Photo: Noah LeClaire-Conway

By MICHAEL SOUZA
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FOXBORO, MASS. — Before a crowd of 10,000 people strong, the 14th Dalai Lama brought his message of happiness and compassion to New England on Saturday.

The exiled leader of Tibet, the Dalai Lama is known and respected throughout the world for his philosophy and outlook on life.  This weekend, at the invitation of the Tibetan Association of Boston (TAB), His Holiness – as he is referred to by his followers – conducted two public teaching sessions at the home of the New England Patriots.
The first section served as an introduction to the beliefs of Buddhism entitled The Four Noble Truths.

The afternoon session was entitled A Path to Peace and Happiness, and also included a brief question and answer period.

From the very start it was clear this was no propaganda tour to promote buddhism.  With his message presented softly and gently before a crowd of silent and respectful people, his lesson of peace was welcomed by all.
Most striking of all was the leader’s charisma and kindness.  Fast approaching 74, the Dalai Lama captivated and charmed the crowd with is delightful chuckle and impish sense of humor.

After mentioning the chilly wind and occasional bright sun earlier in the day, the Lama happily donned a red Patriots baseball cap given to him by a volunteer.  When the gathering roared in approval he waved it to them like a ballplayer that doffed his cap, laughing and enjoying the reaction.  He knew he had the moment in his hands.

With his traditional gold and crimson robes, the Lama – whose birth name is Lhamo Thondup – was perched upon an ornate throne (better described as a platform with a back), built for him by  TAB for the occasion.  In making the long walk from the stands to the stage, the crowd silently stood in respect, applauding the leader who has been exiled from his homeland since 1959.  Moving slowly and looking somewhat frail, the Lama waved and smiled in return, a look filled with innocence and glee.

The revered leader was welcomed to the stadium by Massachusetts Congressman Bill Delahunt and presented several gifts, such as linens depicting mandalas, by members of TAB.

With the occasional use of a translator, the Dalai Lama spoke for two hours on the principles of Buddhism.  Although he explained concepts of consciousness and luminosity, he gently accepted other disciplines.  As the lesson went on, however, the master largely relied on the translator.  

“We respect all traditions.  We have a lifelong promotion of religious harmony based on mutual respect,” he said.

A two hour intermission was used by his followers to shop for Tibetan goods, of which there were many vendors.  The concourse was full with a selection of beads, scarves, clothes, and a host of other Tibetan items.  Spiritual and autobiographical books were also available.

The rare New England visit was feted by a performance from Grammy nominee and flutist Nawang Khechog, and later, a performance from the Tibetan Boston Dance Troupe.  Both embrace Tibetan traditions that are slowly being eroded by China’s military takeover of the area.

And the audience responded appropriately.  They came from miles around to hear his message, to learn, to take a moment of serenity, to leave the commercial world behind and reclaim themselves. The afternoon session yielded advice from the long-time scholar., who promptly started with a comparison.

“Emotionally, mentally, physically, we are all the same.  We want a happy life, a joyful life.

“President, king or beggar, there are no differences.  In San Francisco [his previous stop] we went to a soup kitchen.  It was really nice, I really enjoyed it.

“I was dining with them.  There was a big man.  When he laughed he sounded very strong.

“People there were nice, were straightforward.  They, they’re homeless.  I tell them ‘I’m homeless’,” he said.
“All of our problems are man-made.  Not only man-made, but women-made problems,” he said laughing.

By the age of 16 Tibet had lost its freedom and by 24, the country was absorbed by China.  Now, with last year’s uprising suppressed by the military, the news he hears of his native land is constantly sad.

Asked what can be done, the Lama believed the reality of Tibet’s current affairs – not China’s propaganda – needs to be shown to the world.

His biggest fear is that one day, Tibetan spirituality, culture and language - especially language – will be lost forever.

“In Tibet, everybody lives in constant fear.  The Chinese state things are really good.  It is hypocrisy,” he said.

When asked about world peace he remained optimistic.  He acknowledged the problem with the world economy.  He also urged more time be spent in living a simpler life and the importance of peace of mind.

TAB was founded in 1992.  It is a non-profit organization devoted to preserve and promote Tibetan cultural tradition and further the just cause of Tibet.

Currently, there are over 500 Tibetans living in and around the Boston area.