On Tuesday, April 15th, I got up early and went to Ballard to volunteer for the Seeds of Compassion screening. Basically, this involved setting up the laptop and projector, putting some chairs and a table out, and watching the Dalai Lama and his esteemed co-panelists (rabbis, priests, Muslims, etc.) talk about spirituality and compassion. It was a good experience. I got to chat with some of the visitors about the goings-on, and I really enjoyed watching the panel discussions, which included His Holiness, as well as Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
After the screening was over, Lynn brought up an interesting point: Is it appropriate for the public library to be showing what is basically a religious (or at least semi-religious) event? Are we violating the separation of church and state by hosting these viewings? (NB: Seattle Public Schools were involved in Dalai Lama events, too.) What if “Seeds of Compassion” had featured a Christian minister? Would that have sparked protests? This, for me, is an interesting question. I agree with Lynn in principal, but who can say no to this guy?
.jpg)
