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52 EASTERN HORIZON | FEATURES

At about 9 AM, there was a stir in concise sermon; and His Holiness to say a few words to him. My words
the crowd as live-feed on the TV made his point clear and relevant to him was, “Your Holiness, thank
screens showed the Dalai Lama, to contemporary practitioners and you for your inspiration”. It was
seated in a buggy, making his way to how we can support the needs magical – he placed his hands on my
the Temple. He was helped by monk of modern society. I would like mala; and surprisingly, he touched
attendants and bodyguards as he to assume that this message was my cheek lightly. It was joy, gratitude,
walked slowly towards the building relevant and close to the heart of the respect and contentment all blended
and into the shrine hall. I was full 2000 odd audience from different into that moment; and all the way
of anticipation at that moment. I continents; as all of us were facing through the next day when I touched
saw him being helped to sit on the similar life’s pressures, longing and down at KLIA and back to my
Dharma Throne. We were told that needs, and that the practice of the hometown in Penang. It could have
he had a surgery a few weeks earlier Dharma was relevant as an antidote been his mettā and his bodhicitta
in the USA and hence, for him to be and support system. vow, I can’t explain it.
able to deliver a sermon at that time
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could be a challenge. But obviously, 12 September 2024 was a I didn’t expect to have any
he persevered and was present that memorable and special day for me; photograph from the audience
morning. Seeing him in person, even as I did not expect this wish of the as phones and cameras were not
though it was from the window, was last two decades to be fulfilled. On allowed. Again, I was surprised that
surreal. A wish come true. It still is top of this, we were given another The Office of the Dalai Lama had
until now. precious gift: We were informed photographers and videographers
that His Holiness was able to grant on site! One on each side of
His voice through the sound system, all of us (who were registered with His Holiness and they took our
to my surprise, was rich and the TBC) an audience. Unbelievable. photographs from two different
loud; and he was not breathless The 400 of us were grouped into angles – which they shared with
although he did cough a few times. two days for the audience. Mine us via our organizer. It was done
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He led everyone in a short prayer was on the 14 morning; just a few professionally, a hospitality that
before commencing the talk; and hours prior to our departure from were extended to everyone.
ended with another prayer of Dharamsala. So, on the morning of
Avalokiteshvara. From my own our final day, we had the opportunity In my heart, being able to be in
understanding, there were two to enter the Dalai Lama’s residence Dharamsala, and to have received
main messages in that 30-minute compound. No phones, cameras a teaching and blessings from His
sermon. Firstly, it is important or any other objects were allowed Holiness is an occasion that is
for “modern day” Buddhists to except our passports, malas and fulfilling. Another friend shared
understand the Buddha’s teachings khatag; truly light and easy without the same feelings too: Contented,
well and to put these into practice; fuss. I was contented just to be in his enough. Truly, the Dharma shines
and not merely following rites and presence and to say a few words to in different ways and impact each
rituals. Only through understanding him if at all possible – and without of us differently. To the Tibetans
and practice, can our fellow any photographs. After going who have been carrying the torch
Buddhists prosper and live our through the security, we were lined of the Buddha – in their land and
life meaningfully and with respect. up and seated on carpeted stone beyond; and to the Indian nation
Secondly, the Bodhicitta ideal and railings. His Holiness arrived at the that generously allowed the exiles
the truth of emptiness must be planned time. The monk attendants an opportunity to live on, may the
well-understood and be put into were very helpful and helped us blessings of the Dharma be with
practice. With these practices, it is with our khatag and advised us on you; ever more shining. EH
possible to relate to others with love how to hold our malas for the Dalai
and compassion. It was a short and Lama to bless. Most of us managed