A Hug From The Dalai Lama

Thanks to the Universe for making my dream come true!

On the occasion of His Holiness The 14th Dalai Lama’s birthday, I am grateful to the Universe for making my dream come true, no sooner than I had expressed it.

That I am a huge fan of The Dalai Lama shouldn’t be a surprise. I adore his message to the world.

Kindness is my religion ~ The Dalai Lama

Of course we all yearn to see in person the people we love. I have a long wish list of people I can’t wait to meet! Then how did the meeting with the Dalai Lama come about?

Here’s the story!

I participate in the April A to Z Challenge blog hop every year. In 2015, my theme for the month-long blog hop was “Letters to my Son” what with him just finishing his 12th Grade and being on the threshold of an undergrad program. He was about to begin a new phase in his life and I thought it would be fun to write him letters every day.

It was!

We walked on our terrace every evening and I would discuss the next day’s topic with him.

So, when it came to the letter D, I told him I chose “Dream“. And he asked me what was the one thing I dreamed of. “Meet the Dalai Lama” I answered. We laughed our heads off and carried on.

Who knew that the Universe was busy taking notes? That was April 4, 2015.

The following week, my husband got an email inviting him to conduct the “viva” for a research student in Chandigarh. Since this was probably the only time my son would actually have a few days off before he got busy with the next academic year, we decided to make it a family trip.

Decision made, we did the homework to make an itinerary.

We had many options — and I chose Dharamsala. Very close to Macleodganj, where His Holiness The Dalai Lama lives.

Oh, I was only helping the Universe along.

Did I have even a remote chance of meeting him?

Going by the reactions I got from all the people I thought could help me, it was impossible. They discouraged me, saying he traveled a lot and one has to make an appointment several months ahead.

Not one to give up, I looked at his official website and lucky me — he was going to be in town the week we planned to visit. I had absolutely nothing to lose by emailing them, right?.

Prepared for anything, I sent that email.

Imagine my delight when, two days later, I received a reply from his secretary! He regretted that they would not be able to grant me an exclusive interview — but if I wished I could meet him for 5 minutes and have a photograph with him!

After whooping with joy and barely able to feel my fingers from excitement, I instantly wrote back saying yes, yes, yes!

Interestingly, just a week before this happened, we had booked our tickets for the trip. We were to spend 28, 29, 30 in Dharamsala. Our appointment with the Dalai Lama was on April 29 at 8 am. Oh, joy!

I had to reconfirm the day before, as advised. And yes, they were expecting us!

D-Day!

We were there well in time to clear the strict security check. We left our phones, bags and cameras with one of the staff. A couple of guards ushered us through the gate, from where we trekked half way up the hill to The Dalai Lama’s lovely bungalow. There was a beautiful waiting room, tastefully decorated and we had a wonderful time looking around it. With us were two groups — one from Malaysia and one from Bhutan. Then two more people arrived.

I can still visualize the fresh early morning sun, the sounds of babies in the air, while the adults whispered to each other.

We saw some people carrying yellow scarves and asked the security guard what that was. In about five minutes, after talking on his walkie-talkie, he presented us with white silk scarves that we draped around our necks.

A few minutes short of 9 am, we approached the Dalai Lama’s house and stood there, in groups, admiring the simple bungalow surrounded by rows upon rows of potted flowering plants. Very pretty sight.

The Dalai Lama’s secretary met each one of us and shook hands. When he addressed me by name, I felt like a celebrity!

I shyly told him we’d like a photo with the Dalai Lama — and he assured us there was a photographer waiting to do just that.

At exactly 9 am, The Dalai Lama strode out of his house, smiling, eyes twinkling mischievously yet exuding kindness.

What a presence!

I felt all choked as I watched him mingle with the first group from Bhutan, kissing the babies and the very elderly. After a couple of minutes, they posed for a group photo.

I don’t mind confessing my heart was thudding in excitement!

Next, was the group from Malaysia.

Then, it was our turn.

We approached him. He patted my cheek and said “You came from Bangalore to meet me?” in his rather cute accent. I answered that I loved his message to the world. He then cuddled my son Vidur — it was a funny sight, as Vidur is kind of tall. He tickled his beard, patted his cheek. Then he turned to Sury to say something.

By this time the photographer got ready and as we faced the camera, The Dalai Lama said “Give me your hand — I want to hold your hand”

Wow! What a firm yet gentle grip he has — it was so comforting and peaceful to stand there in that moment. A moment I will cherish all my life!

Well, I also got a hug.. I loved it because he just extended his arm and pulled me close…and saying “come again”, he bid us “bye-bye” and it was time for us to move on. We got three photos — in fact, as promised, his staff emailed me the photos later that evening.

We walked back down the hill in a daze.

I was walking on air — walking on sunshine!

What can I say? I felt blessed and happy!

All I have to do is close my eyes to hear his gentle laughter and the pressure of his hand holding mine. The hug was divine too!

And so, we returned home, happy.

By the way, the offering at the temples in The Dalai Lama temple complex consists of chocolates, juices, biscuits, cookies, chips packets and all sorts of yummy eats. I love that!

When I think back to how the Universe made my dream come true, I realized here’s what I did:

• I thought of what I wanted with a clear and happy mind. I mean, my son asked me what I dreamed of — and it wasn’t hard to answer.
• I said it aloud, so Universe could listen.
• I smiled at the Universe because I had given it my signal.
• I just imagined the Universe getting its goggles on, revving up its engines and getting ready to deliver my dream to me.

It did.

So, go ahead, quiet your mind. Expect good things. Go ahead and dream. And don’t be very surprised if it comes true.

Happy birthday to The Dalai Lama!

Originally published at Vidya Sury, Collecting Smiles. Did you smile today?