My encounter with the Dalai Lama:
I was sitting so close, I could almost see him with my glasses on.
A few months back I had the pleasure and privilege of going to see the Dalai Lama speak. And though I remember his words being very enlightening, I don’t actually remember what he said or spoke about.
It was one of his actions that day that stands out the most in my mind.
As he was getting comfortable on his seat on-stage, he mentioned something laughingly about how the lights shining on him were really bright. Immediately someone brought him a UCI visor cap — which he then put on.
It really was a sight to see — the Dalai Lama with a UCI visor perched on his head, patiently answering all our questions.
Picture taken from this site.
Anyhow, what really got me thinking about this was the fact that there were other people on stage with him at the time, but no one else complained about the lights — even though any of us that have been on large stages know how glaring they can be. No one even shaded their eyes in attempt to gain some respite from the blinding stage lights. Except the Dalai Lama. And he found a solution — a solution that did harm to no one and cured him of his discomfort.
Why is this? I was forced to ask myself. Is it because people are afraid to speak up about their discomforts? Is it because they’re afraid the solution will make them look silly?
Who knows… But somehow I began to think about how this applies to real life. How many times have I not spoken up when I felt uncomfortable about something that could have been easily solved? How often do I wallow in pain and self-sacrifice when the solution doesn’t change anything for anyone but me?
How often do I let my image of what is the way it’s “supposed to be” get in the way of what is good for me?
I mean, I’ve been on a big stage many times, and I’ve always complained about the bright lights, been annoyed at how I can’t see anything, gotten a headache trying to read the stupid piece of paper in front of me.
And yet, it never occurred to me that the solution would be as simple as putting on a visor or a hat. Instead, I stood there and endured it just like everyone else, when in fact, helping myself wouldn’t have hurt or changed anything for anybody.
Yet, even as I write this, I find it incomprehensible in myself to be able to do such a thing.
I think it takes a different type of mind set to be able to do what the Dalai Lama did. — A mind set that I do not yet have. However, understanding that, now I can look out for more painful situations in which I can just find simple solutions for myself that don’t have an effect on anyone but me.
An example: If I’m cold and I’m wearing a really nice outfit — fuck what looks good, I’ll just put on the fugly ass sweater I found in the back of my car. It doesn’t hurt anyone that I look worse, but at least I won’t be freezing my ass off and getting sick.
Do you ever make “sacrifices”, in order to not look “stupid”? If so, give an example.
Kim’s Link of the Day:
CLICK IMAGE FOR FULL VIEW
This is one of the funniest things I’ve read in a long time. He’s hilarious and a great artist. I’m an instant fan. I also have this same problem… People guess everything but Viet. …Until I squat down and pretend to smoke, drink heineken and play cards at the same time.
