Happy 616th Birthday To HH Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatso

by Robert Wilkinson

Well, it's true, since he does "remember" all the way back to his first incarnation as Dalai Lama, born 1391. It's a miraculous thing when a person can with unimpeachable authority KNOW not just who they were in a prior life (with no prompting) but can also identify their previous life possessions, such as glasses, bowls, and malas, or prayer beads. This Being is truly one of the most benign and enlightened consciousnesses ever to walk this Earth, and having had the privilege of attending numerous talks with Him, I am always in awe of his gentle sense of humor, his generosity of Spirit, and his profound wisdom.

For a brief overview of the previous 13 Dalai Lamas, please go to this link, courtesy of NPR. And this article, courtesy of the Tibetan Government in Exile, gives a bio of His Holiness. And of course, by all means check out the movie "Kundun," an excellent piece of work showing just some of his tests of compassion this lifetime, and the documentary "10 Questions for the Dalai Lama," sure to be a major piece of work.

According to the review of "10 Questons" in the Boston Herald, the film maker was "granted a one hour meeting in which he could ask 10 questions."

The filmmaker picks his selections carefully; we learn about the Dalai Lama’s views on his religion, China’s occupation and how to resolve the conflict in the Middle East (“more festivals and picnics!,” he says with a coy smile). He speaks candidly and yet at times can’t stop giggling.

The Dalai Lama’s blend of humor and intellect make him irresistible. The movie - much of it shot with one camera - doesn’t have too many tricks up its sleeve. But you’ll find yourself drawn in, all the same.

(“10 Questions for the Dalai Lama” contains no objectionable material.)

"No objectionable material" indeed! "More festivals and picnics" for the Middle East? What an enlightened Being! Happy Birthday, Your Holiness. I look forward to seeing you in October. The last time I had the privilege, you gave me and tens of thousands of others in Central Park the immortal phrase "War is Legalized Murder."

My sincere affirmation is that you may have enough birthdays to see an end to suffering, and return to your beloved Tibet, "the land of snows," bringing the triumph of Spirit over brute force. If there is one call the entire world should resonate to, it's FREE TIBET!

© Copyright 2007 Robert Wilkinson