When I was 17 I had the wonder-full opportunity to attend a public teaching with His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama (HHDL). It was held at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre, it was his second tour to Australia, and for the first fifteen minutes I found myself with tears streaming down my face…tears of joy, sadness, awe and wonder. These tears have appeared each time I have attended his teachings (in various parts of the world since) and I know others have experienced the same. That evening I was struck by how humble, cheeky, calm, compassionate and magical he is. He truly carries a powerful presence.
Due to my mothers involvement with this Australian tour (in 1992) I also had the absolute honour and blessing to meet him in person. I don’t think I have ever smiled so fully, inside and out, and for so long. I was still feeling the tenderness of my face muscle workout many days later.
Most recently the Mind & Life Institute provided public access to the Dalai Lama in conversation with neuroscientist Richard Davidson and Dr. Carolyn Jacobs online. More than 1.3 million people tuned in to the live stream, from all over the world, to listen to the discussion on how the current crisis of COVID-19, global warming and systemic racism can be an opportunity to shift human consciousness and embrace our shared humanity.
To share some words of wisdom from HHDL -
“Much depends on our mental attitude. We must promote the one-ness of humanity.
We are 7 billion human beings.
The way we are born is the same. The way we die is the same.
… We are all the same human being. We all live on this planet. Mentally, emotionally, and physically we are all basically the same…”
The importance of interdependent origination and its relationship with quantum physics, along with the importance of meditation, cultivating and educating children in compassion and ahimsa (Sanskrit word for kindness, non-violence) were all highlighted during this recent conversation. If you would like the opportunity to watch and listen to the recording of this conversation with HHDL I have attached the link below.
I wish you all the best with your practice.
xx Freya
The mission of the Mind & Life Institute is -
Bridging science and contemplative wisdom
to foster insight and inspire action toward flourishing.
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