Psychosomatic Alchemy

His Holiness the Dalai Lama turns 90. The form of an old, humble monk with a sweet, childlike disposition we all know is a facade concealing an absolutely powerful embodiment of love, compassion, fortitude, patience and courage.
Many of these qualities seem soft to many of us, yet how easy it is for us to experience rage at the slightest of wrongs done to us. Thus can we appreciate that someone with his life experience
(starting by being enthroned as the Dalai Lama at the age of only 5, to witnessing unspeakable suffering of his people, his exile from Tibet, having to abandon his family, teachers, friends and land, never to return) never used his platform to vent personal vendettas or criticize his oppressors, but rather to advocate for love, peace, and forgiveness.
Who would one have to be, to be capable of such an attitude in the face of all that pain?
For me, His Holiness conveys what is possible for myself and all humanity - being immovable, unshakeable instruments of love and fortitude, absolutely benevolent yet utterly strong and laser-focused on modeling the way to our evolution.
Scorsese conveyed the Fourteenth Dalai Lama’s life story in his movie Kundun (links to trailer and free full movie in comments below).
During this time, when we are so challenged and divided, his story can help us recalibrate our resolve, focus on our highest human qualities to help each other and love one another, and always act from that center.
May His Holiness have a long and healthy life. May in this very life he be able to return safely to Tibet once again. May we be inspired and uplifted by him, and become role models ourselves and a source of strength for others. May all sentient beings be free from suffering and never be separated from the bliss of liberation. May His Holiness’ altruistic wishes be fulfilled.
Happy Birthday HHDL and thank you for all that you do and all that you are.

Knowledge of ourselves is in part the knowledge of our mind, and thoughts and beliefs it produces.
The “Black Iron Prison” is a concept that originates in the writings of author and mystic Philip K. Dick. The term refers to a world-wide system of control.
This system is maintained both by constant social coercion, and the forces of natural law operating in an apparently mechanical and impersonal manner.
But, the Black Iron Prison is actually a misconception of the Living Information that comprises the real Universe of joy. The Black Iron Prison is like a dark glass that obscures perception of the true, harmonious reality underneath. Philip K. Dick called that true reality the “Palm Tree Garden”.
The Black Iron Prison is replaced by the Palm Tree Garden in the process of “Anamnesis” - remembering the forgotten truth about our own spiritual nature, and the nature of reality.
In another manner, we could say the experience of the Black Iron Prison (Samsara) manifests in an unrefined mind, polluted by ego grasping and ignorance. This is the mind of all humanity prior to Enlightenment. Once the pollution is removed through spiritual discipline and cultivation of unconditional love, we automatically find ourselves in the Palm Tree Garden (Nirvana).

Let us confront all challenges head-on, and see that we are stronger than any ordeal in our life.
Let us have courage and fortitude.
Let us discover that we indeed are powerful when we connect with the Higher Power that dwells within us all.
When things are hard - turn to the Highest - not the lowest - element of your being. There you shall find strength, love and wisdom.