Dalai Lama - Day One

I have to be quick to write as the dodgy computer I am using in this hotel lobby seems determined to undermine my every move and whim - but I wanted to quickly tell you that I am having an amazing time.

I am in Melbourne to see the Dalai Lama speak about the Way of the Bodhichitta. I'll have to link it all later - so have a google and check it out. (#$%$^^& computer in hotel lobby I shall kick you shortly)

Some notes that I have jotted down:

"What is Dharma? It is the practice of love." This struck me as I love the idea of compassion IN ACTION. I love the understanding that Buddhism does not have to involve simply sitting - but it is about ACTION in the world. How we bring affection and kindness to others. How we take a broader perspective on the Planet. He mentioned that the Copenhagen summit about climate change failed as everyone there thought only of their own country. It is up to us to now think globally, to put compassion into action on a global level.

The Dalia Lama spoke about that whatever path you have chosen, take it seriously and carefully. Whatever religon that is, practice with your whole heart. "Religion is medicine for the mind."

I witnessed the afternoon session with His Holiness - it was called Coversation With The Dalai Lama and the room was full to capacity, a couple of thousand people were there. People asked amazing questions. One young boy about twelve, hesitantly said to his Holiness, "Thankyou for taking my question. I am very afraid of death, and dying. Can you help me?" The answer was so gentle and kind - and full of good humour. From where we were sitting we could see the boys face nodding at the answer, engaged - hearing him. What was the answer? That he was young yet and should dedicate action to helping others. Perhaps become a teacher. Put off the question until he was an old man like himself! That is the time for contemplation of such things, and now is the time to live with happiness.

I am running out of time - its nearly 7am - so here are the other questions that were asked - i will have to fill in the rest later. "Both my parents are recently passed. Am I still connected to them?" "How can we remember our past lives and remember our past learnings?" "If at the point of death, a person dies in a traumatic manner, what does that mean for their next lifetime?" "How important is fame to you?" "What can we as individuals, and as a people do to impact on climate change?"

You can see I have a lot more to tell you. My final thing to say about yesterday is the one piece of information I am left with is the critical importance of meditation as a way of developing a single pointed focus, and a calm mind. This trains the mind to deal with any troubles that arise.

Blessings to you all - it is a miraculous time - after the last talk I could see laypeople, nuns, monks and others with tears in their eyes and open hearts. And its hard to be cynical about that, dear dharma buddies.