A simple monk

From Avignon i took the train to Switzerland to listen to a man who describes himself as a simple human being just like you and me. His name is Tenzin Gyatso, His Holiness the 14^th Dalai Lama.

   At the age of 5 years old, he was recognised as the reincarnation of the 13^th Dalai Lama and consequently as the reincarnation of the Buddha. In 1950, at the age of 15, he was called upon to assume full political leadership of Tibet after the Chinese invaded his country a year earlier. In 1959, he fled from Tibet and has remained in exile in North India ever since.

His Holiness’s three lifelong commitments are
the promotion of universal values common to all human beings whether we are religious or not,
the promotion of harmony between all major religions and
to be the spiritual leader of Tibetan people.

H.H. The Dalai Lama arrives in Friburg on Saturday 12th April.
Pictured by his official photographer, Manuel Bauer.

All human beings regardless of race, gender, nationality, education and economic background have an innate desire for happiness and to avoid suffering. Through training our minds to become compassionate and tolerant and through constant self-discipline, we can make a real difference to our state of happiness, for ourselves and for others around us.

 

8,000 persons came on both days of his teaching
in addition to the 4,500 Tibetans refugees who live in Switzerland.

In 1961, Switzerland was the first Western nation
to offer asylum to 1,000 Tibetans.

Since the Chinese invasion of Tibet, Tibetans have endured the worst diaspora and genocide ever in history of mankind. And it is still going on. (Tibetans are still crossing the Himalayas to seek refuge in India; monks are still ordered to kill; nuns are still raped and Tibetans across the board are still tortured for wanting to conserve their cultural identity). At some point during the week-end, Manuel Bauer, the official photographer of the Dalai Lama, gave a conference on the refugee's situation.  He presented the case of a Tibetan born in 1929 who was imprisoned in the worst condition possible for 37 years. Once released and during an audience with the Dalai Lama, the Dalai Lama asked him, as he would to every ex-prisoner, the same question. How was it? And as always he received the same answer ‘It was ok except for once when i lost compassion for my torturers.’ This answer summarises the effect non-violence stance has in conflictual situation. Despite the insidious methods used to eradicate the Tibetan culture, the Chinese are not succeeding what so ever. It is a fact. The non-violent approach to resolve conflicts as promoted by the Novel price winner is succeeding against the mighty China. There are 6 million Tibetans worldwide of which 4,500 live in Switzerland. Switzerland was the first non-Asian nation to open its doors to Tibetan refugees in 1961.  

   i have been interested in the Dalai Lama’s teaching and been aware of the ‘Free Tibet’ issue since my mid-teens. But this was the first time i listened to him live and he was very much as he has been to me over this last 25 years. He reaches out to people in a non-dogmatic way. He is pragmatic and possesses a fine sense of humour without being frivolous. This makes him a much appreciated public speaker and a highly regarded figures worldwide.

 

His Holiness on his thorne during the empowerment initiation.
The empowerment is related to White Tara, one of the most popular deities in Tibet.
This empowerment is open to all and may be received to non-Buddhists simply as a blessing.
Note His Holiness is wearing a top less cap allowing to see his audience better!

His Holiness is seating on a white leather armchair.
Always seated in the lotus position for over 2 hours at a time.
He is 78 years old.

As i am now travelling back to Avignon from Switzerland, i am thinking of this idea of attachment. Attachment is considered to be very important in Western cultures. Without it we often consider life being colourless. But attachment can carry a negative desire which tint the reality of a situation. It causes biased and distorted views of the way things really are. Consequently, it leads to disrespect of other sentient beings and cultures. Back in the context of the horse culture i ride in, we can see how disabling attachment to my own equine culture can be when experiencing the Camargue culture where the use of the bulls and horses are so different. Make no mistake, detachment does not mean being indifferent or have no feelings. We can recognise the good from the bad and by applying an attitude of compassion and tolerance, increase the good over the bad.

His Holiness in a meditative state at 8am 
before giving his Sunday teaching.

i am now approaching destination and be reunited with Simon, Axle & Ruby. But before i go, here are a few things you may find interesting:

Traditionally, the reincarnation of the deceased Dalai Lama is to be discovered on Tibetan soil. Consequently and due to dire situation in Tibet, after the death of the 14^th Dalai Lama there will be no more Dalai Lama. However, His Holiness has stated that it will up to the Tibetan people to decide whether a 15^th Dalai Lama will succeed and if so it will become possible to find his reincarnation outside Tibet.

The 14^th Dalai Lama is adamant not to be a mercenary of Buddhism. He rather urges people to stick to their own cultural faith as opposed to becoming a Buddhist. However, his message of compassion is addressed to all believers and non-believers alike.

The 14^th Dalai Lama is not a vegetarian.   

Back to Paluds-de-Noves, a picture of my own Buddha caring for a lettuce!
Thank you Simon for looking after Axle & Ruby whilst i disapeared to Switzerland.