An Incredible Afternoon

Today my friend Kandy and I went to see the Dalai Lama speak at Millennium Park. The subject was "Finding Inner Peace in World Full of Turmoil." His Holiness is the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet, Tenzin Gyatso. He is internationally known for his non-violent struggle to protect the Tibetan people and preserve Tibetan culture. 'Dalai Lama' is the Mongolian term meaning "Oceans of Wisdom." He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989 and in October of this year, will receive Congressional Gold Medal by the US Congress for his outstanding contributions to peace, non-violence, human rights and religious understanding,

The "Awakening" was a celebration of diversity in music and performances that "prepared our minds and hearts for the Dalai Lama's message." It was followed by an awesome prayer by the Gyuto Monks: "Homage to Buddha Shakya Muni." It was an amazing chant that put everyone in a trance. I have never seen that many people be that quiet! Yeshi Tenzin Dremagang, president of the Tibetan Alliance of Chicago, started by saying, "If you hear something here that helps you, take it with you, if it does not, leave it here...for that is the Buddhist way."

We were 2 among 11,000 people gathered around Gehry's band-shell on a beautiful, slightly overcast day. We were on the lawn and somewhere in the crowd what smelled like orange oil incense was burning. The Dalai Lama was introduced by Bill Curtis. He arrived on stage, took off his shoes, and folded his legs up onto the chair. He assured us that he liked to talk in a casual way and that anyone who arrived today expecting an epiphany would probably be disappointed. :)

He was very humble and happy. He had the audience in stitches and in awe. He spoke of compassion for all since, in this increasingly small world, everyone is a part of your community. He said that anger and hate is the enemy of us all, and if we don't stop once in a while and turn off the music and the TV and really think to ourselves, we may no longer be able to think before acting. He preached that violence is an unacceptable answer to any problem and that we must disconnect ourselves from anger before it controls us. He also said that no one can take away your peace of mind.

He laughed with us and we applauded with him. And after all the lines and metal detectors and bag searches, you wonder how anyone could have ill will toward this sentient being who cares for all and hates no one.

"When we have inner peace, we can be at peace with those around us. In the practice of tolerance, one's enemy is the best teacher."
~His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama