 |
|
| Author |
 Topic  |
|
|
gambiabev
United Kingdom
3091 Posts |
 Posted - 26 May 2008 : 21:05:34
|
I have just been to Nottingham for two days where I have been in an audience of 6,000 people listening to the Dalai Lama.
It was a truely wonderful experience. I have come home unlifted and really have the feeling of being in the presence of a great figure on the world stage.
He is clever, compassionate and charismatic. He has an amazing sense of humour.
I am NOT a Buddhist, but think we could ALL learn alot from Buddhism about being compasionate and altruistic. They seem genuinely spiritual and seem to understand profoundly what is important in life.
At one point 6,000 of us were meditating together and I was amazed by what floated into my mind.......... Kolior village in Gambia. It was a profound experience which has reenergised me.
Another moving session was when local children came on the stage to read their poems about global warming and ecology. A group of pupils from a special school read their poem supported by their teachers and signers. I was moved to tears. Of course I teach autistic children, so knew what an incredible achievment it was to get a profoundly autistic child on stage infront of 6,000 people! He was happy in the presence of the Dalai lama, who later came and blessed him.
There are certain times in ones life that we recognise as pivital and important. This weekend was such a time for me.
I bought 2 books whilst I was there:
1. A beginners guide to changing the world (for Tibet with love) by Isabel Losada
2. Buddhism for beginners. By Thubten Chodron
I want to learn more........
Buddhism doesn't attempt to convert.....
Buddhism preaches peaceful resistance similar to Ghandi
Buddhists are the original ecologists and try not to be too consumerist.
All this resonates with me.
I want to learn more about the politics of china with regard to Tibet.
I would love to visit Tibet, but worry about the politics and the altitude sickness.
I'm interested to know the Muslim view of Buddhism....... WHat do Muslims feel about the ideas of reincarnation? and so on......
|
|
|
jambo
3300 Posts |
Posted - 27 May 2008 : 14:17:52
|
hello Bev,  I am happy that you are having some spiritual meetings/talks and readings it is good for the soul.
the dalai lami is a peaceful man, very calm and highly educated. He is about living and let live.
BUT his country is under "attack from outside forces, he does not like this and is resisting, he is doing what is best as he sees if for his people" So should he cave in and let China rule his country or should he stand tall and resist.
Each person has a level of tolerance and sometimes it is good to stand up and say enough is enough. |
 |
|
|
gambiabev
United Kingdom
3091 Posts |
Posted - 27 May 2008 : 16:57:55
|
I am spending today (wet and windy) being 'lazy'. I am reading 'A beginners guide to changing the world (for Tibet with love) by Isable Losada.
Sometimes in life we are so busy with the day to day to stop and think. Every now and then I like to have a day where I potter around at home, read books, write my thoughts in a journal and post of internet. THINKING. It is a luxury.
Can peaceful protest achieve anything? Or do these things inevitably end in wars? Does China think Tibet is weak because of it's lack of retaliation? What would physical retaliation achieve? More Tibetan deaths and a tighening of restrictions.   |
|
|
| |
Topic |
|
|
|
| Bantaba in Cyberspace |
© 2005-2024 Nijii |
|
|
|
Topic Locked
