long personal friendship with him and Laura. Thanks for sympathy and strong support of religious freedom.

Thanks Nancy Pelosi, offers special thanks for her work.

The consistent support for Tibet has not gone unnoticed in China. He regrets tension this has caused between US and China. Hopes a recognition of common interests will heal division.

Points out growing power and wealth of India and China. Urges China to have transparency, freedom of law. Calls for China to allow diverse population to be treated with respect.

Addressed alarm rate of Chinese influx to Tibet. Danger that native Tibetans will be reduced to minority in their own land. Many rivers originate there, which will impact ecology of other countries.

Future of Tibet: restates catagorically that he does not call for independence, but a real autonomy for region. In best interest for Tibetan people. No intention to use any agreement of autonomy as stepping stone for independence. Despite all this, China still insists that he has a hidden agenda. Unfounded and untrue.

Began in the 50s working for democratization of Tibet, efforts interrupted by invasion. Continues his work in exile in India, thanks to support of Indian gov't. No intention of seeking any political office, or to undermine China's welfare. Have always encouraged world leaders to engage with China. Hope that China will become a more open and responsible country. Hopes Beijing Olympics can be an opportunity for more dialogue.

(CNN interrupts with recap, though speech is not over, and ends coverage. I return to ICT's webcast)

HH prays that dialogue will move forward.

Shares a few religious thoughts. Urges US to give more support to people's freedom, peaceful efforts to safeguard human dignity. Also urges to pay more attention to global warming. "each one of us, in whatever way, use our resources and talents to make a difference, so that we can pass on to our children a planet that is safe to live on."

To allieve suffering of poverty, denial of basic human rights, should never perceive these in total isolation, as they will eventually affect everyone. US urged to address these global issues, from the perspective of the oneness of humanity, and profound understanding of the interconnectedness of today's world.

On behalf of 5 million Tibetan people, to recognize the support of the US government and people, which is critical.

Applause. He shakes many hands, bows to crowd.


Benediction by a reverend. Prays for his safety. Veiled reference to danger to HH life. "Each of us is responsible for the safety of all humanity. Love and compassion are crucial for the self and for humanity."


Tibetan music plays as the crowd leaves.

Returns to outside events. Speaker announces that this broadcast as been tranmitted throughout Tibet, Nepal, and India,( The coverage there was probably better and more respectful than CNN's. ) except where governments have cut electricity or jammed the signal.

Moment of silence for the people of Tibet.

Announcement of lost child. Parents found.

More Tibetan performers, calling for peace and compassion for all people, including a Grammy winning flute player, and other contemporary muscians. Very modern and upbeat. Wish I knew what they were saying.

Tibetan film maker, director of "Richard Gere is My Hero." is announced, but Richard Gere comes out after some delay to address crowd. Announces arrival of DL.

Long delay.

Then loud chant, with horns, cymbals and drums annouces dance troupe.
Procession of people representing Tibetan people in Tibet and around the world. Dalai Lama and Speaker Pelosi will come down the stairs between dancers of oldest opera company in Tibet, founded by DL in 1600's, which was suggested to him in a dream. Funds raised funded safe bridges for pilgrims.

More horns as Dalai Lama and Nancy Pelosi come out, with what appear to be a crowd of security, in suits. DL greets TIbetans and monks waiting on the sidelines. Wonderfully exotic sound. Someone is trying to hold a red and white golf umbrella over DL but he's too fast for them as he approaches crowd, then makes his way to the stage with Nancy P. Raised joined palms to crowd and waves, always smiling. Tibetan singing and drums (sounding very Native American) in background as colorful dancers perform. (I hope someone produces a DVD of all this, with subtitles. It's really something, even on poor quality webcast.)

Richard Gere: Gives welcome and thanks to all those who made it possible. Quotes Rumi: "Our caravan is not a caravan of despair. Our caravan is one of love and joy and compassion." Speaks highly of Nancy Pelosi. Introduces singers.

Presentation of a Tibetan song written for the occassion, TIbetan Majesty, with dancers. A kata (white silk scarf) is offered to the DL on behalf of all the Tibetan associations in N. America at the end of the song. Pelosi and Congress are presented with a small golden stupa to commemoratet the event.

Pelosi: Thanks Richard Gere. Speaks on honor and medal, which bears quote "World peace must develop from inner peace. Peace is not the cessation of violence, but a manifestation of human compassion." Sums up previous speechs.

Presents HH.

Dalai Lama: Presents Nancy with katas. Takes stage then goes back for his sun visor. Speaks first in Tibetan. Then interpreter repeats his words in English. Recognizes the parts of the world his fellow Buddhists have traveled from. Explains that gift to stupa represents gift of wisdom, compassion, understanding.

Sees medal as affirmation of Tibet's nonviolent struggle for dignity and freedom. Key value of Tibetan culture is warm heartedness and compassion, not because it's what the Buddha taught, but because they recognize the value of it. Committed to following a path of nonviolence. Stand firm on nonviolent approach. Hope it will provide a model to other oppressed people. Sees US support of Tibet as wider support for the world, and for other people trying to regain their freedom and rights.

One of the most important factors in a nonviolent struggle is education. Especially those in the US have opportunity for education, for a better understanding of the world, and combined with commitment to our own culture and tradition, especially compassion and kind heartedness. To fellow Buddhists around the world, to value these things.Urges people to live by these principles. No lasting results can be achieved through violence. True resolution of problesm comes from mutual understanding by the sides involved.

Closing performances.














CNN's coverage, and that of other channels, was paltry to the point of being insulting to all parties. If you, like me, would like to point that out to them, and perhaps suggest they air the event in its entirety, the email address is: http://www.cnn.com/feedback/cnntv/ >;-)

Yesterday Doug and I drove into Hollywood to see the Dalai Lama speak at the Gibson center. The Gibson Center is part of Universal Studios compound, smack in the middle of the theme park. It was very strange to stand in line among all that kitsch and advertising to see a man who preaches non attachment.

After battling traffic, crowds and heat, it was a relief to slip into our seats and listen to Tibetan chanting as we waited. The staging was very simple, an armchair on an oriental carpet, backed by a floral arrangement in reds and golds. After a brief introduction by a Buddhist nun, His Holiness came out, bowing and pressing his palms together to the crowd, dressed in his usual red and saffron robes.

Settling in his chair, with an interpreter at his side for occasional help with English, he began humorously by explaining that he is a "scientist", not a mystic or fortuneteller. He gave examples of how he simply dismissed ancient sacred texts that contained obvious scientific inaccuracies, like claims that the moon gives off it's own light, or that it's the same size and distance from the Earth as the sun. Tradition is all well and good, but should never outweigh facts and common sense.

His message is one of reason and common sense, not clinging to tradition or sectarianism. He also made a point of saying that he was no different than anyone in the room, that we are all the same, human beings, and that he had come to have a simple conversation with us. That certainly set the tone. His manner is very direct, friendly, and heartfelt. Even with a slight language barrier, he spoke with great consideration and from the heart. he smiles often, laughs often, jokes often. After speaking for a while the overhead lights became too much for him so he laughingly pulled an orange sun visor from his robes, which appeared to be borrowed from some local vendor, and slipped it on his bald head. It was gloriously incongruous with his robes, and underscored his relaxed manner. (I just couldn't picture the Pope doing the same, standing on his balcony above the masses.) As he spoke he shifted now and then, scratched his head, leaned forward to make a point, and poured himself tea from a thermos on a side table. All in all, it was very much like sitting down with your dad or grandfather.

The crux of his talk was the nature and need for compassion. He was very clear on what that meant and what it boils down to is very much like the Christian exhortation to love your neighbor and set a table for your enemy in your heart. It's easy to love and care for people who love you back. The real work is to love and have compassion for people who hurt you. He stressed the necessity of cultivating a calm mind, in order to handle conflict in a strong fashion, rather than reacting out of fear and passion. He made it clear that it takes great determination, will power and patience to follow such a path. One has only to look at how he has approached the conflict with China and his own country to see this in action. It's a hard message for Westerners, who want quick results, but I have to agree that our leaders do not always take the long view, or a wide one.

At one point he outlined three levels of compassion.

1. The compassion we show to friends and loved ones. He calls this a minor form as it is bound up with attachment. He did, however, also say that he believes that this natural affinity is a natural human emotion and one that should be encouraged to hold society together.

2. The so called compassion of giving to the less fortunate, too often marred by a secret feeling of superiority. He stressed that we must see everyone as our equal, no matter what their circumstances. Over and over again he came back to this, that we must see every other living being as a brother or sister, and equal, whether they are good or bad, friend or enemy, and act from that stand toward the world.

3. The highest form for compassion is to act fearlessly and without attachment for the good of the world, to let go of fear of what people will think of you, or what the result will be, but to continue to act in a right manner, out of compassion and genuine love of others.

It's the same hard message that Jesus taught. You don't do the right thing so people will love you, admire you, reward you, or not hurt you. You do the right thing because it is the right thing to do.

A month before we moved west, we spent some time in Maine with family and friends. It was great, but with the underlying sadness of knowing we would soon be farther away than we had been in New York. I would soon be saying good bye to both my sons, too, as they went off to college, leaving us completely childless for the first time in 21 years.

One afternoon Doug and I went to Schoodic Point, a favorite spot. We found a sheltered place on the ledges to watch the surf. Doug started sketching. I settled down to do a bit of meditation. I let the feelings come, all the sorrow, fear and grief, and just sat with them as I watched the tremendous surge of the waves and felt the buffeting of the salt wind. I let the emotions wash over me, accepted, and accepted them, at the same time mediating on the fact that change is inevitable, every moment of every day. I slowly felt myself settle and calm, and my eyes strayed to a rock jutting up out of the surge. Suddenly I felt as solid as that rock, unmoved by wind or water or emotion, just still and empty and strong. From then on, I was fine. Nothing had really changed. I was still leaving, my kids would still be gone, I'd still be far from family, but it was OK. I could handle it. Things would happen as they would and I would deal with them as they did.

I think that's something of what the Dalai Lama meant by working from a state of calm mind. It gives you a sense of clarity. I wish I could get GWB and Congress to do some daily meditation. ;-)

He also spoke of his travels, and of the questions he's been asked about world problems like Northern Ireland and Iraq. His solution is always communication, respect, strength, patience, and a long view with non violent means. He praised other faiths and defended Islam, urging people not to judge all Muslims by the actions of terrorists and radical Islamists. It is a deceptively simple message.

He also spoke warmly of his interactions with people of other religions. He contrasted Buddhism with Christianity and Judaism, non theist and theist, but then pointed out how many more similarities there are, points of contact and agreement. He said he believed that there are many religions because there are many sorts of people and cultures. His attitude is that everyone should find the path that works best for them. He also said he thinks everyone should make pilgrimages to the sacred places of other religions, to help them understand other people. He told of going to the Fatima shrine in Spain and of being told of miracles that happened there. He is skeptical of such things, but did not question that such things are possible. He said as he left the shrine he was thinking of all this, and happened to turn and look back at the statue of the Virgin there. "And she was smiling at me! Or maybe there was something wrong with my eyes." Again with that warm smile and generous laugh.

At the end he thanked us and said that if his words gave us something to think about, then we should find books to read. And if not? He laughed, shrugged and waved a hand. "Well, then, just forget about it!"

We, of course, gave him a standing ovation. He smiled, bowed and left the stage. A moment later a representative of the International Campaign for Tibet http://www.savetibet.org/ came out and announced that Congress had just voted to award HH the Congressional Gold Medal, our highest civilian honor. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1992398.cms