Dalai Lama Day, by Nicky Sontag

Dalai Lama Day

Wednesday, September 25 began no different than any other day here at Sarah College. If anything, the atmosphere of the group was a bit more somber than usual due to the increased workload. After our morning classes we headed to lunch- rice and dal. Delicious but monotonous. After lunch, prepared to head right back into studying, we got the straight-faced word from our professors to meet in the lounge in five minutes. Were we in trouble? Had something happened back home? A bit apprehensive, we gathered around in silence, waiting for the ultimatum.

“Right after class this morning Pasaang received a phone call saying that we have a meeting with His Holiness the Dalai Lama tomorrow.”

Dumbfounded smiles crowded our faces. Nothing washes bad moods down the drain like news such as this. We knew this had been a possibility, but what? Tomorrow? Us? No one knew what to say; it was unbelievable. And Real.

The rest of the afternoon, evening, and on into the next morning we grappled with the task of coming up with three questions to ask His Holiness. As you can imagine, this is quite the daunting task. It’s like that game where you’re asked “If you could have lunch with anyone, no matter if they’re dead or alive, who would it be?” And then it comes true and you have to condense every question you want answered and all the brain-picking you want to perform on them into three questions. Needless to say, after much discussion, we eventually managed. One question was about the connection in Buddhism between the mind, the heart, and the brain. The second was a query into the possibility of love and compassion without attachment. And the other concerned the role of women in Buddhism. Feeling at least a little prepared, we headed up the curve-crazy road to McLeod Ganj and the Dalai Lama’s residence.

Entering the residence of such a world-renowned figure was surprisingly easy. We got patted down and had to step through a metal detector-type-thingy (which seemed to be there more to discourage bad behavior than to actually function). Then we were shown to the meeting room by what seemed to be the Dalai Lama’s bodyguards, who wore no uniforms and only carried walkie-talkies. And just like that we were sitting, not fifteen feet, from His Holiness’ seat. A large picture of Shakyamuni hung above his seat, centering everyone’s attention on what was about to take place.

Sitting in a swarm of anticipation and disbelief, we waited for over an hour before we were motioned to stand for the entrance of His Holiness. Normally, when waiting long periods of time like this for someone you inevitably get at least a little irritated. But that just simply isn’t the case when it comes to the Dalai Lama. And then he was walking towards us smiling his ever-so-happy-to-see-you smile. After a few initial introductions, he apologized for being late. Surprisingly, he began by talking a bit about the politics between China and Tibet, mentioning how crucial it is for those of us studying Tibetan culture to mention our experiences to anyone interested, especially if they happen to be Chinese. He told us (with a chuckle), whether we want it or not, we now own a certain responsibility to help preserve the Tibetan culture.

As for the Dalai Lama’s chuckle mentioned above, as well as all his other laughter, it is entirely, 100% contagious. Once he begins his laugh those near him inevitably join in. It’s hard to know exactly why you start laughing; it’s partly because what he said before laughing, it’s partly because you’re not sure why what he just said is funny, and it’s partly just the sound of his gurgling happiness.

He then went right into answering questions. There was also a group of graduate students from Tulane University who asked three questions. All of his answers to our questions were incredibly interesting. He has amazing insight into the workings of this world and can explain complex ideas in such easily understood ways. And although his words were captivating, his presence was the most fascinating. Words, and especially English words, are spoken all the time, all over the world. But the presence of the reincarnation of the Buddha of compassion is a one and only. It cannot be experienced through video, pictures, or speech. You must physically be there, in the same room, in the same moment. His presence collects your awareness so it only exists in the present moment. Life is lived on a second to second basis- the nowness of his mental experience pervades everyone’s, allowing them a taste of his awesome understanding and awareness of the world.

There is no possible way to understand why we were so fortunate to get the chance to meet with His Holiness. And so, with no one to thank, we must simply be grateful and share our experience with those around us.