DALAI LAMA TO VISIT AMERICA’S HEARTLAND IN MAY

Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
February 07, 2013
Kanwal Prakash Singh/ Ramesh

Once again, it will be our good fortune that His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet will visit the Heartland of America in May.  As with all such visits, the coming of the Dalai Lama to any place is an international affair, a major spiritual and community event, and it always leaves a lasting impact on the landscape and upon those who enjoy the blessing of being in his presence and attending any of the special functions in his honor.  His visit to Louisville, Kentucky in May 19-21, 2013 will certainly be no exception.

BUDDHA OF COMPASSION IN THE CITY OF COMPASSION

At a recent Press Event at The Tibetan Buddhist Center, the Drepung Gomang Institute, in Louisville, we had a gathering of representatives of many faiths, organizations engaged in interfaith activities in Louisville area and adjoining State of Indiana, Mayor Greg Fischer, and members of the media.  Special testimonies honoring the Dalai Lama and some details of the preparations and various activities surrounding the visit of the Dalai Lama and the opportunities for attending those functions were highlighted by the Mayor Fischer and others working and intimately familiar with the plans.  Lisa Morrison, a long-time friend of the Tibetan Mongolian Buddhist Center in Bloomington, Indiana, was among the key organizers of the Press Event.

One could not miss the spirit of enthusiasm as they welcomed each other, mingled with the guests, or spoke of the past connections and historic third visit of His Holiness to the Louisville area.  The entry way and the sanctuary space were beautifully decorated with Buddhist Mandalas, Ragmalas (wall-hangings with visual Buddhist representations) statues, a photograph of the Dalai Lama, and a large tray of votive candles lit by each speaker.

RADIATING LOVE AND UNDERSTANDING

As during the Dalai Lama’s previous visits to Bloomington, Indiana, the Louisville visit will attract legions of admirers and faithful followers from across the USA and beyond.  Many in Indiana are looking forward to making a pilgrimage to be in the Dalai Lama’s presence at the public lecture, teachings, and other events

We can imagine the efforts of the organizers to mobilize a large number of inspired volunteers to assist in the smooth implementation of the plans at each of the venues and major event.  We cannot fathom the aura of truly enlightened spirituality that often descends upon gatherings where the Dalai Lama is present.  It is always exciting to have an opportunity to meet or to be in the presence of an enlightened Teacher and a Global Rattna (a rare and precious jewel): the Dalai Lama exudes the wisdom of ages; radiates the spirit of an extraordinary humanitarian and a messenger of peace; and offers a spiritual embrace that excludes no one.  The Dalai Lama knows no strangers; he is compassion personified and is a spiritual guide to all who encounter him or joyously celebrate his presence among us at this time in human history.

DESTINATION LOUISVILLE

“In the spring of 2012, Mayor Fischer’s program of Give a Day Program inspired 90,000 volunteers to engage in acts of compassion across the city during the course of one week.  In response to such local efforts, the Compassionate Action Network named Louisville its model compassionate city.”  Other cities are taking note of this achievement and reputation.

To attend any of the events during the visit of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, to buy tickets or be a sponsor; where to stay in Louisville or to learn about Louisville’s Festival of Faith or other attractions....Additional information: Lisa Morrison, Director of Media and Public Relations, His Holiness the Dalai Lama Louisville 2013, Tel: (812) 272-3551

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2013 Visit of His Holiness Dalai Lama to Louisville

Kanwal Prakash Singh

As I sat and reflected on the beautiful testimonies of civic and faith  leaders during the Press event recently at the Drepung Gomang Institute in Louisville, my mind kept traveling back to the visit of the Dalai Lama to Indiana and the incredible blessing to be in his presence during each
of those visits.

We may know that the Dalai Lama is a living apostle of non-violence, the Buddha of compassion to his Tibetan followers, a celebrated spiritual Teacher to all faiths, cultures and communities, and an extraordinary humanitarian of our times.  It is disarming to witness grace, humility, and humanity that seem to transcend frontiers of race and religion, nationality and gender, and other temporal divisive distractions.  His life and spirit is remarkably transforming whether you are Sikh, Buddhist, Catholic, a seeker of spiritual wisdom, or a non-believer.  For that, one needs
to be in his presence and experience the aura of his enlightened spirituality.

Not enthralled by worldly accolades and honors, often refers to himself as an “ordinary Monk.” For me, Dalai Lama is a Global Rattna (precious and rare jewel), a messenger of peace and goodwill at a time of great turmoil when the world seems to be at war with itself on so many fronts.  How wonderful that Dalai Lama will be visiting Kentucky and the City of Louisville, which already has received citations as a Compassionate City and prides itself on its Festival of Faith and other spiritual attractions.  We rejoice in another visit of this magnificent Teacher, who gently reminds us to learn about the goodness enshrined within each of us and use its power to come together for greater good as the Family of Man.

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