A SACRED COURT

He was holding court in the matters of spirit
Seated on a high throne, clad in orange, armed with moral authority
Under a vast canopy of white, draped with colorful Mandalas, prayer flags,
Buddhist tradition, sacred relics, ancient worship rituals,
Musicians, chanting monks, faithful admirers in attendance;
He radiated the essence of divine knowledge, wisdom, and bliss.
We were witnessing a glimmer of higher majesty in his earthly simplicity.

A kindly light radiated from his being, from his voice and words
Blessing the gathered with inspired anticipation,
As he chanted, interpreted, unraveled the rituals of Kalachakra ceremonies.
The audience fervently responded to his call and invitation
Repeating the Shalokas (sacred hymns) in unison.

Then a surprise encounter, an unexpected friendly greeting
His hallowed touch, his kindly words
Reached deep in my soul as a sacred blessing,
Sending my mind, heart and spirit
Into a thrilling dance of spiritual ecstasy.

Lord, my eyes have seen Thy messenger of peace of our times
An image of amazing grace, humility, and wisdom of Ages
His Holiness, the Fourteenth Dalai Lama, the Buddha of Compassion.

Kanwal Prakash “KP” Singh
Indianapolis, Indiana USA

August 24, 1999