Meet the Dalai Lama

How I did it: I've met His Holiness three times in total. The first was when I was ten years old; my grandmother is Buddhist and insisted that the whole family attend a lecture that his holiness was a key speaker at. He spoke about a lot of moving things that day, which helped me think about the world around me, and helped me progress from a "selfish child" into a slightly less selfish adult. In all honesty, the things he said that day really hit home, even if it wasn't in perfect English. After the lecture he left the building, and greeted the crowd as he passed. I was one of the lucky few who had a brief moment with him.
The second time I met him was a few years later; I had just started high school and he had returned to speak at another event, this time to help promote peace- probably something to do with the second gulf war, which had only just started then. Again, I got to meet him afterwards, though I doubt he remembered me as well as I remembered him.
The third, and so far final time, was at the airport, a few years ago. My grandmother woke me up at 5AM and said to me; "The Dalai Lama is arrive at the airport in an hour or two. We should go meet him." I sleepily agreed, and we travelled to the airport where there was a large crowd of people waiting quietly for him at the gate. When he finally arrived, there were barriers set up between the gate and the prayer room, and he slowly made his way over to it, stopping to greet people and bless them. My grandmother's friend handed me the Khata she had brought along to give him, and told me to get up to the barrier and talk to him. I pushed my way through, and as he approached I put on the biggest smile possible, and held the scarf up to him with both hands. He smiled back, blessed the scarf, and said; "It's yours." He entered the prayer room a few moments after that, and I pushed my way back out of the crowd.
All experiences are days I will never forget, and though I am not a Buddhist, or a spiritual person in general, he is a wise man who we can all learn something from.

Lessons & tips: People at your local temple, if there is one nearby, will know if His Holiness is visiting the area any time soon. Any general Buddhist groups, or anywhere that there is a gathering of people of the faith will also have information. If you are hoping to meet and talk with him at length, you may be disappointed. He is a busy man, and does not speak English fluently, and more often than not has to leave as soon as he arrives. Let his presence be enough, if you're lucky you can hear some of his wise words.
If you intend to greet him somewhere, before he speaks or is arriving in the country, be sure to get there early, and wait patiently. Crowds do tend to form when people hear of his arrival.

Resources: Buddhist Channel

This website has Buddhism-related news; though they may only report on his visits after they happen, chances are he will be in the area for a few days.

Jun 29, 03:49AM PDT | 0 comments | 3 cheers