Ok, so last Thursday's blog mentioned something special might take place on Friday. It's taken me a few days to sit down and write about it, because when I try, I sound trite, or like I'm showing off.
On Wednesday we found out there was a possibility we could get an audience with the Dalai Lama (and before you ask, yes there's only one, and it's the one you're thinking of). By Thursday we were told this would actually happen. Friday morning, we were outside his residence getting checked in and ready to meet him.
Audiences with the Dalai Lama are pretty short and sweet; he's a busy guy, if you didn't know. So we just lined up and he approached. I saw his sweet face and of course, being who I am, I started laughing a bit. I was just so happy to see him. I think he looked at me and smiled. We all approached to say hello and line up for a photo with him. A monk (I'm sure he was highly ranked somehow, but we weren't formally introduced ha) put our khata (definition below) on in a rushed manner. Then apparently I said fairly loudly, "What am I supposed to do now?" I turned around and there was His Holiness, giggling and extending his hand. I did my little bow thing, and we shook hands and shared a nice smile (ok, so I probably shook his hand a little too hard and said "hi!" a little too loud), but he pulled me next to him for the photo. I started to bend down to pose, but he kept my hand and held it for the whole time. It was, for lack of a better word, lovely!
Let me admit, I am not a touchy-feely person. I think I'm pretty loving and compassionate, but actually touching people is only really comfortable for me when it's my kids or my husband. I'm not a great hugger (I want to work on that, though!!). But when with His Holiness, I felt peaceful and just fine. He has such a gentle presence and energy. I didn't feel uncomfortable at all, I didn't even feel like I was meeting someone famous. It was more like I was saying hello to a revered, loving grandfather (and, like I said, I don't know how to write this without sounding trite-- I hope I don't offend anyone, I'm just sharing how I felt on an emotional level, not a logical one).
And that's all I have to say about that.
Love, Steph
KHATA OFFERING: It is customary to offer white scarves (Tibetan: khatag) at this time, or at the very end, but this is not strictly necessary. If a khata is offered (held as in the picture) then it should be placed in front of the lama or at his side. Often, it will be returned to you (with the help of the assisting monk) as a blessing, but not always. They may be available for purchase before the ritual, but if you do not have one, you can offer a smile and a bow.
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