Visit of His Holiness The Dalai Lama to The Netherlands

His Holiness The Dalai Lama visited Rotterdam today, Sunday 16 September 2018 and I had the rare privilege to hear him speak on the theme of ‘Why compassion is essential in our troubled world.’

It was an extremely inspiring, sometimes hilarious (His Holiness has a great sense of humor) and unexpectedly also very emotional morning (complete with goosebumps and glistening eyes), listening to one of the most important spiritual leaders of our time. His Holiness’ message of sharing kindness and compassion resonated deeply with me. In a packed Ahoy stadium you could literally feel the positive energy radiating from the stage into the audience and spread like a wildfire, enveloping everyone in a warm and loving embrace. Suddenly, I genuinely couldn’t understand why anyone is at war with anyone else since we are all humans and we are all physically, mentally and emotionally alike.

His Holiness stressed that it is very important to educate everyone but especially our children on the importance of the inner life so as to teach them selflessness and compassion for themselves and others.

I couldn’t agree more.

This Sunday morning in the presence of The Dalai Lama (and let’s not forget Richard Gere, who is the chairman of the International Campaign for Tibet and who did a live interview with His Holiness) was truly unique and unforgettable.