Today, for the first time in an embarrassingly long time, I am proud of something my American government is doing: conferring upon His Holiness the Dalai Lama our highest civilian award, the Congressional Gold Medal. I cannot think of anyone else on this planet more deserving of honor. The Chinese are reportedly "furious"; His Holiness laughs it off. Spot the difference.
In the midst of the usual media coverage, I came across this remarkably good editorial in The Boston Globe. It contains this noble, wonderful passage:
"Ideally, Bush and members of Congress who voted to confer this honor on the Dalai Lama would also absorb something of the exiled spiritual leader's deeply held beliefs on nonviolence and compassion. This would be a symbolic dimension of the event that has nothing to do with China. It would imply serious meditation by America's political leaders on the resort to war, the threat from climate change brought about by greenhouse gases, and tolerance for differences in the family of man."
To which I can only say, "Amen."
Do you have a special memory or thought about the Dalai Lama with which to honor him? Feel free to share in the comments. I know my mama, for one, is a major fan.
The Dalai Lama is widely believed to be the physical incarnation of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion. In the spirit of the Dalai Lama, Avalokiteshvara, I've got an urgent and timely project for us, if you're willing.
About an hour ago, my friend Hazel called. She said she was near my flat, with a horribly injured dog. Would I come help? Is the Dalai Lama Buddhist?
I hustled over with a towel and found Hazel and her charge, a bone-thin little guy with a badly mangled paw, barely dangling on its leg. It was clearly an old wound, and deeply infected. But somehow the dog was still standing, and alert with such a sweet and trusting face, if weak and pretty miserable. I let him smell my hand, spoke gently and lovingly, and he allowed me to wrap him in the towel, hold him and soothe him. We all jumped in a cab and zipped over to the vet.
The vet was not optimistic. The leg would definitely need to be amputated at the shoulder. He had a high fever and signs of possible distemper. There was also some pain in the abdomen. They took him in, and promised to have the American vet examine him later this afternoon. We'll have some decisions to make at the end of the day.
Two things might happen. One, with some effort we can save him and then we'll make sure he's a happy, healthy tripod somewhere nice. Two, if the infection's systemic and the distemper is real, he's going to die. In that case, I've offered to take him into my home and make him comfortable, play Jetsunma's "Prayer to be Reborn in Dewachen" for him, and pray myself as long as he lasts in this body.
I like Option One better myself, don't you? Remember the miracle we managed with Floki?
Avalokiteshvara's heart mantra is the well-known Om Mani Padme Hung, which is the distilled essence of that sublime being's limitless compassion. I've been reciting it for this little dog since I saw him. Will you join me? Let's see if we can pull another one out of the hat. You don't have to "be a Buddhist" to say this mantra. It's just a way to focus compassionate intent. But if you're still not comfortable, by all means pray the way you like. And, as always, let's dedicate these prayers to all the uncountable animals that are suffering in this world, and all other beings everywhere. That's what the Dalai Lama would do.
Coincidentally, our center is having a Mani recitation collection, as an offering to our recently deceased lama. We keep on accumulating them and I'll ask them to also include the dog in their dedications.
Posted by: JMLee | October 17, 2007 at 04:53 AM
That's the spirit!
Posted by: Konchog | October 17, 2007 at 05:07 AM
I wish I had a Dalai Lama story to share! The best I can say is that every year for Christmas my daughter gets me the 365 day Dalai Lama calendar, and it's my favorite present.
I will fill my day with Om Mani Puppy, I mean Padme Hungs! I'll say a few in hopes that Turkey doesn't invade Northern Iraq as well!
Posted by: Carol of Seattle | October 17, 2007 at 09:48 AM
I love it! Om Mani Puppy Hugs!!
Posted by: Konchog | October 17, 2007 at 10:13 AM
Om Many Puppy Hugs!
Posted by: Carol of Seattle | October 17, 2007 at 10:18 AM
Great post on HH Dalai Lama. I also wrote something about his visit to WDC. I used the photo you had in your post. Thanks. I t is for a good cause... Haroldo
Posted by: Haroldo Castro | October 17, 2007 at 11:25 AM
I hope you know that I am pulling for this little guy, Konchog. As always, thanks for your help. It is very comforting to me knowing that you share your kindness with those in real need, especially when they are of the four-legged variety, or even three-legged. Thank You Konchog!
Posted by: Jim | October 17, 2007 at 11:32 AM
Om Many Puppy Hugs from me too!
I have no Dalai Lama stories to tell, but I love to listen to him speak. He has a way about him that makes you believe there's hope for the world.
Posted by: jules | October 17, 2007 at 12:39 PM
I would like to send along the best wishs to the new dog that I sure will get better. count me in for a few chants: Om Mani Padme Hung
Om Mani Padme Hung
Posted by: jill | October 17, 2007 at 03:50 PM
How can I resist?
Om Many Puppy Hugs! Om Many Puppy Hugs! Om Many Puppy Hugs!
Posted by: Ryan | October 17, 2007 at 06:34 PM
My Dalai Lama Story
by Samaya Hart
Early 1980's, I think.
Looking for work.
Answered an ad in the Village Voice:
BOOKEEPER WANTED
Karma Construction
75 Leonard St.
Call Barry or Gregg.
I called. Met Barry and Gregg. Logo for company was a big mandala.
So, I ask, what kind of construction company is this?
Barry replied, the usual ...but our real job is that we are chauffeurs for the Dalai Lama.
???THE DALAI LAMA????
WOW, I said.
Want to meet him?
!!!YES, I said.!!!
A few days later, nothing special, summoned into a room with one sofa. On it sat....
THE DALAI LAMA
He said, SIT.
I SAT.
He took my hands between his, and said, over and over...
GOOD, GOOD, GOOD, GOOD....
AND IT WAS.....
WOW!
Shortly thereafter, I left the job. Lost touch with Barry and Gregg.
Years later, Gregg and Barry started the Samaya Foundation....
And years after that, a mystical Rabbi named me Samaya....he didn't know what the name meant, he just knew it was mine.
And I knew it was good, good, good.
Posted by: Samaya | October 17, 2007 at 09:10 PM
Om.
Posted by: minnie | October 17, 2007 at 10:21 PM
om mani padme hung little puppy. sending loving kindness all the way from australia.
i am sitting at my desk weeping for the little guy, luckily i am the only one left on this floor this afternoon.
Posted by: yeshe t | October 18, 2007 at 12:45 AM
I read the autobiography of the Dalai Lama, after he received the Peace Noble Prize. I was 19. First time I was reading a book written by a buddhist and I remember I was struck in the least expected part of the book, a very short philosophical passage where he stated something like the base for future lives and liberation as well rely on the continuity of consciousness.
What should have been a triviality (who doesn't think that the self is continuous?) resulted in being a landmark, a question mark, that is, a philosophical moment per definition. First, I knew that this man wouldn't be saying something so obvious, so what was he talking about? Second, he was not justifying his stance on faith, which was so puzzling.
Many years later, I started doing sitting meditation and, more years later ended, (or, more appropriately, started) being a buddhist. At least, now, I am a beginner, and this fantastic opportunity in this life was transmitted to me by a few lines in a book that stuck with me for years, until they germinated.
Of course, I still have no idea what he was talking about, but I least I know where and how to look now.
I also remember that, in the preface of the French edition of this book, the Dalai Lama was quoted saying to a famous French documentalist for TV, in the sixties: "Please, remember to tell the audience that Lobsang Rampa is a fake and don't say anything bad about the Chinese."
My story is not even remotely special, it is not even a "Dalai Lama Story (TM)", but, since it happened to me, somehow, it is special to me and, since Lama Konchog invited us to share, he it is.
Best wishes for the dog.
Posted by: Christian | October 18, 2007 at 04:55 AM
Thank you for sharing that, Christian, truly. It makes me wonder how many stories there are in this world similar to yours, as far as the Dalai Lama's inspiration. I imagine quite a lot.
Posted by: Konchog | October 18, 2007 at 07:19 AM
Om shanti
Posted by: Phil | October 18, 2007 at 02:14 PM
Konchog, were you watching the ICT webcast? Did you see His Holiness give Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi an ENLIGHTENMENT STUPA???? About the size of our "traveling" Parinirvana Stupa. Isn't it amazing to think of it residing in the Capitol? KT
Posted by: KT | October 18, 2007 at 02:14 PM
I got to see the Dalai Lama speak twice. Once about ten years ago on the Mall in DC, and then again two years ago in Tucson. What really struck me is this: We are always perceiving those who vie for fame and fortune and doing horrible things to those ends. But on both occasions there were thousands of people with the positive karma to gravitate towards compassion. People could not be turned away from the chance to get even just a glimpse of one who could show them the face of peace. It is so amazing to have such opportunities in this life.
"So, ya know, I got that goin' for me - Which is nice."
Posted by: Claire Seesman | March 02, 2008 at 04:56 PM