"Each has the uncanny ability to throw himself totally into a situation and have unrestrained, spontaneous fun. Each is able to look at the most mundane things around him and manage to find something to laugh about."

*Victor Chan on The Dali Lama & Archbishop Desmond Tutu

This past week has been completely and utterly full! Midterms begin tomorrow and preparing for all the papers, presentations, & exams is no small task as many of you know. The good news...after this week we have a week off for Spring Break--WOO HOO! Though it has been busy, life has been incredibly wonderful. One thing that happened this week is that I came up with a plan for the next year of my life while I take a year off of school---so that was a little bit of a weight of the shoulders. Besides that, nothing in particular has been extraordinary--but I am happy. So far, I have survived Lent and, for the most part, without complaining. Only the occassional "I wish I were Buddhist so I didn't have to go through Lent," comment now and then. *Smile*

So here is something everyone should know, I have completely fallen in love with someone. Yep, that's right, I'm in love with The Dali Lama!! (Dad, has your heart started beating again yet??) *Smile* Part of my Lenten promise was that I would take time everyday to read something spiritual, to learn more about different cultures & faiths. I have finished a book on the Dali Lama, The Wisdom of Forgiveness by Victor Chan. I am completely and utterly fascinated by what I read. The Dali Lama's eyes & face twinkle gentleness and his life echoes compassion and forgiveness. Victor Chan was given the opportunity to follow the Dali Lama for many years and they developed quite a friendship. It is hard to even put into words what I got out of the book and just how much I really do believe the Dali Lama is a prophet of our time. While I read the book I felt like I was journeying with the Dali Lama and along the way I fell in love with his ability to relate the interdependence of everything, witnessed that his heart is as big as the moon, awed at his sense of humanity and justice, and most of all, adored him for his sense of humor. I never would have thought a man of his influence would have fits of laughter and joking, but does he ever. I am a lover of laughter--to hear that the leader of the Tibetan Buddhists believes in laughter too brings a smile to my face and more energy to my giggles. As you read the words describing his laughter--you can almost picture a small man, sitting in the lotus position on the floor, bent over chuckling, it is quite a happy sight. Julia used to talk to me about how much she adored the Dali Lama, how we all need to follow him and his devotion to compassion. I chose to begin with the Dali Lama this Lent because I wanted to see what Julia had so often talked to me about. I get it now--he is a true leader, believer, and prophet. As I read the book I could not help but see the traits that Julia and the Dali Lama shared; complete compassion, the ability to forgive even when they have been deeply hurt, an unshakable faith, and most of all, the ability to laugh no matter the situation. My prayer tonight is that we may all begin to gain the compassion, forgiveness, faith, and laughter that the Dali Lama and Julia have shown the world. His words are a comfort and, if we all took them to heart, an answer to many of the problems our world faces today. I think I will continue to focus on The Dali Lama for awhile longer before moving on. There is something inside of me that is ignited and comforted knowing of his presence and words.

Picture: A picture of the Dali Lama smiling---a genuine picture of happiness. (There are some great photos on Google for anyone interested in seeing some more)