Dear John,

“Like our own cause, we never thought to give up. We try, try … One fail. Again effort. Fail. Again Effort. That’s the proper way.” — The Dalai Lama on ABC’s “Nightline”

As supporters of the Tibetan cause, you and I know we have to stay hopeful through every hardship. And yet, the COVID-19 outbreak has tested all of us in ways that most of us have never experienced.

That’s why I found it so poignant last night when I heard His Holiness the Dalai Lama say on “Nightline” that even he has cried during this pandemic when he’s seen poor and starving people on TV.

But, of course, he’s one of the world’s most respected people for a reason. And so he added, “suffering should transform [into] determination. More suffering, more determination. Should not feel helplessness. That’s a failure.”

The interview aired after midnight on the East Coast. I know many of you were not up that late, so I want to share it with you now.
 

It’s never possible to summarize the scale of His Holiness’ wisdom in just a few words. But here are some parts of his interview that stood out to me:

• If you think meditation can help you through this difficult time, His Holiness suggests starting small: “At the beginning, few seconds, 20 seconds or 30. Then gradually, one minute, five minute, 10 minutes you can sit in that pureness of mind.”
• Like the rest of us, the Dalai Lama is inspired by our frontline heroes. “Doctors, nurses, even they willing to sacrifice their own life. I really appreciate. Wonderful.”
• Even now, as the Chinese government faces a global backlash—and as Tibetans continue to suffer from Chinese oppression—His Holiness maintains his compassion for the people of China and believes that someday they too will live in freedom. “I think China will change.”

If you found those bits of wisdom encouraging, you can get even more inspiration tonight during the second day of His Holiness’ “Avalokiteshvara Empowerment” teaching, which will stream live at 11:30 pm EDT at www.dalailama.com/live.

After more than 60 years of Chinese occupation, the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan people have never given up. And as we struggle through this crisis, none of us can give up either. As His Holiness said, more suffering, more determination. That’s the proper way.

Sincerely,

Matteo Mecacci
President

P.S. During this pandemic, we are all blessed to have a leader like the Dalai Lama. Please make a gift today to help ICT continue to serve his transformational vision.