Dalai Lama shares message of hope with thousands at Qwest Field

Published 11:47 pm Saturday, April 12, 2008

SEATTLE — When Kathleen Bradley was a little girl, her mom used to tell her stories about the Dalai Lama.

She’d talk about the violence Tibetans endured under Chinese rule. And she’d describe the Dalai Lama with respect.

That was more than four decades ago.

On Saturday, Bradley stood among thousands at Qwest Field in Seattle, finally seeing the man behind the stories.

From her seat high in the bleachers, the Everett woman could only make out his maroon-and-gold robes.

Still she found inspiration.

“I feel fortunate to be able to be here with all these people,” she said, scanning the cheering crowd. “We’re all gardeners in a sense. There’s always more to learn.”

With the excitement of a child, Bradley, 55, rose to her feet and clapped when the Dalai Lama walked onto the football field about 1:30 p.m.

When he spoke, she listened, quietly contemplating his message of compassion and peace.

“Human beings are social animals,” the Buddhist leader said, sitting in a red armchair on a shaded stage. “I, myself, am one of 6 billion human beings. My future is entirely dependent on 6 billion human beings. The 6 billion human beings is the ultimate source of my happiness. … I have to take care of them.”

The exiled leader of Tibet urged parents and teachers to show their children affection. Holding Gov. Chris Gregoire’s hand, he encouraged women to take more leadership roles because “men behave more aggressive.”

He also suggested that feuding world leaders spend a week or two together on vacation with their wives and children. There should be no business discussions, just a focus on getting to know each other as human beings, he said.

When asked in one of three e-mailed questions how to remain hopeful, despite recent riots and “deep despair” in Tibet, the Dalai Lama said each individual should make an effort to not lose hope.

“We must keep optimistic attitudes despite some difficulties here and there,” he said. “We must keep determination.”

Shading her face from the glaring sun, Bradley watched.

“I just let it seep in,” she said, her eyes on the Dalai Lama’s distant shape.

Like all of the Dalai Lama’s appearances during his five-day visit to Seattle, Saturday’s rally was sold out. All of the 53,000 free tickets had been reserved weeks ago.

However, the stadium was only three-quarters full.

Hawkers outside passed out brochures on veganism and pamphlets on China’s record of human rights violations.

There were no major protests, but a plane flew overhead, carrying a banner that read, “Dalai Lama pls stop supporting riots.”

Inside the stadium, the crowd stood together to honor the Dalai Lama. They raised their hands in unison and vowed to commit themselves to compassion.

“It’s just very moving to be in a group like this where we all want the same thing and there’s total respect for him and the opening of hearts,” said Gail Fleming, 60, a student of Tibetan Buddhism from Langley. “It’s a real cause for hope.”

For Bradley, listening to the Dalai Lama brought back memories of the history lessons her mom would share with her when she was a girl. Her mom was always interested in world affairs and wanted to instill a global sense of justice in her daughter.

Today Bradley plans to drive to Pasco to visit her mom, now 78.

It’s her turn to tell a story.

Herald Writer Kaitlin Manry: 425-339-3292 or kmanry@heraldnet.com.