AN AUSPICIOUS TIME FOR BUFFALO

aus·pi·cious
adj.
1. Attended by favorable circumstances; propitious
2. Marked by success; prosperous.

With all the new development throughout our region, particularly in our city, it can be considered an auspicious time for Buffalo and Western New York. It is written that a period before and after the Dalai Lama’s birthday is considered “Auspicious Days.” It makes one wonder if his visit has been part of these “auspicious times” for our area.

The visit on September 18-20, 2006, by His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, the head of state in exile of Tibet and spiritual leader of the Tibetan people, is an extraordinary event for Western New York. On Tuesday, September 19th, the Dalai Lama’s message to the masses (approximated at 31,000) was a clear and simple one of mutual respect and compassion with a focus on world peace.

This is a man who tosses aside the material plaudits he receives on a regular basis stating, “I am nothing but just one of you…” while stressing “Every human being has same right to have successful life…happy life.” If that were only taken to heart…

He identifies himself first, as a human being, second as a Tibetan, and third as a Buddhist. A simple man, monk, lama, with a message for all mankind who states that everyone needs to have spiritualism, even their own religion. Buddhism, you see, is a lifestyle rather than a religion.

The crowd at this event showed more diversity than I have witnessed before. As we left our vehicle at the Pepsi Center, we noticed a small group “tail-gating” – only in Buffalo. They were from the Concerned Ecumenical Ministries at 286 Lafayette and it was also another auspicious date – Sister Chris’ birthday. What a way to celebrate!

As we entered the stadium and took our seats we watched as it slowly and quietly filled. When it seemed most were in place, subdued speech created a peaceful, respectful ambience. It seemed most were familiar with the Dalai Lama’s teachings on mindfulness. Slide presentations were abundant and showed the background of all who worked diligently on this event, the progression and deconstruction of the UB Sand Mandala, and some of the Sunday performance of “Sacred Music, Sacred Dance.”

Other pre-address entertainment was presented by Jesse Levine (viola) and Charles Haupt violin) as they performed “Duo in G Minor.” The next live performance was presented by the Lamas of the Drepung Loseling Monastery. “Shanak Garcham – The Dance of the Black Hat Masters” provides a view of this ancient dance for the elimination of negative energies and hindrances. The dancers movements symbolize the joy and freedom of seeing reality in its nakedness.

A true bonus to the day was the live appearance by Philip Glass, with his first piece – the appropriately entitled “Duet” along with former monk and Grammy award winning Nawang Khechog on flute and vocal chants. Two solo presentations by Mr. Glass included “2 Etudes” and “Mad Rush.”

During the last piece by Glass, the crowd’s sights were turned on the rear of the stage as the Dalai Lama’s car came into view. Slowly, the 71 year old monk ascended the stage to receive his Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from the State University of New York by Gordon R Gross (SUNY Board of Trustees), John R Ryan (Chancellor), and John B Simpson (President, UB). He wasted no time in putting the degree to good use stating: “So with that degree, perhaps I could make an appeal…” and continued by asking that educators from kindergarten through college to find ways to develop “warm heartedness or a compassionate heart.”

As usual, His Holiness showed his sense of humor telling the crowd that if anyone had come to witness miracles or healings, he had no special energy or powers. He continued in stressing the need to depend on our mental attitudes, “When your mind is in a calm state…you can endure physical discomfort such as pain.”

His message was simple, easy, and based in common sense for uncommon times. To have compassion for every living thing, having and leading a mindful life, to become ambassadors of peace in this turbulent world.

There truly is so much more to say about the address, but space is prohibitive. Here’s a link to see all the events for yourself, from the Sand Mandala Consecration, the Interfaith Service on September 18th, the musical performances, the Dalai Lama’s address and question/answer period, to today’s symposium on “Law, Buddhism, and Social Change:” http://www.buffalo.edu/dalai_lama/video.html

There have been many times I have experienced a sideways glance when I say I am a Buddhist. In the past, that may have made me uncomfortable, but not now, after hearing this “Simple Monk” speak quietly, yet with the wisdom of common sense and the courage of 1,000 Snow Lions.
Many thanks to Anne Gareis for the photos of the event.

COMPASSION FOR A NEW YEAR

“Compassion is the keen awareness of the interdependence of all things.” –Thomas Merton*

  

On December 31, 2005 I had two friends over to quietly bring in the New Year with a little food, a toast, and great conversation. Out of the blue I made a statement that went something like “My mantra for 2006 is ‘Passion for Compassion’.” I placed signs in my office with the mantra on them and I attempted to live by the mantra. It’s hard, damn hard. Every time something happens that flips a switch, one can only fight the temptation not to become angry with perpetrators and slum-lords.

Then, if you really take to heart, the quote that appears above by Thomas Merton, things slowly come into perspective. As I write this I have been interrupted with five calls regarding criminal activities in three different districts of the city. Although I am on a hard deadline, I have to act with compassion.

I can’t say, “Not now, I’m busy.” I have to train myself to take a few deep breaths and listen. And when I give them a chance to speak, I understand their need for someone to talk to, someone to take action on their part, because they are so afraid.

If we, as a society, can take the words “…keen awareness of the interdependence of all things.” to heart, we can make a stronger impact than any government grant or gift. For many years, we as a community, have acted on our most pressing needs – schedules, lack of time, what Johnnie wants, the telephone, on and on and on. We have forgotten the simple act of listening to others and offering assistance. We have not yet realized the “interdependence of all things.”

If so, our neighborhoods would all experience what a handful of successful neighborhoods are experiencing now – a renaissance of good neighbors – less crime – better home values – cleaner streets – children who have the opportunity to interact with others and have learned what was once termed the social graces as a result of that interaction.

A lot of folks don’t agree with Hillary Clinton’s mantra of “It Takes a Village,” but it is just common sense to me, especially in these hard times. Our social responsibility encompasses everyone. And, though there are times when I feel I want to shut off my phone and hibernate, I know that nine times out of ten, if I answer it, if I listen, if I take positive action to assist to remedy a wrong, I feel better for it. I feel better for it! My community is better off for it. And, whether or not it affects one person or many, the general feeling of the universe is much better off.

If we work together, compassionately, as any village in what we may term a primitive culture, we can move mountains. We can affect a single life that, in turn, can affect 100 more. It’s the reverse of the “kick-the-cat” syndrome. When someone has had a hard day, it’s difficult to walk into your home and be greeted by more problems. Problems and issues mount up on one another, and then the family kitty walks by and barfs on your shoe. That’s gone way too far and poor kitty is quickly airborne by the same shoe she barfed on. So, reverse it. Take the issues, become human again, react compassionately, help someone, make a difference in their lives and it will spread.

I had the opportunity to attend the lecture by the Dalai Lama this year and, of course, his lesson for all of us was compassion. In his writings and lectures he has stated over and over again, “If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.” It makes perfect sense; we just need to bolster each other to be able to perform like that.

It’s hard, but worth it. And the end game is one that can be celebrated by many. So, instead of kicking the cat, give her a little scratch under the chin, listen to a neighbor, and talk to the people who can make a difference. We’re all affected by the happenings around us. If someone thinks that crime three blocks away or on the next neighborhood doesn’t affect them, think again. Stop the spread before it starts by practicing compassion in your community.

Have a passion for compassion in 2007! And, a very Happy New Year for all of us!

*Thomas Merton (1915-1968) was a writer and Trappist monk at Our Lady of Gethsemani Abbey in Kentucky. His writings include such classics as The Seven Storey Mountain, New Seeds of Contemplation, and Zen and the Birds of Appetite. Merton is the author of more than seventy books that include poetry, personal journals, collections of letters, social criticism and writings on peace, justice and ecumenism.