Tricycle’s blog has word that Obama had a kata, or Tibetan silk scarf, in his pocket at last week’s inauguration. It was given to him by Richard Blum, who is Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s husband. Blum got it from the Dalai Lama.
As a Tricycle commentator helpfully explains: A kata is a Tibetan blessing scarf, usually white, often embroidered with the eight auspicious symbols. It is offered as a blessing, a thank you, or to wish someone good luck on a journey. It is traditionally offered to Lamas and dignitaries, or any important person as a show of respect upon meeting them, or to wish them well in any endeavor.
