"What is the cause, though, of the growth of an acorn? The oak that is to come! What is to happen in the future is then the cause of what is occurring now; and, at the same time, what occurred in the past is also the cause of what is happening now. In addition, a great number of things round about, on every side, are causing what is happening now. Everything, all the time, is causing everything else."
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
H.H. Dalai Lama
We arrived in Toulouse on August 6. After a few days of being here I noticed the front page of a newspaper with a photo of that evermore popular and universal familiar smiling face of a monk wearing maroon robes. He is known the world over as His Holiness, (H.H.) the Dalai Lama. I picked up the local French paper and deciphered that he was going to be visiting Toulouse.
This particular public talk was titled "The Art of Happiness", which I think is the exact title of one of his published books.
The Zenith auditorium is where the event took place and my seat was high up, about midway. I looked down upon the stage and saw about a dozen monks sitting in their maroon colored robes. Saffron and orange colored fabircs hung on the stage next to a beautiful Tibetan Thonka. It was a full house. I felt lucky to get a ticket into the auditoruim. Many people were outside under a tent watching the same thing, live, projected onto a movie screen.
When I had computer access I googled him and found he was giving lectures the following weekend. Tickets were sold out, but I found it was possible to get a ticket if you showed up at the ticket counter. So, we did show up and voila! (my new French word that is so fun to use) I got a ticket! Very synchronistic that he was scheduled to be here one week after my arrival and I had no clue.
Already a couple of Krista's French friends have asked me what he talked about and often people have asked me what it was like to hear him, since my last seeing him in 2003, in Dharamshala, India. Well, I will share with you what he talked about. Really, if you have always wanted to see or hear him, I strongly recommend picking up one of his many books, they are very well written and include exactly what he talks about in his public talks.
This particular public talk was titled "The Art of Happiness", which I think is the exact title of one of his published books.
The Zenith auditorium is where the event took place and my seat was high up, about midway. I looked down upon the stage and saw about a dozen monks sitting in their maroon colored robes. Saffron and orange colored fabircs hung on the stage next to a beautiful Tibetan Thonka. It was a full house. I felt lucky to get a ticket into the auditoruim. Many people were outside under a tent watching the same thing, live, projected onto a movie screen.
Krista dropped me off and took my crying Ruby. I felt badly, as is usual for a mother, to leave her crying daughter, but Ruby and I have not been separated much in the past few months and Ruby did not quite understand that I bought only one ticket and it was going to be hard for her to sit through the 2 hours even if she did go with me. She knows who the Dalai Lama is and wanted to see him too. This made me sad but once I got to my seat, I realized she would have had a hard time sitting still in the auditorium.
H.H. began his talk about by explaining Secular Ethics. "The basis of Secular Ethics is the Promotion of Human Value. Secular ethics, a.k.a. moral ethics, is ultimately the right to take care of others well-beingness. It does not mean to forget yourself. You also have the right to take care of yourself. A sense of respect towards others and oneself is considered a sense of well-being which is Moral Ethics." He described two types of Moral Ethics: Religious Ethics and Secular Ethics. He stressed Secular Ethics because religious ethics is too biased; too hypocritical.
"Basically, we are social animals", says HH. "In order to have happy life it depends on the rest of the community you are in".
"Today I speak like a nonbeliever", he said, meaning he was not touching on any one religion. "Because the world is made up of approximately 7 billion human beings, many of which are Hindu, Buddhist, Christian, Muslim, Sikh, Jain, etc, he stressed his position of 'nonbeliever' so as to appeal to all. He went to explain how there is so much hypocrisy amongst all these people of all these religions, who spend there time praying to God rather than sitting down with other members of your community or even family and friends and talking things through. This is what is important. When you have a conflict, sit, face to face and talk."
(On a personal note, I am a communicator, and I sure appreciate people in my life when they communicate with us and to sit down with us and talk! )
"For better health and well-being surround yourself with friends; be calm; be in a good community.
Take a look at your internal emotions - this is what creates either a calm mind or the opposite: fear; anxiety; worry; hatred. Warm heartedness is the key to bringing a calm mind; and healthy body. Your mental state is very important to your health. Having a calm mind helps one to recover rapidly. Fear; anger; hatred can eat our immune system."
"In a study done by a scientist in the U.S.A., according to his findings, people who say 'I, I, I, me, me, me', (too much self-centered attitude) are in much higher danger of heart attack. So much, "I", "I", "I", this person then becomes very lonely and this person has much fear, also. When really, according to H.H., there is no difference, we are all the same. There is no difference between any of us, we are all the same."
H.H. continued on with his talk...
"The whole world is an entity now, more so than ever. Now today, the economy is a global economy and global warming brings us together. And so, the world becomes a smaller place. Therefore, the reality itself shows us we need more cooperation in general - cooperation based on friendship, based on trust, based on honesty. There has been too much selfishness in the past."
"Education is universal. Only Secular Ethics can be universal. Religion can not be universal. Modern education. More education. Information and education about nonviolence."
"Global responsibility; peaceful responsibility."
"Pay attention to your inner qualities."
"Willpower comes from wellbeing - inner wellbeing = Inner strength."
"Politicians need some sort of spirituality because they are in touch with and dealing with so many people".
That was the basis of the 2 hour public talk. There was a Q & A time at the end.
He has a good sense of humor. In the very beginning when he gave the traditional white shawl to the French official, he explains in a serious manner how the shawl is traditionally used and given and then he adds "it is made in China", and he laughs.
24 Aout (August) 2011
Toulouse, France
It is so nice to be 'settled' in a cozy home that has children's toys, books, a fully equipped kitchen, laundry facilities, a deck with a hammock swing, and table and chairs that overlook the local neighborhood from the 3rd floor of an aparment complex. We are at my friend, Krista's home where she has lived with her 2 children for several years.
Toulouse is a medium sized city of about 500,000. Located in the South of France and about 1 1/2 hours to the Mediterranean Sea and 2-3 hours to Barcelona, Spain. We drove to the beach on the Med a few days ago and it was not only lovely, but hot, hot, hot! The sea water was warm and we loved it! Ruby loved it more and I could not get her out - I know I named her Oceana Ruby for a reason. She is only 4 1/2 and really good in the water. She can not swim yet, but getting really good. She uses arm floaties or a floating ring.
My daughter Ruby is not only a good travel partner but at 4 1/2 she is also a really good communicator. The two of us can only speak English at this point, which is very Universal, but we often have communication difficulties as we travel through countries that are not predominately English speaking. I have become quite accustomed to this and am very used to getting by on smiles, hand gestures and one-word sentences ( in English or French, here in France of course). Ruby must have learned some things from watching me. She is very social and friendly to begin with and yesterday she was so longing for a playmate her age and at the playground she went up to some kids and said, "Play? Play.... Play?". Now to learn the French word for 'play'.
It is very hot right now - about 100 degrees farhenheit. We are glad the past few days have been overcast. Being two Alaskan girls, the heat just wipes us out. Yesterday we took the bus into the city of Toulouse and this small excursion turns into a major excursion with the heat, the language barriers and the unfamiliar city. Three hours was enough! By accident we found a park with a carousel and a balloon man who twists balloons into funy shapes. Ruby is very happy about these things, she gets a heart and flower shaped balloon and 2 rides on the carousel, for her, that makes our excursion well worth it. On the bus ride home she is wiped out and lays down on two empty seats.
Back 'home' we prepare the house for the heat: winding the awnings out on the deck; closing the doors to keep the heat out; turning the fan on. It has been so nice to have these past few weeks to have some stillness and to process a bit of the past few months: Turkey... India...... Thailand....... Australia..............New Zealand.........................
One thing I have learned about the heat in many of the countries we have been to, is that it really slows us down. This is okay because we are really in a waiting period anyway. We are waiting to see if Ruby will get into school here. Once we know this then we will go from there. Waiting is not always easy. But there is lots to do and learn in the meantime. A new French word here and there....corrections on my few slaughtered French words - like for instance, thank goodness someone finally told me the difference between "Francais and Francois"! I was telling people that " I could not speak Francois". In English, that is the equivalent of "I can not speak Frank", which unfortunately is not like saying" Frankly, I can not speak French", at least then I would have been saying something!
It is so nice to be 'settled' in a cozy home that has children's toys, books, a fully equipped kitchen, laundry facilities, a deck with a hammock swing, and table and chairs that overlook the local neighborhood from the 3rd floor of an aparment complex. We are at my friend, Krista's home where she has lived with her 2 children for several years.
Toulouse is a medium sized city of about 500,000. Located in the South of France and about 1 1/2 hours to the Mediterranean Sea and 2-3 hours to Barcelona, Spain. We drove to the beach on the Med a few days ago and it was not only lovely, but hot, hot, hot! The sea water was warm and we loved it! Ruby loved it more and I could not get her out - I know I named her Oceana Ruby for a reason. She is only 4 1/2 and really good in the water. She can not swim yet, but getting really good. She uses arm floaties or a floating ring.
My daughter Ruby is not only a good travel partner but at 4 1/2 she is also a really good communicator. The two of us can only speak English at this point, which is very Universal, but we often have communication difficulties as we travel through countries that are not predominately English speaking. I have become quite accustomed to this and am very used to getting by on smiles, hand gestures and one-word sentences ( in English or French, here in France of course). Ruby must have learned some things from watching me. She is very social and friendly to begin with and yesterday she was so longing for a playmate her age and at the playground she went up to some kids and said, "Play? Play.... Play?". Now to learn the French word for 'play'.
It is very hot right now - about 100 degrees farhenheit. We are glad the past few days have been overcast. Being two Alaskan girls, the heat just wipes us out. Yesterday we took the bus into the city of Toulouse and this small excursion turns into a major excursion with the heat, the language barriers and the unfamiliar city. Three hours was enough! By accident we found a park with a carousel and a balloon man who twists balloons into funy shapes. Ruby is very happy about these things, she gets a heart and flower shaped balloon and 2 rides on the carousel, for her, that makes our excursion well worth it. On the bus ride home she is wiped out and lays down on two empty seats.
Back 'home' we prepare the house for the heat: winding the awnings out on the deck; closing the doors to keep the heat out; turning the fan on. It has been so nice to have these past few weeks to have some stillness and to process a bit of the past few months: Turkey... India...... Thailand....... Australia..............New Zealand.........................
One thing I have learned about the heat in many of the countries we have been to, is that it really slows us down. This is okay because we are really in a waiting period anyway. We are waiting to see if Ruby will get into school here. Once we know this then we will go from there. Waiting is not always easy. But there is lots to do and learn in the meantime. A new French word here and there....corrections on my few slaughtered French words - like for instance, thank goodness someone finally told me the difference between "Francais and Francois"! I was telling people that " I could not speak Francois". In English, that is the equivalent of "I can not speak Frank", which unfortunately is not like saying" Frankly, I can not speak French", at least then I would have been saying something!
Sunday, August 14, 2011
India is Incredible, Turkey is amazing, France is beyond lovely....
We finally arrived in Toulouse, France where summer is still full-on and it is just gorgeous out! We have come to stay with my friend, Krista who I met in college. She married a French man and has 2 children now: Boy- Ethan, 7 and girl - Anouk 4 1/2. Anouk and Ruby are exactly the same age, and when I say exactly I do not mean they were born the same year, but that they were born just hours apart. Krista and I were in labor at the exact same time and we are still figuring out who came out into the world first - we do not have Anouk's exact time of birth yet, and we have to figure out the time change since Ruby was born in Alaska and Anouk born in France.
It has taken us a while to get settled and to realize where we are. I reallly liked Istanbul and wanted to stay longer, but I decided to stick with our plan of coming here, and knowing Istanbul is only a 3 hour flight makes me realize how easily I can go back there. I actually miss Turkey, yes! I liked it so much I miss it. I miss the sound of the prayers in the distance, and the view of the Maramar Sea, and the turkish coffee, and all those lovely desserts of baklava and turkish delight! And the beautiful carpets in the carpet shops. I love the blend of Asia and Europe all throughout Istanbul.
Ah, but now we have France, and France is just lovely. I like that I can take a short walk and get a really good baguette and get Ruby some choquettes (little donut hole like pastries with powdered sugar). Ruby loves these and she loves croissants.
When we were in India I considered going up to Dharamsala like I did 8 years ago, in the North of India. This is home to the Dalai Lama and many Tibetan refugees. When I was there in 2003 I thoroughly enjoyed it there and attended HH the Dalai Lama's teachings and it was great. Well, I decided not to go there this time while in India and instead come to Krista's in Toulouse, France where we are now. Days after we got here I noticed a local newspaper with a photo of the Dalai Lama on it and read that he is here, this week, in Toulouse! I went and got tickets and today I will go to one of his public talks. I am so glad! Really seems amazing that I leave India and show up in Toulouse to see / hear him. Life is so good that way : )
And it has truly been an amazing last 8 months. Really great to travel with my daughter and see the places we have seen and meet the people we have met and to see Father Joe and now Krista and to meet her children for the first time. Krista has a lovely, cozy home and warmly welcomes us and she is a great cook too! She knows so many great French dishes, that I have begun to experience.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Istanbul ~ City where Asia & Europe meet
We spent about a week in Kerala, which is in South India and very beautiful. We took boat rides on the backwaters and enjoyed all the greenery and many coconut palms. It was nice to enjoy the small town of Alleppy after busyness of Manic Mumbai. We met some very nice locals in Alleppy and this was tempting us to stay on longer. For many reasons, one of which was Ruby not able to find very many things to eat, we decided it was time to say good-bye to India. She was SO excited when we found an "American hot dog" that was not spicy on our last day in Mumbai!
I found a nice priced ticket to Toulouse, France that went through Istanbul. I have always wanted to go to Turkey, so I could not pass up this opportunity. After a red-eye flight we arrived early yesterday morning. Istanbul, a perfect city to come to as we enter Europe, is a beautiful city where Asia meets Europe and is so rich with history. I told my friends in France I would let them know if I end up falling in love in or with Istanbul and won't be arriving as scheduled! So far, I am in love with our first day here! The mosques, the turkish coffee, the carpets, the narrow cobblestone streets, the blend of EuroAsia. Ruby is so much more content now that we have foods for her to gobble up. On the ride from airport to guesthouse we noticed playgrounds every mile or so along the waterfront. Our cute little guesthouse, loaded with carpets of many sizes has views of the Marmara sea and the blue mosque. Breakfast is included on the rooftop of our guesthouse and though a bit breezy, Ruby and I do not care! We both take in the breathtaking view as we eat the breakfast, big enough for 5 people, rather than 2! We are served: Turkish cheese, (I'm not sure what it is called, but it's a lot like feta ) mediterranean olives, tomatoes, cucumber, softboiled eggs, yogurt, green canteloupe, delicious Turkish rolls with cherry jam, sliced chocolate cake (which Ruby calls a brownie), tea, and juice. I am so full I can hardly walk down to my room to take an early morning nap, I say early because it is barely 8 am when we finish eating.
Ruby is begging and pleading to go to a playground since we failed at getting to one yesterday. So, I must finish my after breakfast nap and seek out one of these playgrounds. She has not had the pleasure of one since before Thailand.
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