President Obama holding kata from Dalai Lama
While listening to President Obama’s inaugural address I was excited that he was so inclusive when he mentioned we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus — and non-believers.. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth….
But why did he not mention Buddhist?
Then I heard the following story –
President Obama was sworn in with a khata (white offering scarf) from the Dalai Lama in his pocket, delivered to him by United States Senator Diane Feinstein’s husband, Richard Blum, shortly before the ceremony.
Blum wrote - I had a kata at my house that His Holiness had given me. I offered it to President Obama before the ceremony. I said that I could get it delivered to him later. He said, no, that he was going to take it and have it with him; in fact, it was in his pocket when he was sworn-in.
It should be mentioned that Blum is the Chairman and founder of the apolitical American Himalayan Foundation which has given millions of dollars to build hospitals and schools in Tibet and Nepal.
So President Obama, you and your family are always welcome to come visit Shambhala Mountain Center and visit the Great Stupa or attend a monthlong meditation retreat.
Brian Spielmann
Tags: Buddhism
January 23rd, 2009 at 11:32 am
Oh wow — Yet another cause for tears of joy.
January 24th, 2009 at 1:48 pm
That is a Blessing and augurs well for the future of the presidency!
January 26th, 2009 at 1:56 pm
I think that there are two reasons why President Obama made the mentions that he did. Native Americans are upset he did not name them. Like because he omitted them, they dont count. The first reason is because those Christians, Jews, Muslims, and Hindus are the ones that are on evreyones mind, and second because they are the ones who cant get a long…. If he didnt mention your particular “way” rejoice. You are one of the “Peace Ways”.
January 29th, 2009 at 10:41 am
My interpretation was that he was naming the belief systems which believe in the same, single, male god—and I agree with Marcine above, these are the ones that don’t get along and cause so much damage to other living entities. The rest of us, who don’t believe in that single male god are “non-believers.” (Although I don’t know that much about Hinduism, but I am thinking there may not be a single god, so I could be way wrong.) As for Buddhists, many do not consider Buddhism to be a religion, but rather a way of being. But even if we were not all mentioned, we are so fortunate to have a new President with a sense of humanity and vision for all peoples that we should give the guy a break. No person is perfect in all ways. Let us weigh the positive and not make negative out of little things that do not cause harm.
February 2nd, 2009 at 3:39 pm
Dollybama?