Buddhist spiritual leader draws big Grove crowd; children’s event on Saturday

Photo courtesy of Windisch-Hunt Fine Arts Gallery

When the Dalai Lama spoke to the University of Miami community last week, only students, faculty and a group of invited guests could attend. So a Coconut Grove arts gallery got the idea to organize its own event in recognition of the Dalai Lama’s visit.

“This is your opportunity to create a passionate world,” the Dalai Lama said to a crowd of about 8,000 gathered at UM’s BankUnited Center. “By promoting spiritual dialogue, we can all achieve a century of peace,” he said during his Oct. 26 speech.

Two days later, another high-ranking lama continued the spiritual dialogue to a smaller, intimate gathering at the Windisch-Hunt Fine Arts Gallery, 2911 Grand Ave.

The term “lama” traditionally refers to a venerated spiritual master who embodies the teachings of Buddha – Siddhārtha Gautama – the spiritual teacher who founded Buddhism in ancient northern India

Surrounded by the gallery’s exhibition of spiritual works created by local artists, the soft-spoken Lama Ngawang Sungrab Phagyab Rinpoche discussed the fundamentals of Buddhism.

“Idle chatter, he advised, “is not productive in life because you miss a lot of what is around you. If you’re talking, you’re not listening.”

Lama Christo of Miami translated for the Dalai Rinpoche who was ordained at age 13 in Tibet and currently lives in Queens. He hopes to start a center in which he can promote Buddhism, ecumenical dialog and peace.

The evening ended with a question-and -answer session followed by a line of guests filing to meet Lama Rinpoche. Whether thanking the lama for his visit or asking for prayers, guests received an orange or red protection string that he had blessed.

“The turnout was amazing – we originally had 45 RSVPs, but around 150 people showed up on the night,” said gallery owner Annamaria Windisch-Hunt. “I was pleasantly surprised to see how many Buddhists there were in the Coconut Grove community.”

“When people started lining up to meet him,” Windisch-Hunt added, “it was a truly organic moment. There was an aura in the room; you could feel the energy.”

The gallery continues its celebration of peace with a children’s workshop Saturday, Nov. 6. During the two-hour program, which begins at 3 p.m. at the gallery, children will get to make their own peace flags. Cost is $5. For information call the gallery at 772-480-3131.