Words from the wise:

The Strat-Wise Dalai Lama

Words from the Strat-wise

               I’m not a deeply religious guy, though I try and do my best. I’m not a deeply mystical guy, though I also try and see

the deeper meaning in things. That being said, words from the Dalai Lama would not normally make me pause for thought other

than to recall Bill Murray in Caddyshack recounting his days as a luppa for the Lama. “Big hitter, the Lama…long…” But I had

read the following words from the wise some time back and they struck me as being so simple, that if everyone followed just

one of them…any one…for any length of time…they would probably have a lot more enjoyable time of things. It also struck

me funny, how many of the Instructions applied to my fondest hobby, Strat-O-Matic Baseball. I’m sure they apply to a whole

heck of a lot of more important things, but I guess that’s really my point. Hobbies and the like are merely distractions or

diversions that help us get through the day sometimes. They should be kept that way. Special thanks to Mike Rivet for

resending these to me. I’m glad he gave me this reminder. Yes, fellow Strat-Fanatics…there can be life with…or without Strat.

But isn’t it a whole lot more fun with it? And it sure is even more fun and rewarding when your league is in harmony, everyone

is getting along, competition is good and your team is successful. Yes, you can have it all. It just takes a little effort and a little

perspective. So, without further delay, the Words from the Wise, the Dalai Lama…surely a Strat-O-Matic Fanatic…probably

of the hockey game…

Peace, Fair Luck, Strength and Honor

Instructions for Life in the new millennium from the Dalai Lama:

 1. Take into account that great love and great  achievements involve great  risk.

2. When you lose, don't lose the lesson.

3. Follow the three R’s: Respect for self, Respect for others, Responsibility for all your actions.

4. Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.

5. Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly.

 6. Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship.

 7. When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.

8. Spend some time alone every day.

 9. Open your arms to change, but don't let go of your values.

10. Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.

11. Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and think back, you'll be able to enjoy it a second time.

12. A loving atmosphere in your home is the foundation for your life.

13. In disagreements with loved ones, deal only with the current situation. Don't bring up the past.

14. Share your knowledge. It's a way to achieve immortality.

15. Be gentle with the earth.

16. Once a year, go someplace you've never been before.

17. Remember that the best relationship is one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other.

18. Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it.

19. Approach love and cooking with reckless abandon. (Insert your favorite Strat-O-Matic sport here as well)

20. Strat-O-Matic is a game. Keep it simple, keep it fun and keep playing.

    (I added this last one, but if the Dalai Lama played Strat, he’d have added it himself. Maybe he does…J