The Dalai Lama in Northampton

The whole atmosphere surrounding his visit was magical. Outside the Hotel Northampton, waiting. Incense wound its way through the air, people line the streets. Then the sirens came from the center of town, police stopped traffic, it was simply exciting. Something big was happening. The wind attempted to gust, but managed only a gentle breeze charged with energy. The XIV Dalai Lama, spiritual and political leader of Tibet (in exile) -- this man of peace, this monk who has reached out to the world to spread his message of compassion, forgiveness, tolerance, contentment and self-discipline (what he calls human values) -- was actually sharing the same sidewalk I was on.

After he entered the hotel, the people stayed outside. Rumors of a talk from the balcony buzzed amongst the crowd. The main doors open, and two small boys in Tibetan outfits come out smiling. The crowd erupts in applause and the boys seemed tickled by the attention. They were accepted into the crowd which contained many of the 130 members of this area's Tibetan community. Next to emerge were an elderly couple. Smiling to the response from the crowd. They too are welcomed in and still the people watched the door and waited. And waited. I overheard a reporter ask a local Tibetan woman whether she knew if the Dalai Lama was coming back out. She didn't believe so, but commented that sometimes the mind doesn't want to let go of the moment. And it seemed with that the crowd began to disperse. Until all that was left was a burning display of incense in a dirt circle.

I walked to my car, grinning from ear to ear. As I was leaving Northampton, my eyes began to well up. I was filled with such an immense feeling of joy and peace. Was that some remnant of the Dalai Lama's presence? Some magical power that he has? Well, in a way, I guess it was.

peace,
Laura


www.dalailama.com