The Next Dalai Lama, HHDL's Official Statement

Blinded by their own ignorance borne of samsara, Beijing would love to manipulate the recognition of the next Dalai Lama. This is His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama's take on all this. It's a great read both for its historical background and the clarity of His position and intentions. http://dalailama.com/messages/tibet/reincarnation-statement

Dalai Lama Interview re: China

The Dalai Lama's message to Tibetans

His Holiness the Dalai Lama issued this: Statement of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to All Tibetans

HHDL's message couldn't be clearer. It is complete honest, open, transparent, and unambiguous. He does not want a Tibet separate from China. He is not behind the recent protests nor does he advocate violence. Yes, he wants to sit down with Beijing and talk.

PRC, ball's in your court. BTW, did you hear about the London protests surrounding the Olympic torch?

His Holiness the Dalai Lama on Tibet

His Holiness the Dalai Lama issued a statement today about the recent protests in Tibet and the violent reaction by the Chinese government. Beijing continues to falsely accuse HHDL of conspiring against the PRC and being the mastermind behind the worst riots in 20 years.

No, China is lying. China wants "the Tibet problem" to go away, preferably before the 2008 Olympics. Native Tibetans want freedom and control over their own lives. The current protests arise from years of oppression by a facsist regime, one who claims to be "communist" but is anything but. The Chinese government is as imperialistic and feudal as any on Earth. They should be ashamed of themselves.

Please sign this online petition. Contact the Chinese embassy via email: chinaembassy_us@fmprc.gov.cn or give 'em a shoutout: 1.202.328.2500 Want to lodge a protest with China's UN mission? chinamission_un@fmprc.gov.cn 1.212.655.6100 Let them know how you feel!

Meanwhile here's an article with lots of links to help you keep up with events in Tibet.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama

Tibet is a thorn in Beijing's side. A noble cause celebre headed by a guy the world just loves. The Dalai Lama arm wrestles with the Communists. The Party wants to control HHDL's reincarnation. The whole world's watching.

This piece is a good overview. To know the man is to laugh about PRC's arrogance while crying over the distraction.

Om mani padme hum.

Vatican Snubs His Holiness the Dalai Lama

Well. The Pope is a coward. Bowing to pressure from Beijing, he won't meet with HHDL. when he's in Italy. Seems kissing China's butt is more important than doing the right thing.

So much for "liberation theology" ehhh?

Pilgrimage to India(na)

This is my third time hearing His Holiness the Dalai Lama speak (Vancouver & San Francisco, now Bloomington) and the second teaching. This one is on The Lamp For the Path to Enlightenment. First time I'm seeing him w/o Lisa.

I quickly realized that the two previous trips were easy. This one has been a true pilgrimage, not a vacation. How so?

For starters I had a list of work and domestic things I really wanted to get done before I left. Oh I got the list done and then some. Missed my flight thanks to a security checker who thought she was a docent. Chatty don't cut it when you're trying to make a plane. The happy ending was an American Airlines staff member who got me on a redeye without a change fee (as in one hundred dollars plus the difference in airfare). She'd read about the Dalai Lama's visit and cut me major slack.

I'm changing planes in Dallas-Fort Worth, snag chai at Starbucks, and what's my barista's name? Om. Yep, I asked just to make sure. Land at DFW and the brother at Thrifty and I strike up a conversation and before I know it I have a free upgrade.

Bloomington is in Indiana. And Indiana appears to be white. Quite white. Beautiful campus though. I missed the morning session the first day and found the afternoon session lacking in focus. Or perhaps it was me, having not slept much en route. Then again I heard others mumbling about "not getting it" too. All was saved when Robert Thurmon spoke in the evening. a.) he's Uma's dad b.) he's a reknown Buddhist scholar c.) he's been haning with HHDL for years and d.) he was a wicked sense of humor.

Today's sessions were great. In many ways they picked up where the San Francisco teachings left off (In Praise of Dependent Origination). Did I mention I'm in love with Thupten Jinpa, the Dalai Lama's translator? For many of us he's the voice of His Holiness.

Sidenote: I met the development person from the Tibetan Nun Project here. The funny thing is that I had to come to IN to meet someone who lives and works in Seattle.

One more day and then back to Skeedattle for this one. The good news is that I feel more focused about resuming an active practice than I have in months.

Om mani padme hum.

HHDL in Bloomington

I've never been to Bloomington IN but I have a reason to go now. In fact, I'm excited to go to Bloomington!

Mt. Rainier & the Dalai Lama

Perhaps mountains are the theme of this post:

This year's 728 Club hike was outstanding. Picture perfect, no one fell, and the oven performed flawlessly. Proof? Look no further than here for proof positive.

Meanwhile our less favorite fascists have decided to regulate reincarnation. Gee, I wonder which Tibetan monk this absurd law is trying to reign in??? Beijing vs. HHDL, who do ya think has more power? Place yer bets. My money's on that lama guy as my kids call him.

HHDL in SF

Lisa & I came to SF to hear HHDL teach. Deep stuff. And as an added bonus I finally got to hear the Gyuto Monks perform.

Whoa...