CHAPTER 18
Security was very tight as the two traveling friends approached the temple. A line of Tibetans snaked down the steps and into the pathway between the buildings towering on either side of the crowd. The line moved swiftly and the quartet of uniformed security guards operating the metal detectors were courteous.
“What’s happening?” queried Andre.
“His Holiness is having one of his periodic audiences for newly arrived Tibetans. No Westerners are allowed in today. We are very sorry.”
“Andre and I have an audience with the Abbot of this monastery today. It is scheduled for eleven o’clock this morning,” added Brother Francis.
“This group will be disbursing about fifteen minutes prior to that, sir. You would do best to return at that time.” The guards were busy and moved on with their work of monitoring the faithful with the help of electronic equipment attached to large metal frames that the faithful were passing through on their way to see the Dalai Lama.
“That gives us a few hours to meditate, read, and rest, Brother.”
“Sounds great to me, Andre.”
The couple made their way back to the temple at the appointed time. The temple was still crowded, and the overflow of people were sitting at the large low open windows and looking in or listening as intently as possible.
One of the guards spoke. “If you get rid of your cameras and step through this electronic device and stand right there, His Holiness will walk right by you in just a minute.”
The travelers stashed their photo equipment under a bench and zipped through the metal detectors. They stood just a few yards away from the metal frame they passed through but now on the other side of it.
“That was easier than in the airport, Bro.”
“I know, and we didn’t even have to take off our sandals or belts!”
With that the atmosphere shifted. The Dalai Lama must have exited the temple from a side door and was now passing directly in front of the travelers across the outside back of the temple, where a throng of admirers stood behind a long metal railing. Brother Francis’ hazel eyes were riveted upon this great spiritual leader who, in Francis’ opinion, had the courage to practice what he preached—courageous non-violence in response to violence.
His Holiness radiated peace and beamed at Andre and Brother Francis. It was as if he was telling them that he understood their support and was grateful for it. He stopped a few yards away and began blessing the people and offering them small sacred objects.
It was a timeless moment. If there was any noise, the two Westerners did not hear it. It was truly a group altered state of consciousness. In the midst of a part of the world filled with poverty and pain, surrounded by refugees, there was total peace.
“I have never experienced a field of qi like that before, Andre. Have you?”
“No Brother Francis. Actually, as much as I work with the life-force and respect it, I never thought such an experience was possible.”
“Nor I my friend. God was with us in a most palpable way. All is gift.”
The crowd was disbursing and the security guards directed the two travelers to the room of the Abbot. The two monastic guides were waiting and ushered them into a small room where a large man in his seventies was sitting crossed legged on a home made platform bed softened by a mat—which didn’t look all that thick.
The Abbot welcomed all four men warmly, and extended his hand in blessing to the two Westerners.
“Christians take refuge in Christ. We Buddhists take refuge in the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. There have been and are many Buddhas. In fact, we believe that we are all on the way to Buddhahood, or Enlightenment. Dharma literally means protection and is actually the teaching of the Buddha which we try to put into practice. Sangha means spiritual community. That community might live under the same roof or separately.”
The Abbot continued sharing some of the basic tenets of Tibetan Buddhism while beaming brightly at his guests. Then he asked Brother Francis a question.
“I understand, Abbot Francis, that candidates for the Christian monastic life in the West must be very stringently assessed—psychological testing, interviews, and those sorts of things. Is that correct?”
“Yes it is Abbot. We are slow to admit people to monastic life, especially these days when life is so confusing for many. Most monasteries require some years of lived experience after schooling, or perhaps a college education first. Interviews, psychological assessment, and some live-in visits are typical also.”
The Abbot laughed heartily. “That is why you have so few monastics compared to us!”
Everyone enjoyed the interaction. Just before the quartet took their leave, Brother Francis spied some natural medications on a small and rickety night table next to the Abbot’s pallet. He asked if he might be of service as a naturopathic doctor.
The others left the room and Brother Francis examined the medicine. Some appeared appropriate, one was clearly an inferior product. He told the Abbot that he would send him a better quality of medicine in the mail.
The two monastics embraced and for that moment there was no East and West, Buddhist and Christian, war, poverty, illness, or anything of the sort. All was one.
“Why are you so quiet, Brother Francis?” asked Andre as they made their way back to the rooming house.
“I’m not completely sure myself, Andre. We have had several profound experiences this morning. I’m filled with gratitude, yet tinged with confusion over the world condition. My vocation as a monk and as one who is spending his life trying to funnel the healing love of God to others fills me with awe. My wonderful family and friends, such as yourself, are also a source of great awe and joy for me. Then again, maybe it’s just high altitude illness!”
“There you go again, Bro. Just when I get a glimpse into that simply complex heart of yours, you shift gears and make a joke.”
“I didn’t realize that I do that. If you would like to know anything about me please ask. I spend my everyday focusing on others and it is sometimes hard to speak more than listen.”
“I’m going to hold you to your word, even though I seem to have caught you at a vulnerable moment.”