I was planning on seeing the Dalai Lama, but this bothers me?

Question

http://www.deerparkcenter.org/NewFiles/hhdl_folder/tickets.html When I was going to buy tickets to see him, I noticed that if you pay alot of money you get preferential treatment. This does not seem very buddhist to me, and not like the Dalai Lama at all. I have tried talking to the Tibetan office in New York a few times about this. The guy I have to talk to is always gone when I call. I still like the his teachings, but this thing bothers me about the preferred treatment. Any ideas?

Answer 1

Well, here's their justification from the website:
"There's no doubt about it...when YOU participate as a Sponsor for His Holiness the Dalai Lama's 2007 visit to Deer Park, your practice of altruism and kindness helps so many others…many of whom you might never meet. Your generosity lasts far beyond the dates of this auspicious event. We thank you for your good heart. "

They are obviously using his appearance to raise money for their charities. If it bothers you, perhaps you should contact his office with your concerns:
The Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama
Thekchen Choeling
P.O. McLeod Ganj
Dharamsala H.P. 176219
India
Tel: [phone]/221879
Fax: [phone]

Answer 2

Huh.

Well, that would be the Dalai Lama's people. His aides and such. One of them probably thought of a way to fundraise. THey definitely need the money; it's probably to help free tibet.

Obviously, the Dalai Lama is not using it, he only has the robes on his back. Exagerrated a little.

Wow, I'm sure the Pope does this but no one is surprised. What does that say about Christianity?

Additionally, charities are probably using this as a way to raise money.

Answer 3

I doubt the Dalai Lama or the Buddhist organization had anything to do with that part. It was probably orchestrated by the owners of the venue to raise more money.

Otherwise, perhaps it is a way for them to raise more money for charity. But I doubt it was something the Dalai Lama's group came up with.

Answer 4

In concept you would be correct.

In fact the entire idea of charging people goes against everything that it is to be buddhist.

However it is most likely the auditorium that is charging the prices for seating, and may have little or nothing to do with the Dalai Lama.

Answer 5

I didn't have to pay any donation and I got to see him in New Dehli when he gave a talk there. I got the good fortune to spend a few mins with him, together with a coupla other people who were not religious nor spiritual, but were just tourists who happened to be there, and I think did not pay a lot of money to see him either....

Answer 6

Usually the venue is in charge of ramping up the prices, not His Holiness... he'd do what he does for free... well in a way he DOES do what he does for free but it's nice to donate... um anyway, from what I understand, legit places that have him make donations to him and the Free Tibet bit, etc.

Call the venue and ask them how they're doling out the money and make a decision from there... if they sound "fishy" try to go to one of the meditation centers where he visits, they're not likely going to bleed you unfairly.

If you go, I wish you well... it's really good karma to have the opportunity to attend his teachings in person. If you get to meet him, it's such a... JOY (best word I can scratch up right now).

Edit/addition: Thanks Kallan... good info (((hugs)))

_()_

Answer 7

I suppose it's sort of like paying the difference for front row seats and the nose bleed seats.

Answer 8

it doesn't seem very Buddhist, but it's on private property. they can do whatever they want. just goes to show that all religions are after money among other things.

Answer 9

If what He is doing contradicts
his own teachings then it's
time to wake up. :)

Answer 10

Hahahaha your getting the drift of things eh!!