An incredible energy – a benign constellation, the power of the sun, the gentleness of the moon, the suprise of a comet, humor with the suddenness of a shooting star.
So smart, so open, so compassionate, so wide ranging and perceptive, while honing in on situations, seeing straight through. His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama is a true gift to this planet. I am very proud that the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center presented Tenzin Gyatso with the 2010 International Freedom Conductor Award this week. The luncheon at the Convention Center was packed. The list of sponsors was very impressive, the program extremely well done, the vocal performance by McKenzie Mack, A Change Gon’ Come, was powerful – and she’s not more than 6 or 7.
Gwen Ifill of PBS led an informal question and answer session, with some questions from the audience. It was an excellent event. His advice to Americans – Keep your self confidence. Keep your enthusiasm. This is a great nation, champion of democracy and freedom and liberty. You have the ability to work through your problems.
But more than anything, just breathing the same air as this simple monk for a few hours was a rejuvenation, a return from discouragement to delight. ‘There is a spark within all of us. Fan the Flame’ is the motto of the Freedom Center. The Dalai Lama is certainly a Flame himself, and definitely a Fan for the rest of us.