| Well, it has been a while since I wrote anything and that is because a) there hasn't been anything to write about and b) even if there was, I wouldn't be interested in reading it, so why would I write about it?
Actually that isn't the case. There have been things I've done that I have something to say about, but my attempts at writing have been quite uninspiring and the efforts have been quite dull - and I don't want to put that out there.
But I thought that I should say something before the end of the year - as at the end of the year, I will do a write up on the year I've had - as I tend to do. I do that, not because I like to assess the year, but because it is nice to put a line under things as it refreshes my mind and increases it's expectations about what adventures await. I guess that it is for the same reason that books have chapters rather than be one long stream of words - we need to clear the decks every now and then.
Anyway, I just thought that I'd mention that I went to see/hear the Dalai Lama and it was a good adventure. Being a world leader makes him one of an elite number of people, but he stands out as his motivations are not political and his personal motivation isn't for control or power - a rare type of figure head, if not unique.
He was over in Australia for a number of public and private meetings including 'Awakening the Mind' (in Sydney), 'Our Future, Who is Responsible?' (In Sydney) and 'Our Earth, Who is Responsible?' (in Hobart).
In Melbourne there was a breakfast that was a Nobel Peace Prize celebration as it was the 20th anniversary of him receiving the Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of his work towards a peaceful resolution to the issue of Tibet. Part of the speech he made when he received the award was:
“The suffering of our people during the past forty years of occupation is well documented. Ours has been a long struggle. We know our cause is just because violence can only breed more violence and suffering, our struggle must remain non-violent and free of hatred. We are trying to end the suffering of our people, not to inflict suffering upon others. Any relationship between Tibet and China will have to be based on the principle of equality, respect, trust and mutual benefit.”
We're 20 years on and China don't seem to have any interest in any resolution - then again, bullies rarely are.
The talk that I attended was titled, 'World Peace, Who is Responsible?' and the Dalai Lama had said,
"We are all brothers and sisters with the same mental and physical capacities, the same problems and the same needs. We must all contribute to the fulfilment of the human potential and the improvement of the quality of life as much as we are able. We are also being drawn together by the grave problems we face; over population, dwindling natural resources and an environmental crisis that threatens our air, water and trees, along with the vast number of beautiful life forms that are the very foundation of existence on this small planet we share.
I believe that to meet the challenge of our times, human beings will have to develop a greater sense of universal responsibility. Each of us must learn to work not just for his or her own self, family or nation but for the benefit of all mankind. Universal responsibility is the real key to human survival. It is the best foundation for world peace, the equitable use of natural resources and through concern for future generations, the proper care of the environment."
You can't argue with that.
The talk itself was interesting but not particularly deep or life-changing. It was just good to be there and see the people who were there and share the event with plenty of good people. His opening remarks of "We are not here for a miserable life - we are here for a happy life" is a simple but important starting point and something that we shouldn't forget.
He talked about this and that and chuckled often. He jumped around a bit and answered a number of questions from the audience. I can't really remember much that I can relate to you, but for me, it was more about experiencing it than hearing about it. Having said that, the talk was recorded and I will get a copy of it on DVD and have another listen when there will be less distractions/noise that interfered with my concentration on the day.
There is no denying that he is an important and impressive man and leader. It is the second time I have seen him and hopefully not the last.
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