This month we celebrate the 10th anniversary of when His Holiness, the Dalai Lama visited Kildare Town.
The Dalai Lama was welcomed with music and song by pupils from local schools in the Kildare area. He was then presented with the Brigid Flame by Srs. Mary Minehan and Phil O’Shea, Solas Bhride Community, in recognition of his work for peace and his life long commitment to non-violence.
St Brigid’s Cathedral and Church
He then made his way to St. Brigid’s Cathedral through a guard of honour comprising Kildare children waving white flags, with the strains of the uilleann pipes (played live by Liam O Flynn) in the air. After experiencing the beauty of St. Brigid’s Cathedral and spending some time in meditation with local religious leaders, he then travelled to St. Brigid’s Church where he addressed those assembled on the theme of Compassion. Some seven hundred people were in St. Brigid’s Church to hear this historic address.
An excerpt from the Dalai Lama’s address
‘Now today, it is quite clear, that all major religious traditions, in spite of different philosophy, different ways of approach they all carry the same message, a message of love, compassion, forgiveness, tolerance and also self-discipline and practice of contentment and simplicity. So, all religious traditions have ultimately the same practice. These different religious traditions really provide inner peace, particularly when the individual experiences difficulties. Faith provides hope and purpose’.
The Dalai Lama’s spiritual visit to Kildare Town was organised by Solas and Children in Crossfire, Afri and Spunout. The Organisations wanted to give as many as possible, the opportunity to see and hear His Holiness the Dalai Lama and also wished the Dalai Lama to experience some of Ireland’s spiritual and cultural heritage during his brief visit. This month we remember the anniversary of his visit with fond memories and a sense of gratitude.
