How I first became interested in Tibetan Buddhism

November 12, 2013November 5, 2018

How I first became interested in Tibetan Buddhism

I’m often asked how I first heard about Tibetan Buddhism. So I decided to record a short video to explain:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_28O8HCe–Y

If you’d like to see any other of my short blogs or vlogs, please click ‘Follow’ on the bottom right hand of your screen. I promise not to bombard you with desperate sales messages!

Comments (17)

Edda Michelsen

ReplyNovember 12, 2013

Thanks for sharing. (O:
I am very inteerrested in budism especialy Tebetan Budism. I have once met his Holyness the Dalai Lama, I was very honourd and moved.
I like the cat thing very much. Just shows he does all he can to bring himself near to his
audience and followers. Send you blessing from Iceland.Edda (O:

PS. Sorry about misspelling.
- David Michie Author
  
  ReplyNovember 12, 2013
  
  How wonderful to have had the opportunity to meet HHDL – very few people ever do!
  - Rebecca Peppas
    
    ReplyNovember 23, 2013
    
    My adult children and I also met HHDL, eight years ago, and that day changed our lives forever. I would love to share the story with you, as recounted by my daughter. Each year, I celebrate the day on its anniversary. Forgive the story’s length!
    
    “World peace can be achieved through inner
    peace. We need external disarmament, but first,
    inner disarmament is essential.”
    
    — His Holiness the Dalai Lama
    November 17, 2005
    
    Dear Friends,
    
    On Thursday, November 17, my mother, my brother and I attended His Holiness the Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatso’s talk, “A Human Approach to World Peace,” at Salve Regina University in Newport, Rhode Island. The three of us will always remember and be grateful for this extraordinary experience. I’d like to share it with you.
    
    Close to four thousand people gathered beneath a white tent on the back lawn of Ochre Court. While the crowd awaited His Holiness’s entrance, he was in a private meeting with his longtime friend and supporter, Senator Claiborne Pell. The Senator has been disabled by a stroke and is no longer able to speak, but the Dalai Lama insisted on spending a half hour with his friend, even if they simply held hands.
    
    Under the tent, the feeling of joyous anticipation intensified. My brother George and I were sitting in the front row of the middle section, by one of the main entrances. At last, a ripple of energy surged through the audience, signaling the Dalai Lama’s approach. And then he was there, changing the atmosphere, his radiant smile reflected everywhere. Later, a Tibetan-born gentleman with whom we spoke said that when in the Dalai Lama’s presence, one experiences “joyful tears.” It’s so true.
    
    His Holiness began shaking hands at the beginning of our row. When he reached George, he stopped, and broke into a huge smile. I could hardly believe what happened next. The Dalai Lama took George’s face in his hands, looking him straight in the eyes, with great warmth. He stroked George’s beard. Then, he laughed like a child, a delighted chuckle echoed by everyone nearby. Time seemed suspended. Finally, he grasped George’s hand in his own before shaking mine, and moving on. When I try to distill those moments of proximity into a single thought, it is this: his countenance was of pure love.
    
    He spoke for a full hour, weaving a tapestry of wisdom, humor, and affection. The unifying thread was his appeal for the exercise of kindness in daily life, and his absolute faith in the power of compassion to transform our world.
    
    When asked, “Where do you get the strength to face the suffering you see?” His Holiness answered, “I believe in human intelligence guided by compassion.”
    
    On the Sunday before the Dalai Lama’s visit, our friend Paula was inspired to create this remarkable silk scarf. She chose the red and yellow tones of his robes, and incorporated several symbols of peace into the mandala. Paula wore the scarf to the event. As the Dalai Lama left, she approached him with the scarf in hand, and he blessed it. She said he kissed the dove.
    
    Wishing you a joyous holiday season,
    Tina
    
    Needless to say, discovering your book about HHC has been an amazing blessing. THANK YOU for the wisdom it teaches and the delight it imparts.
    - David Michie Author
      
      ReplyNovember 25, 2013
      
      Such a beautiful story – thank you so much for sharing this with us, Tina!
fritz logan

ReplyNovember 12, 2013

Good and intriguing story. Thanks for sharing.
- David Michie Author
  
  ReplyNovember 12, 2013
  
  Pleasure, Fritz!
  - Marina Pratt
    
    ReplyNovember 12, 2013
    
    You, sire , are a complete joy! Thank you for being. NAMASTE’
Judith

ReplyNovember 12, 2013

Lovely story….bought your book for my gorgeous mother quite some time ago – she loved it,as I did. Thank you.
Marina Pratt

ReplyNovember 12, 2013

You sir, are a complete joy. My cats love you and so do I. NAMASTE’
- David Michie Author
  
  ReplyNovember 13, 2013
  
  Prrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!
Minerva

ReplyNovember 12, 2013

I have been very interested in Buddhism for many years. I would love to meet Dalai Lama. Unfortunately, I have never been able to.
I have read about Buddhism and now I am reading The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying. I want to learn as much as I can, I am 73 years old and sometimes I think how many years do I have left?
I have enjoyed the Dalai Lama’s cat very much, thank you sharing that with all of us.
Thanks again
- David Michie Author
  
  ReplyNovember 13, 2013
  
  Minerva – the TB of Living and Dying is quite a challenge. I’d recommend Lama Surya Das’s ‘Awakening the Buddha Within’ or a Pema Chodron book, or possibly my own Buddhism for Busy People as a starting point. Warmest, David
Bob Armbruster

ReplyNovember 13, 2013

I always have been drawn to Budism, feeling it is an internal – natural part of me. Watching this has made me want to seek this out further. Thank you!
- David Michie Author
  
  ReplyNovember 13, 2013
  
  Thanks Bob – I know a lot of us, on encountering Buddhism, also feel ‘that’s what I’ve always thought.’ Interesting …
Karma

ReplyNovember 20, 2013

The picture on display is in Bhutan, Paro, Taktshang (Tigers Nest) Greetings from Bhutan 🙂
- David Michie Author
  
  ReplyNovember 25, 2013
  
  Indeed it is – loved visiting your beautiful country!
Carl

ReplyNovember 22, 2013

Have you ever done anything like this meditation?

http://voices.yahoo.com/a-guide-void-gazing-meditation-12121332.html?cat=5

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