The monk beyond borders: In this world taken over by the noise of ambition, greed, transaction, discrimination, threats, outrage, and impunity, the Dalai Lama reminds us that real power often speaks in whispers, not in shouts, not in threatening others, not in a show of might, not in the hypocrisy that has taken over many pulpits, minds and lifestyles., and certainly not in the ‘show of shame’ of a leader traveling in a convoy with 80 cars. Yes, he is not a Christian, but he embodies the teachings of Jesus Christ more than many who claim to be the anointed of Christ. In awe, I salute his steadfastness, his love, his consistent message of peace, humility, and, his kindness to the world. To him, it is not about religion. When asked what his religion was, he answered, “My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness.”
The 14th Dalai Lama
By Elsie-Bernadette Onubogu
I am still on the ‘trajectory of sermons’ especially on life issues. In the piece “No telephone to heaven: Do gatekeepers have a direct line,” I cautioned, that we (Christians) rethink how we sometimes (inadvertently) gatekeep heaven.
The person I am writing about reaffirms the belief that the community of heaven belongs to: those who live by the tenets of God, i.e. those who love, those who speak, live and show compassion; live and preach peace, and most importantly, those who remain consistent with these values through their utterances and practical living, and not necessarily Christians. He is not a Christian, but I celebrate him as one of my role models.
I briefly digress to share the story and lesson of the practice in ancient Rome known as “Memento Mori”. A practice whose main intent is to remind human beings of the transient nature of life and the inevitability of death. Often used as a reminder to those in positions of power that power will fade away one day. Its real intent was to imbibe humility in a person. In fact, it was so popular that in the time of Augustus Caesar, history tells us that during Caesar’s triumphal procession through the city or the sports arena, a slave will stand behind him, and intermittently whisper – “Memento Mori.”
Anyone who feels the weight of immorality, injustice, unkindness, lack of empathy, violence, greed and impunity, particularly in present Nigeria like I do, I hope you will share this message with those in positions of power and hope they remember the lessons!
Between the year 1620 and 1633, a French Order of Catholic Monks known as the ‘Hermits of Saint Paul’ (also called the Brothers of the Dead) used ‘memento mori’ as their daily greeting. More recently, the Trappist Monks – who are known for their very disciplined and strict ascetic life and vow of silence also use this practice.
This ‘monk beyond borders’ is a man who commands an army of followers – numbering millions, yet lives in humility as a simple monk, reflecting that philosophy of ‘memento mori.’
The ‘monk beyond borders’ rightly reminds us that a majority of global problems, inequality, violence, climate change, wars, are really moral issues triggered by greed, and unchecked pursuit of material wealth, which nearing the end of one’s life leaves us with such inner emptiness – re-echoing that phrase – memento mori.
I am an ‘unapologetic’ Catholic, but, one, who strongly believes in respect for ‘other’ faiths – that’s why I speak and write about ecumenism. The combination of that love, respect for ‘others’ as well as the glaring discipline, compassion and humility of this global individual, is what got me into sharing my thoughts in celebration and awe.
Yes, this non-Christian’s silent voice should be described as the ‘lighthouse’ after a storm because he lives real Christian values.
Imbued with a quiet mien, yet, his words and the content of his character in that silhouette of silence can be compared to the ‘smoke that thunders’ – in (Lozi or Silozi) the language of my Lozi people of Zambia, the Mosi-oa-Tunya, which means – ‘the smoke that thunders’ a metaphorical description of the cascading of the waters of the Victoria Falls.
Like the waters of the Victoria Falls, his words cascade with quiet power, piercing through rocks of prejudice, division, racism, intolerance, greed, hate, discouragement, ignorance, and indifference. I am referring to none other than the 14th Dalai Lama (the Tibetan Buddhist Leader), who turned 90 years old in July. With deep respect and gratitude, I refer to him as – the ‘Monk Beyond Borders’.
As I read about his 90th birthday and a film, I found myself compelled to pay him tribute for his consistent message of peace, love and unity across continents and generations.
In this world taken over by the noise of ambition, greed, transaction, discrimination, threats, outrage, and impunity, the Dalai Lama reminds us that real power often speaks in whispers, not in shouts, not in threatening others, not in a show of might, not in the hypocrisy that has taken over many pulpits, minds and lifestyles., and certainly not in the ‘show of shame’ of a leader traveling in a convoy with 80 cars.
Yes, he is not a Christian, but he embodies the teachings of Jesus Christ more than many who claim to be the anointed of Christ. In awe, I salute his steadfastness, his love, his consistent message of peace, humility, and, his kindness to the world.
To him, it is not about religion. When asked what his religion was, he answered, “My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness.”
This must be seen for what it is, an enviable declaration in a time when so many have weaponized religion not for truth but for profits.
Unlike many global figures who have perfected the art of grandstanding and spectacle, the Dalai Lama’s lifestyle and message does not scamper for attention or the media. He speaks out against injustice and greed. He challenges all of us — regardless of religion, race, gender, ethnicity or other affiliation. He speaks the language of love, compassion, empathy, humility and kindness.
What moves me most is not just his rhetoric, but how his life reflects his philosophy. Born on July 6, 1935, and living in exile since March 31, 1959. Not even living in exile since his adult life has made him bitter. If anything, he has transformed that exile platform as a force for good. It challenges me!
I recall with nostalgia, His Holiness and Bishop Desmond Tutu (of blessed memory) teasing each other – like brothers. His Holiness chimed (paraphrase) that though he was not Christian, but, per Tutu’s Christianity, he was not expected to make it to heaven. Yet, in his typical humility and esprit de corps, His Holiness said to Bishop Tutu, big brother, even after death, I will carry your (Bishop Tutu’s) spirit as a sign of respect and affection for all I learnt from you.
The 14th Dalai Lama walks the path of love, selflessness, kindness, compassion, and justice for all, in particular, the most vulnerable – the poor, i.e., the very path Jesus beckoned us to follow.
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Indeed, he may not quote the Gospels like most of our ‘anointed’ pastors. But, he sure lives the tenets of Jesus’ gospel better than most. He lives the eight Beatitudes. His life echoes not just that sermon on the Mount but the parable of the ‘Good Samaritan’, much more than many of us who occupy the front pews on Sunday mornings and mid-week Bible studies.
That is why I opined in that piece, “No telephone to heaven” that ‘heaven is not a gated-community’ reserved for a group of religious people – Christians or the baptized as some would want us to believe.
After all, neither Abraham, Moses, Esther nor Elijah belonged to any denomination, nor carried an identity card as Catholic, Methodist, Baptist, Episcopalian or Pentecostal – as a winner or redeemed of God. Increasingly, this is why I reiterate and emphasize my belief in ecumenism – respect for other faiths.
The reason for this direction and line of thoughts and writings is the incontrovertible truth that we live in a world which is currently falling off a moral cliff – a gathering storm, a world where transactional politics is the rule of the game; a world where tribal politics – baptized ‘populism’ is destroying lives and ravaging human souls; a world where the wind of division is howling louder than typhoon speed of 74mph and 119 kph; a world where might is right; a world where greed like the moon eclipses compassion and grace; a world where sleaze sells faster than critical thinking; a world where transactional love has become the soundtrack for relationships and marriages; a world where compassion, unity, love, humility, and care for others is a thing of the past; a world where humans no longer believe in ‘spiritus mundi;’ sadly; a world of me, myself, I, and my generations unborn is the reigning currency.
Role models in a stormy world!
My guesstimate is, the world is experiencing something beyond a category 5 cyclone, and we need people to weather the storms.
So, in my quiet moments, I pray for a ‘tropical depression,’ for women and men, who will stand for truth, justice and compassion. I dream of real and genuine role models to emulate – not social media influencers.
In these times like in the times of old, we need the ‘Prince of Peace’ – Jesus Christ, to find those who truly embody his tenets in word and deed. It does not matter what creed they profess. Like Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta did in her lifetime, or Pope John Paul II, I see that also in Dalai Lama – with a few others.
Unfortunately, we live in a world where finding the ‘right path’ is difficult, scarce – that path is a rare commodity. The present world is an ecosystem where knowing the right thing to do, knowing what message to listen to, and most importantly, knowing whose voice/message to follow can be quite challenging.
In a nutshell, finding a role model/s can be a herculean task these days. In my search for that role model, I chose this one who had just climbed onto the 90th floor. For me, it is important that each of us search for those who stand tall with the truth, living it by example and not just speaking it. These are the people who can stand the test of time. Living that truth must not only be seen, it must go beyond seasons, conditions and endure the test of time, and not those who have turned morality into a buffet as we are witnessing in Nigeria.
The Dalai Lama is unique, consistent in message, lifestyle, and human interaction. Such that, in the midst of the global storms, he and his ilk represent the lighthouse the world needs.
I digress to say, this is a lesson I wished African Presidents could learn – and, closer home, a lesson for those who live in, or through Aso-Rock, drive and dance through the capital Abuja, or those who now occupy the ‘unhallowed’ chambers.
These days, we need to look real-hard to find good role models. Any such fact-finding mission must be influenced by values, words, action, and most importantly – the element of consistency. The critical values include, love, compassion, peace, kindness, tolerance, and just plain humanity.
Yes, Dalai Lama is not perfect. Yet, in him, you see nearly all the ideals and values. He is a religious figure who does not proselytize.
Compare him with some of the ‘so-called anointed’ ‘god of men’ who now travel not just in private jets, but convoys longer than the presidents we complain about. The Dalai Lama’s lifestyle and rare public messages speak the language of the path of peace, love, compassion and respect for others and humility.
He believes that our actions can, and do bring happiness for ourselves and others. In his words, “Happiness is not something readymade. It comes from your own actions.” Though imperfect (as we all are), he has lived this truth, by turning forced exile into a platform, personal loss into global message of peace, kindness and compassion. That’s why he is a role model – an idol for me.
He speaks with a quiet voice almost a whisper, not clamoring for attention, yet, cascades with quiet power (unlike the dramatic shouts of pastors in Nigeria and the USA), carving through negative rocks that separate us.
You feel his voice, the message resonates, it is consistent, and I believe it could have real cleansing power if applied around the world. His style reaffirms the viewpoint held by many of us (Contemplatives), that you do not need to shout or roar to be heard. All you need to do to convince people, is, live it.
To His Holiness!
To His Holiness Dalai Lama, as you turned 90, I rise to celebrate you, with gratitude and a prayer in my heart, that the world may birth more like you. I pray for humanity that will remember and never forget that your kind may be rare, but you live with us.
I pray for a humanity that does not forget that you are an imperfect being, but un-disputably a good person, a moral leader, a compassionate soul, a kind and loving person, a man of service who lives with us – a moral force of good.
What I know for sure is, if the present world had more Dalai Lama — more leaders who speak with love, live with humility, lead with compassion, laugh without bitterness or grudge, and shun impunity, the world will be a better place.
To His Holiness, may you and your type endure! In my next life, may we cross paths!
Note to self!
In life we look to role models, events and experiences that will help shape our views, influence, mould and shape our perspectives.
Often, these help us to fashion our moral compass, to illuminate the path we tread, provide clarity and choice especially in difficult times such as these.
In order to draw inspiration and direction through global tragedies, I sifted through a mosaic of individuals, events, experiences and the environment. As I searched for the illuminating light, I stumbled on extraordinary people to wit: Brother David Steindl-Rast (O.S.B), Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta, Saint John Paul II, Cardinal Sarah, Josè Murica – who shunned the comfort of the presidential palace in Uruguay to live with chickens and goats in a farm that the world calls him the poorest president – a good person, and this humble Monk – His Holiness Dalai Lama. These are some of the ones I call role models.
As for His Holiness, I have watched and listened to his teachings, read some of his words, and heard his roaring laughter. Chosen as the reincarnated Dalai Lama at age 4, he assumed political power at 15. Yet, nearly 75 years after ascending the throne as the 14th Dalai Lama, he has remained – as late Bishop Desmond Tutu described him – a beacon of hope and love, messaging and radiating calm in a world increasingly torn apart by human orchestrated division and violence.
In celebration of his 90th birthday, a group of Swiss filmmakers, alongside actor and longtime friend of His Holiness – Richard Gere, released ‘The Wisdom of Happiness’, a hybrid documentary that captures the essence of his teachings and legacy.
Anyone who feels the weight of immorality, injustice, unkindness, lack of empathy, violence and greed like I do, I urge you to take the time to watch this documentary. It is a mirror to the soul of a devout man, a man of peace, a man who lives and speaks love and compassion, a man whose faith should challenge the rest of us. It is a mirror and lesson for humanity!
As I salute the Dalai Lama for his 90th birthday, I do so with utmost reverence. He is not perfect — who is? For me, his life is a good lesson of what it means to be a true global citizen who embraces that spiritus mundi. He is a reminder that holiness is not about dogma or about how loud you can shout on the pulpit. Rather, holiness is about how we treat others, especially the least among us. If only people – in particular global leaders could learn the lesson – of memento mori!
What I know for sure is, if we could embrace his message and lifestyle, many in the world will realize that – ‘might is not right’, life and power is transient – ‘Memento Mori,’ the world will be a better place for all to live in. Perhaps, eight billion people will learn to share the world’s resources and co-exist peacefully.
