10.20.08
Modern Prophet
One year ago today (it was a Saturday about 5 a.m.) I said good-bye to the kitties and pups and departed on a milestone voyage.
I was heading to Atlanta, a journey that was part road trip, part holy pilgrimage. I was going to see His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama speak during two days of teaching.
There’s no doubt I was excited, but there was a lot of fear, too. I worried about disappointment; worried he would be self-absorbed or fussy, the way some celebrities are. A false prophet; a sham.
From the moment I saw him, I knew he was the real deal. He emanated genuine modesty and compassion, wearing flip-flops on bare feet, along with the shapeless sheets that were his robes.
For two days he spoke, always keeping to a schedule, never using notes, exploring with remarkable clarity the depths of Buddhist ideals and human nature. His mind has the complexity of a labyrinth; yet he is all heart.
He received accolades, honors and unending praise that would make anyone uncomfortable at least — and egomaniacal at worst.
All he said was, “I’m going to get a big head!” and roared with his trademark laugh.
It’s hard to imagine a saint walking among us, but I believe he is.
