07 September 2006

Long Live His Holiness The Dalai Lama


I've been to the Potala Palace, walked around his living quarters and even took pictures of the cat living amongst the relics of Buddhist history. Tibet is a long way from Vancouver but some how the Dalai Lama has showed up on my door step with blessings and greetings for all. I received a phone call from an excited husband telling me to get my shoes on and get down to Canada Place A.S.A.P. So I did. I scrambled to find the camera and a white scarf I had brought back from Lhasa but only found the camera and headed out the door. I made it just in time to.....wait. I waited patiently with tourists, Buddhists and security guards to catch a glimpse of a man I have read and heard so much about. I don't know how long I waited but when he arrived, there was almost complete silence as he walked the red carpet going through the usual rituals. He waved to the crowds wearing a smile and with out delay, he turned his back and walked into the coolness of the hotel. He was gone. It was over so fast; I didn't have time to really take it in. But from what I saw, the 14th Dalai Lama looked exactly the way I had pictured him. I left feeling a peace I couldn't find in the dark, quiet monasteries of Tibet.