Preface

Buddhism and golf just seem to go together.  And, the story about bringing them together can be both fact and fiction.  I’m not preaching religion, just depicting mythology.  How do we reach our inner spirit?  Not through story, but through actions.

Golf gives us this opportunity, as it’s the only sport I’ve ever played that I can get better at, without practicing.  Of course, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t practice to get better at golf. It means, that by thinking about the game – watching the game – and provoking the game’s silence and mental acuity, you can mindfully improve your game.

It is the dichotomy of knowing and doing.  Doing it, by Buddhist standards …

And there lies the myth.  Becoming the person who can implement their thoughts – pulling out of the world of dualism and bringing spirit and body together.  Even if it’s only for the short period we are here.  Or, on the golf course.

As this story unfolds, it will be obvious that the Dalai Lama is not THE Dalai Lama, but someone who has the Dalai Lama qualities.  He’s a combination of mythology, spirituality, religion, and a keen professor from Miami of Ohio, who we call the Dalai Lama.

We called him Dalai Lama for several reasons – he was bright, calm, loving, balanced, and he practiced his craft.  He wasn’t someone to one person and someone else to another person – and, he could spot the fakes a mile away.  But, his alignment was not to judge, but to focus on what he could do – many times ignoring what others would have trouble ignoring.

At one point, I strayed from the Dalai Lama, as I became more involved in other agendas. It had a profound effect on my inner nature.  Not until I realized that I had neglected the Dalai Lama’s influence was I able to again begin the regaining of my spirit.

This book, I am hoping, will make me whole again.