Copyright 2010 Ben S. Pollock CEDAR FALLS, Iowa — The appearances in Iowa of the exiled spiritual and political leader of China-controlled Tibet, the 14th Dalai Lama, had a successive feel: first a closed reception for a few dozen donors on Monday, May 17, a panel discussion the next morning, then finally a solo turn […]
Category: Lama-palooza
Considerations of the Dalai Lama, Buddhism, Tibetan Buddhism and the rest of the world
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Lama-palooza II: Paneling
Copyright 2010 Ben S. Pollock CEDAR FALLS, Iowa — On this sunny late-spring morning, two lines stretch a couple of blocks from the gym. Between them was a rainbow of vendor tents, selling books, beads and other Tibetan items. All in the queues already have tickets, for reserved seats. We’re going through airplane-like security, four […]
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Lama-palooza I: Rock star
Copyright 2010 Ben S. Pollock CEDAR FALLS, Iowa — I got this close to the Dalai Lama (spread hands about four feet) last week. If you can get that close, he might bless you, shake your hand, lift your khata (ritual silk scarf) from your neck and replace it or some combination. In this surprisingly […]