by Dennis Augustine
Happy 91st Birthday to His Holiness, Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet.
One of the greatest privileges of Cecile’s and my life was attending the Dalai Lama's historic 1989 Commonwealth Club luncheon in San Francisco during his Northern California visit. Cecile and I were honored to invite an old friend, Rabbi Nahum Ward-Lev and his wife to share this unforgettable experience with us.
Known throughout the world for his joyful spirit, humility, and wisdom, the Dalai Lama has inspired millions across every culture and faith. His unique ability to balance playfulness with profound spiritual insight has made him one of the world’s most beloved leaders. He was awarded the 1989 Nobel Peace Prize, recognizing his lifelong commitment to nonviolence and human rights.
Following the luncheon, we joined thousands at San Francisco’s magnificent Grace Cathedral for the inspiring Pilgrimage for Peace, an extraordinary interfaith prayer gathering that united leaders from the Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, and Buddhist communities beneath the cathedral’s soaring ceilings.
I’ll never forget what our rabbi friend said afterward:
“Being in the presence of His Holiness was like the day I was first ordained as a rabbi.” Those words have stayed with me ever since.
Note: This post includes my original 1989 photographs along with a few recent images of Grace Cathedral for context and screenshot of the Dalai Lama with longtime friend, Richard Gere.
