Endarkenment 3

So the Dalai Lama was giving public talks for 2 days, and an “Empowerment” blessing, whatever that is, on the third. Feel the good man's vibe, and get empowered to do the work. Everyone has to register with ID documents etc. Don’t ask me why I look so worried in the pic.

The Kalachakra Maidan, the venue for the teachings, after one of the events. There were about 50,000 people in there, it wasn't easy to even see the good ole DL. Unsurprisingly, I didn’t wanna join the devotees at 4am to try and line up for a better spot.

And no cameras allowed of course.

But this is what it looked like from the DL’s end, just after his rocking encore

The Dalai Lama is a beautiful man, so wise. About 30 years ago I met him, in Dharmsala, when foreigners could register for a handshake with the superstar.

This was our actual dialogue (this really happened):

Me, shaking the DL’s hand and smiling broadly: So great to meet you! Thanks so much for the amazing job you're doing all around the world!

Dalai Lama: Ahahaaahhhaaaahhaaa (bursting out laughing).

Me: Ahahaaahhhaaaahhaaa (bursting out laughing).

That was it, because then his minders moved him on.

What a guy. I love him because he laughs at my jokes, even when they’re not jokes.

The DL’s teaching on the first day was about what’s called the dharmadhatu, which is our “Buddha nature.” Basically it was about trying to remind us that the true nature of our mind is inherently pure, and that the worries and thoughts that create suffering for ourselves and others isn’t of the same nature as our pure mind itself.

Those anxieties and negativities are artificial, and completely temporary.

With proper practice, it’s possible to drop what Buddhists call these “defilements,” and then we’ll just revert to our true nature, which is inherently peaceful and pure. When we can do that, we’ll be completely open, and will spend all of our time helping others.

Great huh.

So easy.

Listening to the happy chappy, and being around him, is definitely inspiring I gotta say, although he spoke in Tibetan, so I needed to read a transcript as he spoke, not knowing exactly where he was up to.

It didn’t matter though.

Looking rather royal isn’t he.

The devotion by Buddhists to all things Dalai Lama is a bit weird though, if you ask me. But I guess that’s their tradition. And it sure works for them. I guess he is the reincarnation of all the other Dalai Lamas, and not just your average Zho Ghlogs.

Unfortunately I couldn’t stay too long in Bodhgaya, as I have my friends to meet down south. The next day I still wandered about though, before I had to skedaddle to catch a night train.

It was cold and misty. A local told me it always gets cold when the Dalai Lama comes to town. Must be because he’s such a cool dude.

A frequent site, unfortunately

This truck is parked in the main lane of a main thoroughfare. Everyone has to go around it. By the piles of dust around the wheels, and the rubbish under it, it looks like it’s been sitting there for at least six months, completely blocking traffic for that whole time. Go figure.

Ritzy new hotel on the make

An important part of Buddhist culture is making donations, in Buddhism called dana. Generosity is regarded as the first quality of an awakened mind. From there it’s easy, because of the joy that arises from having a generous heart.

But if you can’t help others, just try not to harm anyone ok?

There were huge donation tents set up for all the different monasteries, foundations and Buddhist organisations. The counters were packed with people making doantions, all day every day. So good to see.

The monk in the middle isn’t a basketball player. He’s on a rickshaw.

There’s huge markets everywhere. This area was full of Tibetan jewellery and precious stones. They love that sort of stuff.

Conch shells are blown before Buddhist rituals and ceremonies, marking the start of auspicious work, and as a symbol of the truth of dharma (Buddhist teachings). Hindus use them too.

Beautiful wall art

Ancient fire truck

I found a place that had the best ever veg food, for 100 rupes. All you can stuff.

Yeah, I stuffed too much, and that really wasn’t the best idea, given that my belly’s been rather temperamental and volatile lately.

The place was packed with pilgrims from all over. These women are from the Himalayan Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, which is where the Dalai Lama lives. I can tell by their traditional hats.

Back To The City

So I’ve really gotta get my shit together.

And my belly’s not cooperating in the slightest.

I’m running out of time, and I have important priorities. There’s no way I’m gonna miss being at the airport when Frankie, Ajuna and Phil arrive in a few days.

So it’s time to jump on another train, to go to the City of Joy.

Yeah, next stop Kolkata❤️

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