It's 1997. My Tibetan Buddhist name is Sama Sarika. Sama means Peace; how appropriate that my Monk, Sarika, chose the name for me - a young woman desperate for peace at any cost. In the past year, I've taken a very important step in my journey, I've completed the first Seven Precepts of Engaged Buddhism. Afterwards, I was awarded a beautiful Lotus Leaf from Sri-Lanka, blessed when chosen special for me.
Tonight, I'm going to see The Dalai Lama (fourteenth) who is visiting Los Angeles! I spent weeks choosing the right outfit, my nails are perfect, my hair recently high-lighted (shocker, yes I color my hair).
I'm bringing my hardback copy of The Art of Happiness just in case there's time for a book signing.
I look in the mirror before I leave my Hollywood Bungalow and wonder....if this is it? Will this be night I find Peace and Happiness? Surely all the sacrifice and meditation will pay off this evening - Won't it?
Fast forward to 2012, His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama is visiting San Diego for the first time.
This time, I have no need to attend.
I no longer have to prepare physically to "go see" my GOD for He is right here with me in my heart.
He meets me every morning in my fuzzy pink socks and Angry Bird nightgown and accepts me just the way I am. He is omnipotent and doesn't need to fly in to visit me or anyone else. His name is Jesus Christ and he has been THE ONE who finally delivered Peace and Happiness to my life.
Tonight, I'm going to see The Dalai Lama (fourteenth) who is visiting Los Angeles! I spent weeks choosing the right outfit, my nails are perfect, my hair recently high-lighted (shocker, yes I color my hair).
I'm bringing my hardback copy of The Art of Happiness just in case there's time for a book signing.
I look in the mirror before I leave my Hollywood Bungalow and wonder....if this is it? Will this be night I find Peace and Happiness? Surely all the sacrifice and meditation will pay off this evening - Won't it?
Fast forward to 2012, His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama is visiting San Diego for the first time.
This time, I have no need to attend.
I no longer have to prepare physically to "go see" my GOD for He is right here with me in my heart.
He meets me every morning in my fuzzy pink socks and Angry Bird nightgown and accepts me just the way I am. He is omnipotent and doesn't need to fly in to visit me or anyone else. His name is Jesus Christ and he has been THE ONE who finally delivered Peace and Happiness to my life.
