EVENTS & ESTABLISHMENTS: The Dalai Lama in Sydney

Over the past couple of months I had been wondering whether or not to attend the teachings to be given this week by the Dalai Lama in Sydney. I did a computer search to see when the Dalai Lama would next be in our country, after having not had enough money for the train fare to attend his free public talk in June of 2007. I discovered that he would be back again this year, 2008. However, after further searching, I also discovered that there was to be no free public talk this time.

Initially, my reaction was to wonder if I might be able to afford tickets to the advertised teachings on Kamalashila's classic text Stages of Meditation which his Holiness is due to deliver. I would just about have enough money in my savings account, providing my computer did not break down necessitating a replacement if I wiped out my US vacation plans for late 2008/2009. I then wondered, would I be eligible? I do not attend a temple, and am not connected to any official Buddhist structure. I just seriously study, read, practice, learn, and experience Buddhism from many sources and personal development, as a lay person at home.

I decided that I would ask a friend's advice, but he did not get back to me, being very busy. Later, I re-investigated. The Vajrayana Institute in Ashfield, Sydney were holding a mantra-rolling day last month. I almost attended. It was open house, and I felt inclined to make myself known as a Buddhist, especially as it was one of two paths of Buddhism I particularly found helpful to my personal practice. However, despite gathering train timetables and buying a bottle of water in case I attended, I felt an inclination to stay home and study instead. I read and broke through a major barrier, therefore I was not too disappointed at having passed the opportunity to roll mantras to fill statues for the Dalai Lama.

Just a week or so ago, I took another look at the current teachings schedule and discovered that it was possible to attend on just the final day. This greatly appealed, and I was working out if I could afford the medium priced B-grade seating for just under $200, when my son had a problem with his ingrown toenail becoming infected and was set for surgery. I shall need to stay home to run errands for my son, as the second of his two toenails will be surgically removed two days prior to the final day.

This was disappointing, because to receive an initiation from his Holiness would be an extremely rare and special proceeding. The Chenrezig Initiation due to be given on Sunday is one concerning compassion, which is a topic I am currently involved in practicing. This would make it of great assistance and benefit to me and my Buddhist studies. However, it seems that I must practice compassion in my actual life instead, by caring for my son. Oh well, at least I have read the Dalai Lama's book written on this very subject!!

For those interested, the Sunday schedule is as follows:
8.30-9.30: Preparation Prayers
9.30-11.30: Avalokiteshvara Initiation and Long Life Puja
11.30-2: Lunch
2-4: Teachings on Kamalashila’s The Middling Stages of Meditation
7: Peace and Compassion – A Concert for Tibet

Tickets for the Initiation & talk cost $168 or $248 & tickets for the concert vary between $55 and $80. The hosting venue is The Dome, Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park, NSW. Tickets can be purchased online for the Sunday events at http://www.showticks.com/DalaiLama/MembersArea/BuyTickets.aspx?eventid=28