Back from Dharamsala, India! It’s been such a blessing to meet HH the Dalai Lama as well as other acclaimed meditation masters and teachers like Lama Zopa Rinpoche and Khadro-la (the state oracle of Tibet). I’m impressed by how humble and down-to-earth they were, and how radiant they were with their genuine warmth and kindness. And I’m pleased to meet many new Dharma friends also committed to sowing the seeds of wisdom and compassion 🙏

Now as Term 4 of the school year begins, it’s time to put the teachings to practice. It’s a tall order to abandon all my preconceptions and regard all sentient beings as “fields of merit” that are “more precious than a wish-fulfilling gem” (including even the brattiest kids I encounter!). But as HH reminded us during his teaching sessions, one of the best ways to create a happy world is through education. It’s the sincere motivation and effort invested in the attempt that counts. And just as (or even more) important than developing one’s intellect is cultivating a kind heart 🙏

Credits for some of the photos: a thousand namastes to Nadya Hutagalung (the model and artiste, who happened to be sitting next to me during HH’s teachings, with her husband and daughter — they’re such a beautiful family!) 🙏