By Bo Mackison
Sculpture in the Sky, photo © 2008 by Bo Mackison. All rights reserved.
I recently had the opportunity to attend several days of teachings offered by his Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, spiritual leader of Tibet and world–recognized religious figure. He presented a general lecture to the public on Saturday, July 19, at the Madison Coliseum in Madison, Wisconsin. He followed the Saturday speech with four days of teachings on “A Guide To the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life” and meditation practices.
I am not a Buddhist, but I am interested in global cultures and world religions, and I have read several books on the basic Buddhist teachings. Most people would find it hard to argue with the concepts of showing compassion for self and others, being mindful in daily living, and accepting responsibility for the care of our environment. I try to put these simple yet difficult practices into my life, and I wanted to hear the Dalai Lama speak in more depth.
He said many wise things, usually speaking in his native Tibetan with an English translator. Some of the time he addressed the audience in English. He offered many thoughts that I wrote down for further reflection and study.
Some of the ideas from the Dalai Lama are surely rules to live by. A couple of examples from his lectures (the second another version of the often quoted “Life is the journey, not the destination”):
You cannot change someone else or what someone has said or done to you in the past. You can only change how you react, how you choose to respond.
We are human and therefore imperfect. We will never be 100% perfect. The merit in life is the striving, the effort towards living a good life, not the attainment of perfection.
But I learned the most from something the Dalai Lama did and his response to that action. If ever there was a lesson exemplified in “teach by example,” this was it for me.
The Dalai Lama was officiating over a formal Buddhist religious ceremony. As an onlooker, I sat on the side and did not participate as he called practicing Buddhists to renew their laity vows. This seemed like serious stuff to me and I listened closely. Much of the ritual was spoken in Tibeten and not translated, so I did not always understand the unfolding event.
However this is what I heard and saw:
In the middle of the ceremony, the Dalai Lama suddenly stopped. He burst out in laughter, a hearty laughter. In fact, he laughed so fully that at one point he leaned over and supported himself on his elbow while laughing. (He was seated cross-legged on a raised dais.)
Once he regained most of his composure, he held two fingers high in the air and pronounced “Two! Two mistakes I have made today!” He threw his arms in the air, shrugged his shoulders and shook his head, rather in amusement. Then he returned to the ritual with his most solemn words.
What a lesson! He had made a mistake and saw it as a simple human act, nothing to be concerned about, nothing to berate himself over. Nothing of the sort. He chuckled over his error and went on with his business.
Wow!
How many times do we make a mistake and replay it in our heads over and over? Or how often are we stopped in our actions before we even try for fear of making a mistake? Do we take ourselves too seriously?
I know I’m guilty of all of the above.
What a wonderful message the Dalai Lama taught through his actions! I think perhaps it will be this lesson that makes the most impact on me. I think this is the concept that I take away from my hours spent with the Dalai Lama and plan to make a conscious effort to put into practice.
Bo Mackison is a Wisconsin-based poet, writer, photographer, and author of Seeded Earth, a blog about photography, nature, and travel in the Midwest.
First up, that photograph is amazing, absolutely beautiful. Secondly, the post really made me think, I am always thinking things over…….I need to let them go, both my own and others’ mistakes. It’s hard though……I love the story of him laughing *grin*.
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yes, as the joker likes to say “why so serious?” batman should really lighten up
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Bo, I also find the photo to be stunning. The clouds and sky look like a painting, and then the dark sculpture over it, really nice. Did you take it at the event, by chance?
I just want to say that I appreciate the simplicity and directness of your writing and the piece overall. It seems perfect for sharing the lesson you learned.
Yeah, why so serious? We should all ask ourselves that. This is a lesson that comes to me when I really need it. Thanks. (Oh, and what an opportunity. You’re very fortunate to have experienced it.)
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Jo – Thanks. The photo was pretty much one of those “look at that!” snap and run shots. I was amazed myself when I previewed it, and it seemed to embody the joyousness of living that the Dalai Lama espouses. So it was a good match for the essay.
And watching him break up was pretty remarkable. I think I must have been the only one so impressed though. Maybe it’s an Eastern vs. Western school of thought thing. We in the West seem to take mistakes more seriously.
I was raised in traditional Catholic Church surroundings – and I mean absolutely NO disrespect by this remark, it’s only an observation – but I simply can’t imagine a priest giggling because he made a mistake saying one of the rites during a church service. So the Dalai Lama’s response really struck me.
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jpt – “Why so serious? Hmm. A good question. One I’ve been thinking about a lot lately.
I recently turned down a freelance writing job because I was afraid to sign an extended contract. “What if I couldn’t turn out the number of words required in the time required?” “What if I missed a deadline?” “What if I wasn’t “on” one week, and wrote a poorly executed article?” On and on, and I talked myself out of a decent gig.
After I declined, my writing coach reminded me of the story I had JUST told her – the above story about the Dalai Lama. Egad! I was so impressed by his lack of worry over a mistake, and then I did exactly what I said I wouldn’t do – not go for an experience because of the possibility of mistakes.
So this is definitely going to be a slow process for me, but at least I am aware of it.
Well – at least some of the time. 🙂
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ybonesy – I actually took the photo while on a quick vacation to northern Wisconsin several weeks after the lecture series. But they seemed meant to go together. There’s a lot of freedom and spirit in that photo.
And yes, I feel very fortunate to have had the experience of hearing the Dalai Lama. He seems a simple sort of person, and yet he has many global concerns on his shoulders.
His teachings are down-to-earth, compassionate, simply stated. But difficult to put into practice. Lots of food for thought for a lifelong journey…
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Bo, first of all, I love the photograph. What a great capture. The composition, the way the clouds and blue play off the black metal, and the sun symbol. It totally goes with the piece.
I am one who needs to practice not taking myself so seriously, so this piece hit home for me. I think you hit it on the head, too, about the differences in the approach of some of our spiritual world leaders compared to others, some being more dogmatic.
I had the pleasure of seeing the Dalai Lama in Minneapolis/St. Paul a few years ago. I can’t remember what year it was but I think it was at the Xcel center and he was a little dot in my far away seat about midway to the top. The place was packed but there was still a calm throughout the building. And I wanted to stay a long time and just soak in his attitude toward life – he smiled a ton and laughed often.
Your example fits right into the way I imagine him to be. And when I think of public images of the Pope on tour in this country, he is smiling but the feel seems different to me — much more serious. (Not true of all Popes — there was one in the 60’s, early 70’s that had energy a lot like the Dalai Lama.)
I’m glad you wrote this piece. It brings to light the values, energy, and importance of world religious figures and how they play out in our day-to-day living. Didn’t the Dalai Lama write a book about happiness? I think that’s the last one of his I read. His eyes sparkle. He seems happy in the moment. But how does he get so much done in a single day?
I am also reminded of his roots, all the pain and conflict in the history of his country. He takes a stand but not in a way that isolates other people.
It makes me wonder, too — who are the other spiritual leaders of our time? Women and men. Who are people turning to for spiritual leadership at the world level.
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Bo, what a wonderful, joyous lesson to learn. And isn’t laughter so infectious? Think how many people you’ve influenced by passing on this simple message too 🙂
So many religions make us feel heavy, awkward and inadequate. This is a much more beautifully human state to aspire to.
Joanna
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QM – Are you thinking about Pope John the XXIII? He reminded me of a jolly Santa Claus, always laughing, chuckling. I remember him as a very kind and caring person. But he was definitely a mover and shaker, too. I’m nearly certain he presided over Vatican II which changed the face of the Catholic Church in the 60’s.
Funny you ask how he gets everything done. Someone asked him that very question on about the third day he spoke – I saw him four days, two hours every morning, two hours every afternoon. His response made me laugh. I think this is pretty much a quote from him.
“Good food, good sleep.”
And that does sound like a good recipe for getting things accomplished, doesn’t it?
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Joanna – Your comment about laughing reminded me of a site I just found. Laugh therapy of a sort. It’s called Laugh Yoga and there are actually groups around the world that get together and just laugh. The site with more information is http://www.laughteryoga.org/
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Bo, Pope John the XXIII sounds right. I dated someone in high school who came from a big Irish Catholic family. She was attending a Catholic high school at the time and was my first education about anything Catholic. She was a rebel but she loved John the XXIII for all the reasons you mention — she said he was a rebel in his own way. She gave me a medal of him that had been blessed by him. Her parents had been to the Vatican and had it blessed. I wore it around my neck for the longest time. She also gave me a rosary. At the time, I had no idea what it was.
I can’t believe someone asked the Dalai Lama that question. 8)
“Good food, good sleep.”
That says it all, doesn’t it? So simple. So hard to do.
About laughing, it really does help in difficult situations. When my brother was in the ICU a few weeks ago, and now since he’s been home, my family laughs a lot between all the hardship and pain. There are funny family stories and attention directed at keeping some levity in a most stressful situation. Laughter — nectar of the gods.
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Bo, I’m looking at the photo from my new desktop monitor versus the lousy laptop one, and man, it’s even better than I thought. For example, I hadn’t noticed the drops of water welling up on the sculpture.
I also wanted to say, QM, hadn’t you mentioned once a few weeks ago that the Dalai Lama gets so much done and still manages to get 8 hours of sleep? I remember reading that somewhere before this post, and it stood out to me. That’s being present, getting so much done in one’s awake time. I waste a lot of time daydreaming or doing things like checking blog stats. I need to do a post someday about checking blog stats. What a waste of time.
Also, my childhood Catholic priest (at the parish we attended) was jolly. Father Cassidy. Always reeked of booze. But happy. Mom talks about the rigidly strict Catholic priests of the parish she attended prior to Father Cassidy’s. They sound sour and dour and not joyous at all. We want our spiritual leaders to be joyous and wise and compassionate. And not needing meds or drink to get there. 8)
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What a wonderful story! A lesson to remember for sure. Oh, it makes me smile to think of him laughing at himself like that. Yes, he always has a sparkle in his eyes doesn’t he?
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A great story (and pix). The message of his example does give one pause. He’s telling us he practices what he preaches – somethiing that would be good to see a number of other prominent religious people do as well.
Your piece did bring a warm and enlightening message. Very nice.
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I was also caught by the photograph. Awesome.
I like the picture of the Dalai Lama doubled over in mirth. The second quote in the early part of your writing really spoke to me, too.
So glad you shared this experience.
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Bo,
Great photograph. Contest quality, I’d say.
I love when people respond to their mistakes like the Dalai Lama did; it’s such a relief instead of having to deal with their defensiveness or prop them up emotionally. Thanks for sharing the story with us.
I saw the Dalai Lama when he came to the Twin Cities (same year as QuoinMonkey), but got to go to a special session of some sort. The ESL teacher at my school had landed two tickets somewhere, so we got to hear him up close and personal. Someone asked him how he tries to convert people to Buddhism. He said something like, “Oh, I don’t think anyone should convert. Just stick with the religion you know.”
Having grown up in a religion where we had to go door-to-door trying to convert I was stunned and relieved. All pressure relieved.
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tpgoddess – he really does have expressive eyes. Rather like saying “Relax. It’s only life, you know. So be nice. Be happy.” I felt like he wanted me to play more, work less. Not quite the rules I was taught growing up. 🙂
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Gandalf – He really was practicing what he preached. That’s what made the message so powerful.
amuirin – It was quite a merry moment.
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Teri – He made a similar comment. Don’t convert. It really doesn’t matter what name you call your religion. But show compassion towards yourself and your fellow man. Live mindfully. Take care of your earth. And that will be enough.
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Bo, what an awesome photo! I hadn’t noticed the drops of water until yb pointed them out.
In addition, I would like to say that I find the Dalai Lama to be such an insightful man. Your experience is a once in a lifetime experience & one that most of us will never have the opportunity to have. Thanks so much for sharing with us!
It brings to mind something I just read recently. The person who wrote these words remains annonymous, but I will share it:
“Take time to laugh.
It is the music of the soul.”
As QM wrote about her brother who was in the ICU (he is my husband & soul mate) I began to remember the moments of laughter & how healing they were, even during the adversity of the whole ordeal. She is right about laughter being the nectar of the gods.
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Bo–
Amazing photograph. The lighting is so subtle and rich. Perfect choice for the content.
Letting go of mistakes helps us let go of fear doesn’t it? What a concept! -Q
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Bo,
Great post. The thought that resonates most personally with me is –
“He had made a mistake and saw it as a simple human act, nothing to be concerned about, nothing to berate himself over. Nothing of the sort. He chuckled over his error and went on with his business.”
I learned this lesson in my early 20s and it changed the way I viewed life.
I now live by the simple motto – “It is, what it is”.
Nothing more or nothing less. I strive to live everyday remembering that what happened can’t be changed but how I react to is will make all the difference in my own personal happiness. Thanks for the centering post.
R3
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ybonesy, in response to your comment #12, I think I do remember talking about how the DL gets so much done in a day before. I’m glad he actually answered the question, too. Now I don’t have to wonder (only practice). 8)
And to the rest of your comment — We want our spiritual leaders to be joyous and wise and compassionate. And not needing meds or drink to get there. — you’ve got my vote.
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diddy – yes, if we can laugh, we can get through many trials.
Q – thanks. Letting go sounds like such a simple concept, but we’ve been taight to hang on to everything. It takes a lot of practice to loosen the grip.
R3 – It’s a great lesson to learn, no matter what age.
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Bo how wonderful that you were able to go!! I enjoyed this very much!
A sense of humor is crucial. My Grandmother (the 101 year old) has always said the same. My family is known for our dry sense of humor. It wasn’t until I became an adult that I realized the importance of it..now I have a confirmation from the Dalai Lama! 🙂
Thank you for sharing your experience and the image!
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Bo, you do a wonderful job of creating the Dalai Lama as a character I’ve come to recognize from documentaries and books.
The laughter, not taking himself so seriously, yet also respecting tradition…. What a gift to have witnessed these events.
Your photo is gorgeous– what colors and shapes, the perspective amazing.
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hi, gypsy – thanks for the comment. Your grandmother knows the secret to a long life. Laughter. It is a great lesson, yet so simple everyone can do it.
christine – it really was an experience I will always treasure. The Dalai Lama visits Madison quite regularly. He is quite connected to the community here. This time he visited a new monastery near the city, and he also knows a professor at the University. In that way we are lucky. He only goes to 12 or so sites for teaching in the entire world every year.
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I didn’t realize he had this connection to Madison. That is lucky. I don’t know that he’s come to Albuquerque, but if he did I’d go see him. I thought what was really special about your experience, Bo, was the length of his time there. Almost like sesshin lectures.
Hey, I wanted to come back here and thank you for being a guest on red Ravine. This was a perfect post.
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