An optimistic view

My longtime friend just sent me this link via FORA.tv a couple of weeks ago. Interviews with Robert Thurman.
An interesting interview which has rekindled my interest in Tibet and the cultural view of Buddhism.

This cultural view brings me to my subject for this post. The view of Buddhism.

I have called myself Buddhist for about 6 or more years now. I feel I have always been Buddhist. Until recently I have not openly discussed this with everyone. My friends and family may have heard me discuss books I had read or my admiration of the Dalai Lama or Thich Nhat Hahn. But, many have never heard me say I am Buddhist. For some reason I have always been a little hesitant to discuss this part of my life. It was something I felt very private about.

This has begun to change as of late. It started when people asked me about why I was a vegetarian. I was always conflicted on what to say before. There so many reasons I don't know where to start. . . "Do you want to put that burger down first?" Now my explanation is a little simplified. I now say I am Buddhist. The rest just comes along in the conversation with ease. I am also noticing people do not have the reaction I was thinking they would when I say I am Buddhist. I always thought I would get some kind of immediate deflection followed by a swift change in topic. I am finding the opposite is true. People seem to want to discuss it at great length. I find this very encouraging. Even in Calgary "cowtown" Alberta many people seem to be open to the Buddhist view.

The Dalai Lama is now one of the most well known people world wide. He is also probably one of the most liked and admired. You may not agree with all he says but you can't really dislike someone so kind and charismatic. His laugh often makes me well up a little. His loving kindness is truly a beautiful gift to the world. More than ever our world needs love.

Some much needed inspiration:
Dalai Lama
Thich Nhat Hanh
Aung San Suu Kyi
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi

Namasté