UPDATED: China Drops Ban on HHDL Images at Monastery

Voice of America is running with a story claiming that China has dropped a ban against images of Dalai Lama at Gaden Monastery in Lhasa. There are reports of similar measures at various other locations.

If true, this is very good, isn't it?

You know how it is when you go to see Holiness in big crowds? You can ask him a question in your mind, and he will undoubtedly answer you. Then, you stop and think, "Everyone in this huge crowd is asking Him questions, and He is answering all of them." You see things like this, and your faith cannot help but grow strong.

May we greet this news in similar fashion.

UPDATED:

BBC is reporting a strong denial of the story from China.

Dalai Lama's Akubra

Upon his recent arrival in Australia, His Holiness Dalai Lama was presented with an Australian "Akubra" hat, which holds a place in Australian hearts similar to that occupied by Stetson in the American West.

If you've ever spent any time in Tibet, you know Tibetan people fancy this general sort of design. From this point forward, there is no doubt the hat of choice will be Akubra's "Dalai Lama model."

UPDATE: His Holiness enjoyed this hat very much, and kept wearing it, reportedly remarking, "This is a very practical hat." This hat is considered iconic of Oz, so everyone was quite pleased with his remarks. One woman was even sufficiently moved to present her pet wombat:

Heaven Has Eyes to See

Poor, maimed rabbits are showing up outside my door. I do not know where they came from or how they arrived here. I do not know why they came here, as distinct from going any other place. I do not know who hurt them. I do not know how many others have been hurt or killed in this manner. 

As of today, eleven different injured rabbits are observed. All have single or multiple, small-caliber projectile wounds to the ears.