Meeting the Dalai Lama: A Journey of Transformation
It is often said that meeting the Dalai Lama is an experience that leaves one feeling transformed and forever changed. My encounter with His Holiness stands as a testament to this idea. While the first encounter was more personal, the subsequent meeting was a turning point in my life.
A Private Audience with Trijang Chogtrul Rinpoche
My first experience was actually with Trijang Chogtrul Rinpoche, the reincarnation of Trijang Rinpoche, one of the most important teachers of the current Dalai Lama. Unlike others, I had a private audience with him, being both blessed and given teachings. It felt like a warm towel from the dryer, soft and comforting. He hugged me and told me it was a real honor to meet me, a moment I didn't realize the significance of until later.
A Mid-Life Road Trip and Teachings
Moving from the mentorship of Rinpoche to the experience with the Dalai Lama itself, it was an incredibly emotional journey for me. After the loss of my husband, I decided to make a final road trip to a nearby location where His Holiness was giving a teaching. I loaded up my bass and camping equipment, along with the ashes of my late husband. Around the final event, I received an audience. His Holiness, understanding the significance of the moment, said, 'It has been two years since I met you and since then he has had a great impact on my everyday life.'
A Visit to the Taj Hotel and Beyond
The day I visited His Holiness at the Taj hotel had a profound impact on me. The entire process of being led to another room for security checks and finally being called into His Holiness's presence is etched in my memory. The joy and warmth that surrounded me when I was with him are indescribable. He looked into me, as if truly seeing the person within. His blessings and his hand on my head were not just a gesture but a life-transforming experience. Since that encounter, his presence has been a constant guiding light, and his teachings have deeply influenced my life.
Close Proximity and Personal Interaction
Being in close proximity to His Holiness, studying Buddhism at his monastery, has been a privilege. There is a genuine joy and peace that surrounds him, and he has the unique ability to look into your soul. This experience has not only transformed my spiritual life but also provided a path for personal growth and understanding.
Personal Questions and Reflections
If there's one thing I want to express, it's the deep sense of gratitude and reflection that comes with meeting the Dalai Lama. Having the opportunity to study and interact with such a profound individual has given me a perspective that transcends the ordinary. His teachings and presence have been—and continue to be—a source of profound inspiration and transformation.