By Letting go and Trusting, She Met Mentor
By Lisa Venable,
Minneapolis StarTribune Commentary, March 2001
I am a student and admirer of Buddhist principles and the Dalai Lama is one of my most revered mentors and spiritual guides. His teachings and exemplification of peace and compassion inspired me to change my life and help others live more peacefully. The gift of Buddhism to the west is a grand opportunity for stress reduction. One of the most powerful concepts is learning to “let go” and trust the flow of life. Being “nonattached” to any outcome is the way to personal freedom and easier living. Practicing for many years now, I know the philosophy works because I met the Dalai Lama using these very principles.
In the winter of 2001, His Holiness the Dalai Lama came to Minneapolis for a first time visit. I had always planned one day to travel to California or New York to catch a glimpse of this holy man, but he was going to come to me! I was elated and urged several friends to buy tickets with me to hear him speak at the University of Minnesota. I waited for them to decide but no one was committing so I finally called to get my own ticket. When they informed me that the event was sold out, I was livid, angry with my friends for being slow pokes and, angry at myself for not going ahead without them. Frantically, I began to call around to see if anyone knew how to get tickets, but got nowhere.
Finally after a few days of madness, I let go. I trusted that some magic would transpire in my favor and somebody would have an extra ticket at the last minute. I visualized and prayed and thought for sure it would happen. When the day of the event arrived, I had given up hope. I grabbed a couple of friends and we raced down to the University hoping to simply get a glimpse of him walking out of the auditorium. Nothing. I came home in a sulk and the phone rang. My sister called about dinner plans and mentioned the pastor at her church would be seeing the Dalai Lama the next day at the state capitol where he would be addressing the legislature. I got goose bumps! I had worked at the capitol years before and surely somebody would help me get to see him. I called around, but was sadly informed that every seat in the chambers would be filled. Once again, I let go and went to bed.
The next morning, I was woken by a call from one of my capitol friends who said I should hurry and come down so I could at least see him walk out of his car into the building. I was thrilled at the idea of even catching a live glimpse of this lovely being and jumped out of bed. I felt rushed, scared to take a shower or eat breakfast, both of which I desparately needed, until I remembered Buddhist philosophy and told myself, there’s plenty of time…keep letting go..it will all work out. I even called a friend who I knew would love to join me and, after my shower and eggs, made my way to the capitol. All during the car ride I kept letting go, surrendering to the highest good. If I saw him great, if not it would be okay. I had been so attached to the thing and did not want to feel disappointed, just happy that I even tried.
When I reached the capitol area where he was speaking, I saw guards around the door where I knew he would make his exit. They saw how excited I was and assured me the Dalai Lama would emerge soon. After patiently waiting for ten minutes, the doors opened and the legislators began to exit. I looked for His Holiness but he was not in sight. The guards came over with a sad look at me and said he would not be coming out at all and had gone to a press conference. I felt let down for a moment until I remembered where capitol press conferences were held and rushed down the hall. I stood and waited and kept letting go. A man next to me with a gigantic camera asked if I would like my picture taken if the Dalai Lama came out. I was delighted and sure that it was all a miracle just for me. I had no doubt he would come out and, not only would a see him, he would come over to me and shake my hand.
I trusted like never before and within minutes, this holy man of light emerged right in front of me. I stood there with my hands together in prayer gazing at him across the room. His security men tried to whisk him off, but he saw me and met my eyes. Slowly, he walked over to me and took both my hands and bowed his head. I told him how his teachings had changed my life and he just smiled, saying, “yes, “yes,” “yes.”
He stood there with me for about thirty seconds and looked at me as if he had known me forever. The camera snapped and blinked and I knew this magical moment was going to be mine forever. I cried, but the Dalai Lama just giggled and went on his way, looking back one more time to ensure I got the message that trusting the flow really does pay off.
