Dalai Lama at Royal Albert Hall
After several traditional Tibetan performances of song and dance, the Dalai Lama was introduced to a sell out audience at London’s Royal Albert Hall, a venue that for the build up and wind down of the event, was surrounded by protests - those in support of Tibet, those whom were pro China and a sect of Buddhist monks claiming the Dalai Lama a liar, for not acknowledging their particular perspective on the parent faith.
For all the media attention, robotic chanting outside and buzz of anticipation amongst every full seat, the Dalai Lama couldn’t have come across more at peace or oblivious to the fuss he’d created. His trademark smile, slightly hunched back and endearing hand gestures of blessing towards all directions of his audience immediately electrified the attentive crowd, required to listen extra closely due to sometimes inaudible broken English.
“Every time I talk, no notes or planning” he announced, an explanation backed up by his forty minute talk which chaotically spanned many ideas and subjects. The current situation of Tibet, compassion, money, reincarnation, perspectives towards problems and giggles were all touched upon. Not a few minutes would pass before the Dalai Lama would expel an outburst of laughter, which he later justified as being the cause of observing people’s little mistakes.
With recent developments in Tibet and the event having been organised by London’s Free Tibet organisation, it was no surprise that the pre-talk introductions and post-talk question and answer sessions were dominated by political discussion which although incredibly important, meant the Dalai Lama could only begin to scratch the surface of his spirituality. Had he been serving a less mainstream audience at his home of exile in Dharamsala, India, things would likely have got far more in-depth. He wouldn’t have been asked if he’d like to be reincarnated in London or to repeat his much publicised humble reaction to China’s recent natural disasters.
Whilst there wasn’t one particular argument or concept presented to the audience as you’d expect from a typical public speaker, this was no conventional speech maker. There were countless jewels of wisdom, scattered with silent pauses of contemplation and it was that simplicity in communication or comfort in a lack of organisation which seemed to be the Dalai Lama’s appeal. In an age of such intellectualism, the Dalai Lama’s direct and wise thoughts, laced with entertaining anecdotes, seemed light and beautifully obvious in truth.
Posted by: Tony on: May 23rd, 2008 under Reviews.
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