Dalai Lama Exploration Update
You may have heard the Buddhist nun speak here in October, about the 4-way Test and Buddhist practices of Compassion. She invited Rotary 21 to join her for an invitation to the Dalai Lama to visit Spokane. In December, the Club 21 Board OK'd that exploration. Steve Schneider, Larry Ellingson, and a dozen others are now an ad hoc committee working on the design.
We've learned the process of issuing an invitation to the Dalai Lama, the content of his previous visits to the US, and the necessity of competing with other cities for his interest. In talks with other collaborating organizations, and with the Abbey, the central theme is being developed. It's the Dalai Lama's basis of human compassion in action, not just in our private or religious lives, but in public policy, social services, education, and business.
It fits our slogan of "Service about Self" perfectly, and corresponds with the Club's work in the lives of people and other organizations. The investigation of previous links between Rotary International and the Dalai Lama are underway.
This project is not primarily about Buddhism or the culture of Tibet. We'll emphasize local issues, and seek to avoid confrontations about nations. The Dalai Lama tours to promote a far broader message. He writes, in his book Ethics for a New Millenium, "My meetings with many different sorts of people the world over have helped me realize that there are other faiths and other cultures no less capable than mine of enabling individuals to lead constructive and satisfying lives. What is more, I have come to the conclusion that whether or not a person is a religious believer does not matter much. Far more important is that they be a good human being."
The thematic design conversations have involved many potential collaborating organizations. Dozens may officially endorse and eventually join and help fund the project. They include higher education, government, social service nonprofits, foundations, public schools, churches of many faiths, and tribes. We thank all of you Rotarians who are representing your own organizations.
The 3-day event, and the 2-year community project which surrounds it, may touch 100,000 people, and draw attendees from all over the West. The cost is estimated at $300-$400,000. The committee is working towards Board approval of the plan in early April. If accepted, we expect a 2 to 3 year planning period.
We hope to go beyond speeches, reports, and meetings, into new tactics and relationships for improving our community. If you'd like to help, or know an organization or business that should be involved, contact John Hancock johnmhancock@earthlink.net 244-8559.