My "Tibetan Idol"
Posted by: Laurie Cameron in A Sign of the Times, Ripped From the Headlines, WAKE UP!My first major exposure to the concept of compassion was when I began exploring Buddhism. I took an introductory class at a Buddhism center here in Denver about 7 years ago. And my best friend Scott gave me a book called “Bones of the Master”. Increasingly intrigued, I started reading more books written about Buddhism and the Dalai Lama, and books written by the Dalai Lama - he’s a prolific writer!
And he’s become my idol - or at least my most inspiring role model for the true power of how compassion can change lives.
I loved a documentary that I saw recently on his life. It’s titled 10 Questions for the Dalai Lama, here’s the link: http://www.thedalailamamovie.com/
It was a fascinating and comprehensive look at this “humble monk’s” life.
What continues to blow me away about his life is that he was forced out of his own country when I was 1 year old. He has been living in exile for almost MY ENTIRE LIFE!
And yet he still has compassion for the Chinese government. THAT’S the most powerful role model I know of to follow and emulate in my daily life.
So I’m intrigued about the latest development in the Chinese occupation of Tibet. After over half a century of fear-driven brutality, Chinese government officials have agreed to be in a conversation with envoys of the Dalai Lama.
This reinforces my sense that we - the Global WE - are in a time of accelerated change; of “Waking Up” at an increasingly exponential rate.
Will this situation change overnight? Heavens, no! Any expectations that the Chinese government will now fling the door open wide and allow Tibetans autonomy will only result in frustration and anger. (Remember that the Second Noble Truth of Buddhism states that resistance and attachment is the cause of all suffering.)
But does this small opening to new possibilities give me hope that we’re moving in the right direction? You betcha!
Although I don’t consider myself a practicing Buddhist, I do appreciate the philosophies and teachings of loving kindness and compassion. And I DO believe that compassion is THE PRIMARY INGREDIENT of a full, vibrant life.
So the Dalai Lama is truly my “Tibetan Idol.” If he can choose to feel compassion for the Chinese government day after day, year after year, decade after decade, I can choose love and compassion in my own small way. And I can be out in the world talking about it and writing about it - like in my blog. 
If he can enter into conversation with the Chinese government with the intent of a peaceful outcome, then I can enter into conversations with people in my life who challenge my resistance and attachments, too.
So I will continue to do all that I can to choose love and compassion every day in my own life, and to help businesses and individuals create a sustainable culture of compassion in the office, at home, and in the world.
(And here’s my promotional plug - if you want more loving kindness and compassion in your relationships and in your life too, call me!)
Tags: Chinese Government, Chinese Occupation of Tibet, compassion, the Dalai Lama, Tibet
June 6th, 2008 at 1:01 pm
I was very sad to read this post. Buddhism is an empty religion…lots of feel-goodism, but very little substance. While you say you aren’t practicing, I would encourage you to steer clear of this emptiness.
There is Truth, and it isnt you and isnt me!
June 6th, 2008 at 3:48 pm
Thank you for your comments David. My primary appreciation of what I understand of Buddhism comes from the fundamental concept of Compassion - how we can perceive ourselves, each other, and the world with more understanding and grace. As a jump start for my own shift away from fear and towards more love, it’s been a great aid in my own “waking up.” My quest is to seek what resonates and supports me in my growth, what assists me in listening more deeply to my own Higher Wisdom, and to determine how that wisdom can help me better fulfill my own mission here.