Lucky Enough to Have Been There
Monday, October 17, 2011 at 8:55PM 
Along the mountain road on the way to the temple.
October 1-4 2011
His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Tsuglagkhang Temple
Dharamsala, India
Namaste
Time is flying and I want to tell you about seeing and hearing the Dalai Lama teach. With our work schedules, Tom and I attended one of the teachings together, and I attended one other teaching, (two of the days we just weren't able to get away from the hospital).
First, in preparation, one presents passport, and 2 photos to the Tibetan Government in Exile officials before going to the teachings. Secondly, a card is issued with one of your photos, the other photo is kept with a short application form. The card reads on the back: "no cell phones, cameras, match box lighter and knife at the teaching venue".
The temple and the residence of His Holiness is about a mile from the hospital. A lovely uphill walk (all the way...) over the mountain. The Dhauladhar Mountains are filled with stately Doludars (Himalayan Cedars). The name is derived from the sanskrit "devadaru" which means "wood of the gods."
Not unlike a pilgrimage, the roads were full of people walking to the temple. Buddhist nuns and monks greeted with nods, smiles, and "tashi delek". Accents from all over the world could be heard: Tibetan, Israeli, French, Hindi, German, Spanish, American English, Japanese, Taiwanese, Russian, Dutch, British; excited and anticipatory chatter, with a sense of lightness in the air. Momos (Tibetan dumplings) were being made freshly and sold. Hot tea with steaming milk, noodles and vegetables, Indian donuts, fruits and vegetable sandwiches were just some of the goodies to be had. Transistor radios were rented for 50 rupees in order to tune in for translation (Chinese and English: Chinese because this was a special teaching requested by the Taiwanese. Most of the rest of us know more English than Tibetan)
The pavillion at the temple complex including the monastery
Most people bring cushions though there are some at the temple yet the majority of people sit on the ground (cement, tile and terrazzo). There are some chairs brought out by request as the Dalai Lama has a policy for people unable to sit on the ground... the monastery will absolutely accommodate them. I had attended some of his teachings in Los Angeles in 2000 at (of all places) the Los Angeles Sports Arena. The rows of seats were naturally used, and the Dalai Lama and monks sat on the floor stage per usual. It wasn't filled then, but that is a little before he became a "rock star." Here, we were all settling and sitting in the cloth covered pavilion that surrounds the teaching room at the temple with a large statue of Buddha among other great teachers in the tradition.
All are welcome at the house of the Dalai Lama
When the Dalai Lama came up the stairs and walked into the temple (all glass doors into the teaching room open) and appeared on two large video screens outside for viewing, everyone stood up. He smiled very broadly and bowed to people along the way. He put his hand up in a soft reverent wave that emanated a joyful hello and acceptance. This acceptance made invisible vibrations across the bodies of every person and there was a hush. He indeed brought heightened awareness to the moment.
He began to speak (naturally in Tibetan) and simultaneous translation began on the transistor radios. He had warm greetings and mentioned that we were there to learn from the great masters. This particular teaching was to emphasize the teachings of Nagarjuna. It seems he was born in south of India 400 years after Buddha died (passed into nirvana).
The teachings are quite heavy and philosophical & beautiful. Some instantly beautiful and others take much time and reflection and research.
Here is one from October 1st that I felt had more clarity on first hearing, whereas others had to soak and be processed a bit more (These were written out in a book to follow along):
5. Just as a lamp, sitting in a vase
Does not illuminate at all
While dwelling in the vase of the afflictions
The dharmadhatu is not seen.
6. From whichever of it's sides
You punch some holes into the vase,
From just three various places then,
It's light rays will beam forth.
7. Once the vajra of samadhi
Has completely smashed this vase,
To the very limits of all space
It will shine just everywhere.
After explaining and reviewing some of Nagaruna's teachings he began to speak about the damage caused by division and divisiveness in religion. He spoke about condensing the best of all religions and not hanging onto "negative impact." He used the terms "celebrating" and "re- living" the finest parts of any religions. He chose Christianity/Catholicism as an example. I personally found this more exacting and direct than other teachings I'd read or heard before. He said " the positive impact" of Christianity and Catholicisim in its purest forms have done most in the world for social justice over the ages. He said no other religion built the number of hospitals, schools, universities and orphanages as the Christians nor did any other have such a presence on the street. He added very emphatically that all the rest of us/religions need to do this! He said "does the Christian religion also have a negative impact?" Then he answered "of course it does, but the negative impact is not to be celebrated or copied."
Continuing, he said "Buddhists bring great philosophy and calm and acceptance, this is our positive impact. Does Buddhism have negative impact? Yes. It is the lack of action in the world where good works need to be done. The Christian can learn calm and meditation and clear negative impact in this way. It takes time and perhaps lifetimes. The Buddhists can clear negative impact by being more active! These are illustrations of the need to investigate positive impacts of all philosophies and religions."
His voice, as some of you know is lovely. He is quite animated and has great high and low inflections in the voice (it would be difficult to be bored). He chanted prayers at the end that were for the intention of enabling us to become more compassionate and positive.
Then he blessed the tea.
During the teaching, mid way through, the monks carried very large kettles of steaming tea and hot milk and making their way through the crowds poured everyone a cup of tea. Many people brought their own glass or cup, but if not, the monks provided a paper cup. All one thousand of us had a "cuppa" with His Holiness ^.^
It was hospitable and perfect.
The morning teaching was from 9:30 to 11:30. The next teaching was scheduled at 1:30pm.
MORE hospitality: everyone who stayed on the grounds of the monastery waiting for the next teaching was served a bowl of dal with rice by the monks; enough for one thousand people sitting under the trees, just quiet, listening to the sound of birds and faint Tibetan conversation by the monks serving.
No words needed. *Smile*
Oh, and the all day teachings, and two cups of tea (served mid morning and mid afternoon), and lunch cost ten (10) rupees, that is, 25 cents.
Namaste
Catherine
Reader Comments (2)
Catherine, I very much enjoyed reading this post! Thich Nhat Hanh says we must make peace with our own tradition. The Dalai Lama's words reinforce this teaching. Beautiful!
Catherine - your observations are fascinating. Am printing out all you send for reading and re-reading! Missing you on your birthday. Many happy returns and love to both of you.... Judy