Dalai Lama

26 Nov 2009. "You need to say to the self, 'I am good and fortunate one and I am in a great place'." How lucky we were to attending teachings by the Dalai Lama in McLeon Ganj. After being here for several days, visiting exibits, talking to Tibetans, and learning so much about this small kingdom I previously only knew the basics about, I feel a deep sympathy and sadness for this history. More so, for the older Tibets, still in their 'home' country, unable to escape, and for decades since the 'Cultural Revolution', they have been suffering, poor, helpless and now at old age, their only last wish in life is to see the Dalai Lama; it's their greatest desire and most unlikely thing that may 0ccur in their lives. They pray day in and out to see H.H. and they have nothing else to live for. And here at the teachings, I see the admiration, complete honor, subtle excitement on the locals' faces as he passes in front of us to leave the temple after finishing his talks each day (as we are in the courtyard, not the temple, since we do not have reservations, we listen to his teaching from speakers and a screen, but when he leaves, he is right in front of us) and their eyes are filled with happiness, their hands together in bowing honored motion, have I never seen such hope filled onto expressions of compassion. And if only those Tibetans, those stuck ones, could have this too.