Yesterday, in the heat of the midday sun, I was standing in a line that went half way across the 2nd street bridge that links Kentucky with Indiana. Below me was the mighty Ohio River. Everyone in line was waiting to enter the arena where the Dalai Lama was appearing. The theme of the Dalai Lama’s talk was “Engaging Compassion”. I must admit that standing on the bridge tested my patience. However, I tried to enjoy it and to just go with the flow. When I finally got into the arena and I found my seat, all was well. Seeing the Dalai Lama was the highlight of my week. All of last week was good for me. On Tuesday I picked up a friend at the airport who was here for the Festival of Faiths and who appeared with the Dalai Lama yesterday. On stage with the Dalai Lama, who is a a Buddhist, were representatives of Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Christianity, Science, and Atheism. My friend, who was a teacher of mine, was the Christian representative. The Dalai Lama’s talk on compassion was renewing for me in my own effort to live a compassionate life. Besides being a great spiritual teacher, the Dalai Lama is a very funny guy with a wonderful sense of humor. If you were there you know what I mean. I have been around many holy people in my life. All of them had a sense of humor. I have come to believe you cannot be a truly holy and spiritual person unless you also know how to laugh. It was an afternoon well spent and I am so happy I had the opportunity.
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