Dear Friends, Yogis and Yoginis,

Contagious Smile
On the morning of the Dalai Lama’s teachings, I stayed in bed until the last possible minute (something I never do at home - clearly I was pretty sick!). When I did get up and head out into public, I had to wear my sunglasses to keep the light from bothering my eyes, even though it was only 7 am, and to keep from frightening my traveling companions with my deep puffy circle eye decorations.

Fortunately, nothing was required of me by anyone, including myself!

While waiting for the Dalai Lama to show up, I laid down, rested my head on someone’s backpack and wrapped myself in my scarf. I could tell that people around me were delightedly preparing for his arrival, but it only registered as when I used to submerge myself in the swimming pool, as a child, and playfully listen to the activity above the water. I had never felt so horrible in such an auspicious setting.

Interestingly, I was not registering personal disappointment about this. If anything, the teachings tell us “there are no perfect circumstances;” and “you don’t need perfect conditions for waking up.” This was definitely far from perfect.

As the moment came when we were to stand up for his Holiness’ arrival, I reached one hand up and was hoisted to me feet by Harry (Dr. Dudley to anyone else!). I found my grounding and looked up to see the most contagious smile, filled both with humility and delight.

I’ve seen many a bright smile in my days, but not often such a smile as this. His smile radiated a joy that was inherent. It was not the joy of recent good news, a particular accomplishment, nor having a personal pleasure or desire of some kind satisfied. It wasn’t even the joy of being welcomed by the throngs of people here to greet him. In fact, it wasn’t the smile of being seen, but rather the smile of seeing, deeply seeing.

The teachings were inspiring (we listened on headsets to the English translation), but since my listening and absorbing capacity were quite compromised, I listened instead with my eyes. I simply took in his presence.

It was sheer delight the entire time he was with us.

Tea and rice are served to him and to the monks during the teachings. He giggled upon the arrival of each, and giggled again minutes later when he dropped rice onto his robes while eating with his fingers.

Delight again.

Delight in spite of the fact that armed guards were in good number. Delight though we were gathered to commemorate 50 years of successful non-violent Tibetan uprising, which also means 50 years of Chinese occupation. And, fifty years he has been in exile. Fifty years his people have been oppressed, tortured, and killed. Fifty years he has led his people politically, though previously in the history of Dalai Lama’s their role was as spiritual leader. He has had to straddle both of these roles. In doing so, while an enormous undertaking to someone who thinks of himself as “a simple monk” (quoting local newspaper), he has been a tremendous blessing worldwide.

His wisdom, his compassionate and holistic presence as a world leader, and his contagious smile are among the greatest beacons of our time, whomever or wherever we are.

Namaste,
Sarahjoy