#BeTheVillage
A few days ago Matt clued me into the fact that the Dalai Lama was in Vancouver and would be making an appearance at the Heart-Mind Summit - a group dialog focusing on the science of heart-mind education and how it was being practiced in British Columbia. It seemed like a once in a lifetime chance that I couldn't pass up.
As it turned out, lululemon had purchased a block of seats and had free tickets available for employees, so I met Matt and Matt (one of Matt's new co-workers) at the Vancouver Convention Centre (<--yes, I spelled that correctly). I navigated my way through a 'False Dalai Lama' protest led by the ISC in front of the convention center, and found myself in a quickly moving security line.
I took my seat, sandwiched between the Matts. The space for the summit felt more intimate than I expected, but we still found ourselves watching the happenings on a big screen. The Dalai Lama was a tiny dot at the front of the room, accompanied by many other tiny dots (his long-time translator and a number of panelists).
The summit opened with the senior choir of the Saint James Music Academy singing Songs of Joy. They uplifted my heart. His Holiness, the Dalai Lama, entered the stage earlier than expected to watch the children sing, much to the program director's chagrin. On his face was a familiar smile - one that I've seen cross my Grandmother's when she's observing her great grandchildren playing with a new toy she just bestowed upon them. Pure joy.
After a few opening remarks and introductions, and a chant led by a Musqueam elder during which everyone was asked to join hands, spoken word artist Shane Koyczan recited his new poem 'Shoulders'. The poem itself, and his delivery, gave me goosebumps. It was hands down my favorite part of the program.
Following Shane's poem was the Dalai Lama's presentation where he urged British Columbians to #BeTheVillage when educating their youth - that teachers are not the only conduit to pass on knowledge. Learning starts at home and continues beyond the classroom.
On one of his previous visits, the Dalai Lama challenged Vancouver to not only focus on the mind, but also the heart when teaching children in school and at home. Compassionate children will grow into compassionate adults, which will make living on this planet with 7-billion other individuals an easier task. Various experts and community representatives spoke about how Vancouver has stepped up to the challenge and provided examples of success.
At varying intervals the Dalai Lama would respond to questions, provide insight or share a story. I won't lie, it was challenging to understand him, with his thick accent and broken English, but I got the gist. And when he made a joke or found something funny, his laugh was contagious and the whole auditorium would join him in giggles and laughter.
Unfortunately we had to leave before the program finished, but it was okay. I left, buoyed by a feeling of enlightenment. I left, with more knowledge than I came with and a new motivation to #BeTheVillage.
