Here and There: 2009-06-07

I saw the Dalai Lama today, (somewhat) up close and personal. Perhaps in my worldly ignorance and spiritual backwardness, I could not see the “wolf wrapped in a habit, a monster with human face and the heart of an animal” that the Chinese government has described him as once. The Dalai Lama was but a simple Buddhist monk, in simple robes, with simple words.

Yet, this simple monk with simple words, has an almost infectious, child-like chuckle. One often triggered by anecdotes from his many encounters with world leaders and commoners alike, and by the self-recognition of his broken command of the English language. Though his sentences and grammar may be broken, his sense and profundity is whole and genuine. His simple words carry wisdom, reach the core of common sense, is at times grounded by science and worldly facts, and all cemented by the fundamental and universal message of compassion and kindness. These are virtues to be recognised and nurtured. To be passed on to future generations through education, training, and daily practice. Not only for personal growth and spiritual development, but also for greater social peace and unity in the family, community, country and world at large.

To develop the potentials of affection and compassion within us, it is important to master over the opposite emotions of hatred and aggression. Patience and tolerance can offer the mind— the judge and jury of all our interactions and perceptions of the world—a sense of calm and peace essential to develop wisdom. Wisdom to remain undisturbed, focused and determined. Even in turbulent times.
The Dalai Lama lectured, his arm occasionally gesturing at the audience of some ten thousand. I received his intense gaze, voice and wisdom as if he was speaking to me personally. Even through a big screen, it was as if his presence could be felt. Not in the way that healers, self-proclaimed gurus and voodoo-doers claim to have the power to reach within your soul and magically cure you of all ailments and worry. The Dalai Lama’s method was, as he had forewarned, perhaps less elaborate and more disappointing. He appealed, merely but no less importantly, to the humanity and commonalities that we share as breathing and bleeding human beings.

People from all over the Netherlands, and even beyond, flocked to catch a glimpse of the Dalai Lama. He was like a celebrity, but without the glitz and glamour, and not needing the pompous red carpet. Though, for a few moments, in an attempt to humour the locals, he played the hip gangster by putting on a tacky souvenir black and white cap with Amsterdam scribbled all over it and black sunglasses. The hall reverberated with laughter and lightheartedness, contrasting with the almost holy silence when the Dalai Lama spoke in all earnestness and seriousness about living with compassion and wisdom.

Before the Dalai Lama’s visit, the media regurgitated China’s warnings to democratic countries of the “severe consequences” for allowing such public displays of support for Tibetan ‘separatism’. It is ironic that on the Chinese government’s website dedicated to human rights yesterday, there was a headline (in big, red captions) reminding the world that any contact with the Dalai Lama will not be tolerated. An entire website is dedicated to demonising the Dalai Lama and his “clique of splittists”, reminds people not to believe the vile lies that the Dalai Lama spreads through his “political activities”. In China’s eyes, the Dalai Lama’s “attempt to hoodwink and manipulate their few domestic followers to carry on making turbulence and to hold back the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation” is doomed to fail.

Yet, where is the political agenda in the Dalai Lama’s reminder to people, whether religious or secular, Buddhist, Christian, Muslim or Jewish, whether black, yellow or white, of the inherent potential of compassion and human affection that lie within each and every one of us? What is the great threat of urging people to cultivate tolerance, compassion, and understanding, of standing up for transparency, truth and sincerity, especially in as turbulent times as today? Where is the source of subversion and ‘splittism’ in talking about humanity’s yearning for and progress towards greater transparency and universal truth, as received and perceived from all angles and opinions?

Perhaps the ‘West’ is conspiring against China. The Dalai Lama’s evilness and that dagger behind his smile must be what attracts millions of followers, supporters and sympathisers worldwide to witness his appearances and listen to his preachings. For there can be no other reason why this “ monk in a crimson cassock [who] has many tools for disguise to survive the international criticism against violence and terror” is a Noble Peace Prize Laureate, an honorary citizen of Canada, and of various world cities .

Not that titles and awards, recognitions and words of praise and flattery matter much to this simple Buddhist monk with an air of humility and lowers himself to the level of the common folk. His calls of compassion and tolerance is his only weapon, his patience and constant search for the middle way is his only defence against the torrent of negative propaganda against him and his government-in-exile. And throughout the past fifty years, despite longing for returning to the homeland, the Dalai Lama has called for dialogue, engagement, and compromised to only seek autonomy within China. Throughout the ordeal and forced exile, the courage and hope and optimism the Dalai Lama still speaks of the difficult, but ultimate wisdom in extending compassion and affection to the enemy.

Angry words, full of hatred, full of delusion and greed, only perpetuate misunderstanding and confrontation, only serve to prolong the causes of wars and conflicts, which were rife in the 20th Century. Has the world progressed since then? Have people around the world matured? Yes. Witness the popular peaceful revolutions that toppled authoritarianism and tyranny. Recall how at the dawn of the last century nations rallied in pride to go to war, and yet in the context of Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan millions took to the streets. Listen to the language of human rights, self-determination and democracy echoing with peoples and leaders.

Those are all great changes, perhaps all too grand and far away for little people like you and me to affect. Yet, we as human beings, in our everyday lives, in our every day speech and actions, can make a difference to ourselves, and to those around us.

There is hope yet. Hope, even in turbulent times.

The Dalai Lama at the RAI in Amsterdam on 4 June 2009.

Prior to the visit, the Chinese foreign ministry and embassy to the Netherlands had made clear to the Dutch government that such a welcome would have "consequences". Parliamentarian Harry van Bommel was quoted as saying that China had the "disguting nerve" to send a "threat letter" to Parliament. Despite this, the Dutch parliament openly received the Dalai Lama.

However, the coward and hypocritical prime minister Balkenende was too scared to meet the Dalai Lama himself. Ironically, Balkenende is the one who is always preaching about "norms and values", and yet under pressure from an authoritarian and foregin regime, he cowers. In contrast, the Danish prime minister, German chancellor and French president were not afraid to meet the Dalai Lama.