Every year, on July 6, I post a birthday hello to His Holiness the Dalai Lama. I love him and hold him lightly, as one day he will be gone and I won't be able to post a birthday greeting with the same feeling as I do now.
Usually I am writing about women, the arts, feminism, politics but, to my surprise, a couple times a year I have to acknowledge my love for some influential, special men. Dec 25 & October 2 are such days too. So what's the dif when the ratio is 3/365.
I do feel a sense of judgment about my attachment to these men and, if you hear me speak, I do go on and on about the women in their lives. Magdalene is the main figure in my hagiography. I can also report in on Kasturbai Gandhi, Lydia Emerson, Betty Shabazz, etc. Besides, I may incarnate as a man next time and I need the research on some male role models.
Besides my apology for lapsing on my gender bigotry, there is a real difference in holding these men in esteem and relying on them to actually do something besides inspire. I hold no intention, expectation or, even hope, that loving them lifts me out of my path. To me paths are single lane; diamond or otherwise.
One real deal-maker with His Holiness happened a few years back. I sat in a room with 600 Americans awaiting his entrance. I was personally excited and feeling downright giddy with the group energy. He came in, took the microphone and laughed. “You all want me to be your Teacher and tell you what to do. I will not.” He continued telling us that he would be our Spiritual Friend (a true term in Tibetan lexicon). Now, I will give you my teaching; “ Warm Heart, Open Mind, Small Steps.” That is so rich, radiant ~ seriously, joyfully ~ isn’t that just the best?
Happy Birthday, My Spiritual Friend.
Comments