His Holiness, the Dalai Lama

One of the benefits of working at a University is that you get to partake in once in a lifetime opportunities and events that come to college campuses. Sometimes that may be a free concert or a stopover by someone on the political campaign trail. This week it was an incredible day spent with His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama at the University of Arkansas. Last March the announcement was made that he would be coming and so all year the University has held events to lead up to this visit. One of the great perks of working alongside our University Programs office is that they also put me on the list for two free tickets! Thank you!!

On Wednesday, the Dalai Lama was part of a panel event on the topic of nonviolence. Sitting with him were Sister Helen Prejean and Dr. Vincent Harding. I was able to hear Sister Helen speak two years ago as the closing speaker of NASPA- she was amazing! You might be familiar with her story as it is told in the movie Dead Man Walking. Dr. Harding was a key member in the civil rights movement, working alongside Dr. King. We were able to meet him after the program and introduce ourselves as he knows one of Jonathan's groomsmen, Lucas.

(Dr. Vincent Harding with us: May 11, 2011)

Later in the afternoon, the Dalai Lama returned for a solo speech and Q & A time. Although he was difficult to understand at times, it was truly an incredible experience to be in the same space as him and hear his reflections. A few key points that I will remember from what he shared that day:

• "Our enemy, our teacher" this Tibetan phrase reminds us that we will only grow and have the opportunity to practice our patience, non-violence, etc when we are pushed by our enemies. Our friends and family we love, but they do not force us to combat those other emotions we face.
• 'You cannot achieve happiness through being selfish, you must engage the people around you to know deep satisfaction.'
• Our mothers are so important in shaping our beginnings. Without their nurture and touch, we do not know what it means to be human people who come alive through their contact.
• Fun Fact: Yes the Dalai Lama has driven a car before, but without training and stayed inside a track of the city wall and also got in an accident. He was maybe 18 years old at the time.

(His Holiness, the Dalai Lama, stylin' in a red visor)